NAME: WAN MUHAMMAD AIMAN BIN WAN AZAHAR

STUDENT ID: 13421

PROGRAMME: PETROLEUM ENGINEERING

Bouma sequence

The Bouma sequence is all about a specific classic set of turbidites, or

sedimentary beds or layer that has been deposited by water- sediment
turbidity current. Turbidites is the deposit formed by turbidity current.
Turbidity currents are turbid, sub-aqueous, density flows driven by
gravity. They can form on slopes of less than 1 degree and can flow uphill
as they can travel at 100kph (60mph). They form when an unstable build-
up of sediment is triggered to collapse due to a storm, earthquake or
other triggering event. The Bouma sequence specifically describing about
medium-sized grain variety. The medium- sized grain variety can be
obtained at certain continental slope or continental rising. It is divided into
five layers or bed, A, B, C, D, and E. Both beds A and E are at the bottom
and at the top. In some real Bouma structure, some bed or layer may be
missing or the structure is incomplete. Bouma sequences just show us the
ideal sequence of turbidites.

It is unusual to see all of a complete Bouma cycle, as successive turbidity

currents may erode the unconsolidated upper sequences. Alternatively,
the entire sequence may not be present depending on whether the
exposed section was at the edge of the turbidity current lobe or upslope
from the deposition centre and manifested as a scour channel filled with
fine sands grading up into pelagic ooze.

In theory, a complete Bouma sequence comprises sediments that fine

upwards, consisting of a lowermost layer of coarse, chaotic clastic
sediments deposited under conditions of high depositional energy overlain
by successively finer grained and better stratified sediments like sands
and mud deposited under calmer conditions that are labelled as Units A
though E. In practice, however, the chaotic, high-energy nature of
turbidite deposition can alter or remove underlying sediments so that
incomplete sequences of sediments typically remain preserved.

Starting from turbidite A, which is the bottom part of the sedimentary

structure. Turbidite A is the coarsest grain layer in the sedimentary
structure of the Bouma sequence. This layer only contained coarse grain
because it is deposited under high velocity of turbidity current. Turbidite A
is basically is a structureless massive sand with eroded base that contain
massive amount of gravel. Laying upon turbidite A is Turbidite B. Turbidite
B has finer grain size compare to grain size in Turbidite A. Turbidite B is
characterized by its parallel bedding. More specific, parallel bedded sands
produced by the upper flow regime. The next upper layer is Turbidite C.
Turbidite C has finer grain size compare to turbidite A and B. It has cross
bedding structure. The cross bedding structure is characterized by cross
laminated sands with ripple marks. On top of Turbidite C, laying Turbidite
D. Td is characterized by parallel laminations, as is Te, which represents
deposition of clay from suspension during a quiescent period of time
between depositions from sandy turbidity currents. Turbidite E consists of
pelagic and hemi pelagic mud.

That pelagische situation of Turbidity E represents an interface between

turbidity deposited one on the other (cyclic deposit). The units A to D are
deposited in relatively short time (few hours until days), while unit E
usually needs several ten thousand years for it. The units A to D are
mainly out shelf material and fossils built up, the unit E consists however
of particles of the Pelagials and plankton. Usually not all five units are
delivered, there the following cloudy stream, the finer units C, D and E
already deposited often already before the solidification erode. The units
A and B however are enough rarely into that distal Range and remain
therefore more frequent. The power of a Bouma sequence varies from few
centimetres to several meters.

Reference

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bouma_sequence
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbidite

3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithofacies

4. Slatt, R.M. (2006). Stratigraphic Reservoir Characterization for

Petroleum Geologist, Geophysicist and Engineers. United Kingdom.