Permian Deltaic sedimentation in the Western Half

of the Karoo Basin, South Africa

Nehemiah Dominick
#2707130

The summary indicates that the are 9 lithofacies in the Western part of the Permian Ecca
group and that a deconstructive phase and constructive deltas phase are the most influential
elements at play in the basin, the Cyclicity of the deltas sequences in the delta( first and
second order cycles) are controlled by sedimentological cycles(varying rate of sediment
input and delta switching) is due to the tectonics.
The purpose of the work is clearly stated in the introduction in which that the study is based
on data collected from seven stratigraphic sections space around the outcrop region aswell as
that the turbidite sequence near the base of the Ecca at Laingsburg was described in 1967 but
only more light has be shed on the deposiotional envrionments in the Ecca and lowermost
Beaufort in 1976 so therefore the purpose of the paper is to describe and interpret the
sequence as well as to draw comparisons with the rest of the basin where data is
available, The ideas are not well expressed for the reader to grasp the concept quite easily.
Inconsistency when it comes to whether the delta is constructive or destructive can be seen
where it is stated that the ecca deltas are more characteristic of upward coarsening shore-line
deltaic sequences than of the typical Gilbert-type delta with its topset, foreset and bottomsets.
Major delta system can be classified as high constructive or deconstructive according to some
diagnostic features. The deltas of Cycle B are possibly of a destructive type (wave
dominated) on account of the relatively high sand/mud ratio and the absence of both a
pronounce prodelta facies and delta plain deposits. Delta A shows thick upper delta plain and
prodelta deposits only minor evidence of destruction phases numerous lobes and a relative
low sand/mud ratio slumping which is abundantly present in the sediments of Cycle A is
characteristic of high constructive deltas as it flows into the rest of the work this idea or train
of thought is not made clear enough.
Figure 8 doesnt really show the effects of the three tectonic events, aswell as figure 10
doesnt really indicate the influence of the constructive and destructive phase of the delta.
The conclusions are mostly drawn from literature review and no substantial correlations
between the data has been shown, from the litofacies thats were logged or recent data from
the region.