Cretaceous sequence stratigraphy of the northern Baltimore Canyon Trough: Implications for basin evolution and carbon storage

Abstract We evaluate the Cretaceous stratigraphy and carbon sequestration potential of northern Baltimore Canyon Trough (NBCT) using >10,000 km multi-channel seismic profiles integrated with geophysical logs, biostratigraphy, lithology from 29 offshore wells. identify map six sequences resolved primarily at stage level. Accommodation was dominated by thermal non-thermal subsidence, though sequence boundaries correlate regional global sea-level changes, record is modified igneous intrusion, active faulting, changes in sediment supply sources. Our stratigraphic maps illustrate a primary southern (central Appalachian) Early source that migrated northward during Aptian Albian. During Cenomanian, sedimentation rates NBCT increased depocenters shifted landward. show deposition occurred three phases: (1) earlier paleoenvironments were terrestrial indicated variable amplitude, chaotic facies, serrated gamma heterolithic sandstones mudstones microfossils; (2) Albian to Cenomanian deltaic blocky, funnel-shaped, gamma-ray logs clinoforms characterized continuous high-amplitude reflections well-defined terminations; (3) younger marine shelf, inferred mudstoneprone lithologies, peak values well foraminiferal evidence. Long-term transgression maximum water depths Cenomanian/Turonian boundary correlative Ocean Anoxic Event 2 followed regression relative fall. porous permeable highstand systems tracts are high-volume reservoirs for supercritical CO2 storage confined overlying deep mudstones.