Early to mid-Cretaceous mixed carbonate-clastic shelfal systems: Examples, issues and models from the Arabian Plate

Abstract

Maximum Flooding Surfaces (MFS) in the Early to mid-Cretaceous mixed carbonate-clastic shelfal systems of the Arabian Plate have been incorporated into a new sequence stratigraphic model that links Kuwait, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, to Oman and Yemen. It is based on regional sequence stratigraphic concepts supported by biostratigraphic, sedimentological and mineralogical data. The model has amended the positions of some existing MFS. The diachronous interplay between large-scale, proximal clastic systems and outboard (down-systems-tract) carbonate platforms was emphasized by concentrating on the depositional history of prodelta areas during delta advance and retreat. The prodelta area of relatively deep water separating the depositional systems has been termed the 'Migratory Carbonate Suppressed Belt' (MCSB).