Desktop Delta ( Physical Model of Sequence Stratigraphy)

The desktop delta is effective at demonstrating the major controls on sedimentary basin stratal architecture and the major concepts of sequence stratigraphic. Sediment and water supply can be precisely controlled, as well as base level. Subsidence can be simulated by a change in relative base level. Different channel margin geometries can be simulated by changing the shape of the foam core insert on the bottom of the tank. Most importantly, students can predict, observe, and explore how changes in these fundamental parameters impact stratal stacking patterns.






By the end of this exercise, students should be able to:
* Predict how changes in base level, sediment supply, and/or water supply effect sedimentary basin architecture in a fluvio-deltaic basin margin setting.
* Delineate sequence boundaries, marine flooding surfaces, and highstand, transgressive, and lowstand systems tracts on a cross sectional image of an experimental basin margin deposit.
* Infer from an experimental deposit what the real-world signature of these sequence stratigraphic entities will be, at an introductory level.



The conceptual sequence model provides useful analogs for common and several alternative deltaic reservoir distribution in passive-margin setting. Further applied experimental concept could be used to predict future stratigraphic and potential hydrocarbon play.