Syn-sedimentary tectonics can have a profound impact on reservoir deposition, preservation, and the behavior of regional to local unconformities.  Tectonically controlled unconformities may appear identical to sequence boundaries created by falling sea level and may lead to spurious interpretations and expenditures. This presentation provides examples of tectonic control on reservoirs and stratigraphic relationships in tectonically active basins, including key surfaces, erosion and preservation, and stratal architecture, regardless of the systems tract affected. 

The syn-sedimentary structural evolution of the Anadarko Basin controls the locus of deposition for sediment that was also responding to large, rapid sea-level changes.  This created a basin-fill architecture that may appear layer-cake, but includes significant stratigraphic complexity and ultimately drives major play fairways.  In the Granite Wash, sediment point sources of various types (granite, basalt, or mixed) are dictated by active fault systems that controlled fluvial drainages and localized sweet spots.  
Some of the largest unconformities on the North American continent are unrelated to sea-level fall and are driven largely by regional uplift.  Adjacent tectonically driven subsidence can result in a major maximum flooding event being the direct lateral equivalent of a major regional unconformity. 

The Book Cliffs of Utah are the primary field example underpinning sequence stratigraphy. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that key examples of sequence boundaries are local unconformities created by antecedent streams cutting across an actively growing paleo-structure.  This does not negate the validity of the sequence stratigraphic model, but it does illustrate the need to integrate syn-sedimentary tectonics into the analysis. 

Big Hint: All basins are tectonically active to some degree.

Dr. Lee F. Krystinik uses integrated geoscience and fit-for-purpose advanced technologies to predict reservoirs and explore for oil and gas. He earned his Ph.D. in geology from Princeton University and began his career as a research geologist for the U.S. Geological Survey. Krystinik served in various geological positions, rising to Chief Geologist for Union Pacific Resources and Global Chief Geologist for ConocoPhillips before founding Fossil Creek Resources, a private-equity funded start-up. With the successful sale of Fossil Creek, he formed Equus Energy Partners, a team of experienced explorationists pursuing conventional oil targets via 3D seismic and other advanced technologies. 

Krystinik has won a number of awards for technical and presentation excellence, has been an AAPG Distinguished Lecturer in North America and in Latin America, and has had the honor to serve as President of both SEPM and AAPG.