Stratigraphic Architecture and Sedimentological Characteristics of Delta-Fed Turbidites, Late Cretaceous Panther Tongue Member, East-Central Utah: An Analysis of Sedimentary Fabric and Facies Association

The Late Cretaceous Panther Tongue Member in east-central Utah provides an opportunity to study delta-fed turbidites and their associated process of development. The primary purpose of this study is to provide an outcrop analog for delta-front turbidite reservoirs and establish a basis for how turbidite facies and architecture change within the delta-front. This can then be used as a predictive tool for delta-front reservoir presence, distribution, and quality within deltaic systems.;This study concludes that low-density turbidity currents sourced by hyperpycnal flows deposited the distal bar turbidites in the Panther Tongue. These deposits primarily occupy a distal bar position immediately below their associated distributary mouth bars. Going from a proximal/on-axis to distal/off-axis setting, turbidite deposits decrease in net-to-gross and transition from complete Bouma sequences (Bouma A-E) to incomplete Bouma sequences (Bouma C-E). Turbidite sandstones pinch-out into prodelta shale within 900-1100m because they were deposited in an unconfined setting within the distal bar on very shallow slopes (3° to <1°). Measurements and observations of turbidites deposits within the Panther Tongue provide a better understanding of the delta-front reservoir architecture and distribution of facies that can then be incorporated into future reservoir models.