Strike variability of clastic depositional systems: Does it matter for sequence-stratigraphic analysis?
Current sequence-stratigraphic models are two-dimensional in nature and predict variability in depositional-dip sections. Strike and dip variability of sediment supply to clastic depositional systems causes significant changes to sequence architecture so that contrasting yet coeval stacking patterns result. These changes ultimately affect prediction potential based on fixed systems tract stacking patterns and relation to relative sea-level curves. Identification of key surfaces in sequences rather than stacking patterns is the most reliable indicator of relative sea-level history.
