The sedimentological expression of transgression–regression cycles upon aeolian–marine margins

When compared to their temperate coastal counterparts, sediments deposited and preserved along arid aeolian shallow-marine margins remain relatively poorly understood, particularly at the scale of lithofacies units architectural elements. These systems often record evidence for relative sea-level change within sedimentary basins. This work focusses on Entrada-Curtis-Summerville formations that crop out in central eastern Utah, USA, provides a detailed analysis Moab Member Curtis Formation (informally known as Tongue) was impacted by cycles marine transgressions regression late Jurassic. study utilises photogrammetry, logging, sequence-stratigraphical techniques. Results indicate four short-lived transgressive-regressive are Member, followed broad regressive event recorded transition between Summerville formations. relate changes sea level Sundance Sea deflation expansion neighbouring dune field. During periods normal regression, displayed tidal wave action, whereas continental domain characterised growth system. However, when occurred optimal physiographic conditions such restricted, semi-enclosed basin, sufficient magnitude outpace erg expansion, this acted shut-down bedform development preservation. A rapid restriction sediment availability inability field recover resulted formation deflationary sandsheets, plain strata, contemporaneous deposits starved wind-sourced sediments. highlights how rapidly-developing high-magnitude can lead overall retraction erg. Deciphering evolution sequence stratigraphical relationships shallow is important both understanding environmental interactions improving characterisation reservoir rocks these settings.