OIL & GAS RESEARCH

The concept of  stratigraphy sequence was first proposed by Vail et al. in 1977 and was based on seismic stratigraphy. He studied the stratal sedimentary patterns from the coastal plain to the shelf slope of a passive continental margin and conceived the idea of a stratigraphy sequence. His research centered on strata with repeated and genetically related chronostratigraphic units bounded by erosion surfaces, nondeposition surfaces, or unconformity surfaces. With these concepts, we can interpret stratal distribution patterns using seismic, logging, and outcrop data to understand concomitant sedimentary environments, lithofacies characteristics, and eustasy. From the oil and gas exploration perspective, stratigraphy sequence research is used to establish a subtle isochronic stratal framework by making full use of seismic, logging, outcrop, and experimental data. By analyzing the systematic development, evolution, and distribution of sediment from this perspective we can improve the predictability of lithologic traps.