Correlation of Turbidite Strata in the Pennsylvanian Haymond Formation, Marathon Region, Texas

A sequence of alternating siltstone-claystone couplets in the Pennsylvanian Haymond formation was studied in order to determine which parameters might be useful in correlating turbidite strata. Analyses of thickness, composition, and paleocurrent direction in 768 couplets showed no significant variations with time, although it was found that the pattern of thickness variation could be used for correlation. Using thickness variations, two outcrops of siltstone-claystone couplets, separated by 10.5 km., were correlated in the field. This field correlation was then illustrated by a sliding correlation coefficient and correlation diagrams. A comparison of the two series revealed a 46 per cent decrease in the number of couplets in a basinward direction with only the thicker siltstone layers present in both outcrops. Siltstone thickness decreased 46 per cent and claystone thickness decreased 26 per cent in a direction away from the source.