Chapter 4: Sequence Stratigraphy of the Cherokee Group

Sequence stratigraphy is the study of genetically related facies within a framework of chronostratigraphically significant surfaces, where the depositional sequence is considered to be the fundamental unit for sequence-stratigraphic analysis (Van Wagoner et al., 1990). The depositional sequence is defined as a genetically related succession of strata bounded by unconformable surfaces and their correlative conformities (Mitchum et al., 1977). An alternative method to divide the rock record would be the genetic sequence, defined as strata bounded by surfaces that reflect the depositional hiatus occurring during maximum marine flooding (Galloway, 1989). This study applies the Mitchum et al. (1977) and Van Wagoner et al. (1990) approach to the definition of depositional sequences in the Cherokee Group of southeastern Kansas. It is much easier to map intervals of the Cherokee Group separated by “core” shales, which can be interpreted as flooding surfaces. Some of these flooding surfaces are also interpreted as maximum flooding surfaces (sensu Galloway, 1989).