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The alluvial architecture of the Coevorden Field (Upper Carboniferous), the Netherlands

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 April 2016

H. Kombrink ,
J.S. Bridge  and
E. Stouthamer
H. Kombrink*
Affiliation:
Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.115, 3508 TC Utrecht, the Netherlands
J.S. Bridge
Affiliation:
Department of Geological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY13902-6000, USA
E. Stouthamer
Affiliation:
Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.115, 3508 TC Utrecht, the Netherlands
*
*corresponding author. Present address: Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80115, 3508 TC Utrecht, the Netherlands. Email:h.kombrink@geo.uu.nl
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Abstract

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A detailed reconstruction of the alluvial architecture of the Coevorden gas Field (Tubbergen Formation, Upper Carboniferous), which is located in the northeastern part of the Netherlands, is presented. This reconstruction is based on well logs, cross-sections and paleogeographic maps. Sedimentological analysis of a 93 m long core allowed to refine the interpretation of the depositional environment. Accurate width determinations are necessary to correctly correlate fluvial sandbodies and reconstruct alluvial architecture. Without using sedimentological information, sandbody width is likely to be overestimated. A method developed by Bridge and Tye (2000) was used to calculate the width of one sandstone body from cross-set thicknesses. On the basis of this calculation and the paleogeographic reconstructions, it may be stated that on average the width of the channel belts we studied in the Coevorden field does not exceed 4 km. Moreover, our paleogeographic reconstructions, which point to a northwestern direction of paleoflow, are in accordance with earlier observations from the study area. The Tubbergen Formation and time-equivalent sediments in Germany are reviewed briefly to put the Coevorden Field in a regional context. The thickness of the Tubbergen Formation is ∼450 m in our study area. In the adjacent German area, time-equivalent sedimentary sequences reach higher thicknesses. This may be attributed to tectonic movements along the Gronau Fault zone and the coming into existence of the Ems Low, of which the Coevorden Field is the westernmost part.

Keywords

Coevorden FieldTubbergen FormationUpper Carboniferousalluvial architecture
Type
Research Article
Information
Netherlands Journal of Geosciences , Volume 86 , Issue 1 , April 2007 , pp. 3 - 14
Copyright
Copyright © Stichting Netherlands Journal of Geosciences 2007

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