A Modern Reference Guide to Sequence Stratigraphy:
Principles, Methods, and Applications
Domino Minz
November 10, 2025
Contents
1 Introduction: Purpose and Scope 2
2 Foundational Concepts of Sequence Stratigraphy 2
2.1 Defining Sequence Stratigraphy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.2 The Primary Controls: Accommodation, Sediment Supply, and Base Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.3 Stratal Stacking Patterns and Shoreline Trajectories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3 Methodologies for Sequence Stratigraphic Analysis 4
3.1 Facies and Ichnological Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.2 Well-Log Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.3 Seismic Stratigraphy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.4 Biostratigraphic and Graphic Correlation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4 A Field Guide to Key Stratigraphic Surfaces 7
4.1 Subaerial Unconformity (SU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.2 Regressive Surface of Marine Erosion (RSME) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.3 Correlative Conformity (CC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.4 Maximum Regressive Surface (MRS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.5 Transgressive Ravinement Surface (TRS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.6 Maximum Flooding Surface (MFS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
5 Systems Tracts: The Building Blocks of Sequences 10
5.1 Highstand Systems Tract (HST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5.2 Falling-Stage Systems Tract (FSST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5.3 Lowstand Systems Tract (LST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5.4 Transgressive Systems Tract (TST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
6 Reference Models for Diverse Depositional Settings 12
6.1 Deep-Water Clastic Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
6.2 Carbonate Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
6.3 Fluvial Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
6.4 Mixed and Evaporite Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
7 Advanced Topics and Practical Considerations 14
7.1 The Diachroneity of Stratigraphic Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
7.2 Basin Tectonics and Sequence Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
7.3 Sequence Hierarchy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
1
, 1 Introduction: Purpose and Scope
This document serves as a modernized and synthesized reference guide for practicing geoscientists engaged in strati-
graphic analysis. It consolidates and clarifies key concepts from foundational literature to provide a clear, actionable
framework for applying sequence stratigraphy to diverse geological settings. The objective is to bridge theory and prac-
tice, moving from fundamental principles to applied methodologies and predictive models.
The primary source materials for this synthesis include the comprehensive works of Catuneanu (2006) on the prin-
ciples of sequence stratigraphy and the methodological formalization by Catuneanu et al. (2011). These core texts are
supplemented by the Basin Analysis Study Guide and the seminal paper on supplemented graphic correlation by Edwards
(1989) to ensure a holistic approach.
The guide is structured to build knowledge progressively. It begins by establishing the foundational concepts that gov-
ern sedimentary architecture, then moves to the diverse analytical methods used to interpret the rock record. Subsequent
chapters provide a detailed field guide to key stratigraphic surfaces, an analysis of the systems tracts they bound, and
a review of reference models for specific clastic, carbonate, and non-marine depositional environments. The document
concludes with a discussion of advanced topics and practical considerations, equipping the reader with a robust and
flexible toolkit for modern sequence stratigraphic analysis.
2 Foundational Concepts of Sequence Stratig-
raphy
A mastery of the foundational concepts of sequence stratigraphy is a strategic prerequisite for any subsurface analysis.
The core principles of accommodation, sediment supply, and base level—and the resulting shoreline response—are the
fundamental variables that govern the architecture of sedimentary basins. Understanding their interplay is essential for
building predictive geological models, from basin-scale exploration to reservoir-scale characterization.
2.1 Defining Sequence Stratigraphy
Definition 2.1. Sequence stratigraphy is a method of stratigraphic analysis that operates within a chronostratigraphic
framework, organizing rock strata into genetically related packages bounded by significant surfaces. Its central focus
is analyzing the sedimentary response to the interplay between accommodation (the space available for sediments to
fill) and sediment supply.
Sequence Stratigraphy: The study of rock relationships within a time-stratigraphic framework of repetitive, genetically
related strata bounded by surfaces of erosion or nondeposition, or their correlative conformities. It analyzes the
sedimentary response to changes in accommodation and sediment supply. [catuneanu2006, catuneanu2011].
2.2 The Primary Controls: Accommodation, Sediment Supply, and Base
Level
The geometric arrangement of strata is controlled by the dynamic relationship between the creation of space for
sediments and the rate at which those sediments are delivered.
1. Accommodation is defined as the space available for potential sediment accumulation. It is controlled by the
combined effects of sea-level or base-level changes, tectonic movement (subsidence or uplift), and sedimentation
itself [catuneanu2006].
2. Base Level is a surface of equilibrium between erosion and deposition. In marine settings, this surface is closely
related to sea level, representing the level to which fluvial systems grade and below which widespread subaerial
erosion cannot proceed [catuneanu2006].
3. Allogenic Controls are external forces that drive changes in accommodation and sediment supply. The three primary
allogenic controls—tectonics, eustasy, and climate—operate independently of the depositional system but dictate
its evolution.
2
Principles, Methods, and Applications
Domino Minz
November 10, 2025
Contents
1 Introduction: Purpose and Scope 2
2 Foundational Concepts of Sequence Stratigraphy 2
2.1 Defining Sequence Stratigraphy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.2 The Primary Controls: Accommodation, Sediment Supply, and Base Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.3 Stratal Stacking Patterns and Shoreline Trajectories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3 Methodologies for Sequence Stratigraphic Analysis 4
3.1 Facies and Ichnological Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.2 Well-Log Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.3 Seismic Stratigraphy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.4 Biostratigraphic and Graphic Correlation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4 A Field Guide to Key Stratigraphic Surfaces 7
4.1 Subaerial Unconformity (SU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.2 Regressive Surface of Marine Erosion (RSME) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.3 Correlative Conformity (CC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.4 Maximum Regressive Surface (MRS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.5 Transgressive Ravinement Surface (TRS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.6 Maximum Flooding Surface (MFS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
5 Systems Tracts: The Building Blocks of Sequences 10
5.1 Highstand Systems Tract (HST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5.2 Falling-Stage Systems Tract (FSST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5.3 Lowstand Systems Tract (LST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5.4 Transgressive Systems Tract (TST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
6 Reference Models for Diverse Depositional Settings 12
6.1 Deep-Water Clastic Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
6.2 Carbonate Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
6.3 Fluvial Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
6.4 Mixed and Evaporite Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
7 Advanced Topics and Practical Considerations 14
7.1 The Diachroneity of Stratigraphic Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
7.2 Basin Tectonics and Sequence Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
7.3 Sequence Hierarchy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
1
, 1 Introduction: Purpose and Scope
This document serves as a modernized and synthesized reference guide for practicing geoscientists engaged in strati-
graphic analysis. It consolidates and clarifies key concepts from foundational literature to provide a clear, actionable
framework for applying sequence stratigraphy to diverse geological settings. The objective is to bridge theory and prac-
tice, moving from fundamental principles to applied methodologies and predictive models.
The primary source materials for this synthesis include the comprehensive works of Catuneanu (2006) on the prin-
ciples of sequence stratigraphy and the methodological formalization by Catuneanu et al. (2011). These core texts are
supplemented by the Basin Analysis Study Guide and the seminal paper on supplemented graphic correlation by Edwards
(1989) to ensure a holistic approach.
The guide is structured to build knowledge progressively. It begins by establishing the foundational concepts that gov-
ern sedimentary architecture, then moves to the diverse analytical methods used to interpret the rock record. Subsequent
chapters provide a detailed field guide to key stratigraphic surfaces, an analysis of the systems tracts they bound, and
a review of reference models for specific clastic, carbonate, and non-marine depositional environments. The document
concludes with a discussion of advanced topics and practical considerations, equipping the reader with a robust and
flexible toolkit for modern sequence stratigraphic analysis.
2 Foundational Concepts of Sequence Stratig-
raphy
A mastery of the foundational concepts of sequence stratigraphy is a strategic prerequisite for any subsurface analysis.
The core principles of accommodation, sediment supply, and base level—and the resulting shoreline response—are the
fundamental variables that govern the architecture of sedimentary basins. Understanding their interplay is essential for
building predictive geological models, from basin-scale exploration to reservoir-scale characterization.
2.1 Defining Sequence Stratigraphy
Definition 2.1. Sequence stratigraphy is a method of stratigraphic analysis that operates within a chronostratigraphic
framework, organizing rock strata into genetically related packages bounded by significant surfaces. Its central focus
is analyzing the sedimentary response to the interplay between accommodation (the space available for sediments to
fill) and sediment supply.
Sequence Stratigraphy: The study of rock relationships within a time-stratigraphic framework of repetitive, genetically
related strata bounded by surfaces of erosion or nondeposition, or their correlative conformities. It analyzes the
sedimentary response to changes in accommodation and sediment supply. [catuneanu2006, catuneanu2011].
2.2 The Primary Controls: Accommodation, Sediment Supply, and Base
Level
The geometric arrangement of strata is controlled by the dynamic relationship between the creation of space for
sediments and the rate at which those sediments are delivered.
1. Accommodation is defined as the space available for potential sediment accumulation. It is controlled by the
combined effects of sea-level or base-level changes, tectonic movement (subsidence or uplift), and sedimentation
itself [catuneanu2006].
2. Base Level is a surface of equilibrium between erosion and deposition. In marine settings, this surface is closely
related to sea level, representing the level to which fluvial systems grade and below which widespread subaerial
erosion cannot proceed [catuneanu2006].
3. Allogenic Controls are external forces that drive changes in accommodation and sediment supply. The three primary
allogenic controls—tectonics, eustasy, and climate—operate independently of the depositional system but dictate
its evolution.
2
