Prograding early to middle Jurassic margin, Neuquén Basin: Topset process stratigraphy and morphodynamic sediment partitioning

New Cuyo Group outcrop data complement recently published seismic and well data that detail the progradational character of the Lower-Middle Jurassic Neuquén Margin (Argentina). The deepwater margin, with shelf topset (Lajas Formation), slope break and deepwater slope to basin-floor deposits (Los Molles Formation), prograded northward and westward as large-scale clinoforms (250–500 m high) for 120 km, during 13 My, supplied by sediment mainly from the North Patagonian Massif. The studied Lajas Formation topsets are themselves progradational, with a 500 m-thick vertical succession of subaqueous delta, shoreface with associated tidal flat, mouth bar, fluvio-tidal channel and alluvial plain deposits. This pattern is confirmed by facies analysis in five areas of outcrops and well data but is interrupted by frequent marine transgressions that add a short-term cyclicity to the succession. A new paleogeographic map suggests previous disagreements on process stratigraphy are due to shoreline/paralic strike variability and to increased basinal process impact as the topset/shelf widened. A marked feature of each Lajas topset sequence is a differential partitioning of sand and mud, though not with a simple proximal to distal grain-size reduction. The sand-prone outer shelf passes landward to a channelized muddy shoreline environment, and then to a mixed sandy and muddy channelized coastal and alluvial plain. This type of partitioning, important for the characterization and prediction of reservoir quality, can also be recognized on seismic and well log data.