Mixed Carbonate-Siliciclastic Sequences

The study of carbonate-siliciclastic mixed sequences has seen an increase in the number of investigations that focus on mixed settings as part of the continuum between the carbonate and clastic end members. Cyclic deposition in mixed basins by reciprocal sedimentation has become one of the foundation blocks for sequence stratigraphy. In addition, these mixed sequences have a variety of distinctive petroleum reservoir characteristics, important for both exploration and development programs. The emphasis now is on reevaluating ancient sequences in the light of a more dynamic understanding of spatial and temporal variations and controls on these sequences. Examples in this volume are subdivided under the following headings: Shelf Wide, Coastal and Inner Shelf, Middle to Outer Shelf, Slope to Basin and Paleokarst. Many mixed sequences have been described in the literature, but understanding the controls of these sequences from a process approach in now in an adolescent stage.