by Robert B. Witrock at the Public Petroleum Data Model Association 2003 Spring Conference, Houston, TX, June 3, 2003

Regional stratigraphic trend analyses and sequence boundary identifications within the Mesozoic-Cenozoic Gulf of Mexico offshore basin and other geologic basins require that precise paleontology (biostratigraphy and paleobathymetry) be known. The quality of paleontologic information stored in the database will determine the quality of results from queries and concomitant geologic reports. The database used should be updated with the currently accepted geological terminology (new microfossil markers, revised global biostratigraphy and paleoecology). Incorporation of regional faunal and floral increases; faunal and floral declines and condensed sections enable identification of maximum flooding surfaces and sequence boundaries. In reservoir studies such maximum flooding surfaces and sequence boundaries often correlate with pay intervals. Along with a more finely tuned ecozone division, expanded employment of similar paleobioevents will lead to more accurate reconstruction of shelf and slope stratigraphic architecture and better understanding of basinal sequence stratigraphy. Significantly improved geologic mapping result from the integration of high-resolution biostratigraphy and paleobathymetry with seismic and log analysis.

Biostratigraphic Databases:  Critical Tools in Stratigraphic Architecture and Sequence Stratigraphy