Sequence stratigraphy of the inner Finnmark carbonate platform (Upper Carboniferous-Permian), Barents Sea - correlation between well 7128/6-1 and theshallow IKU cores

A new set of descriptions has been prepared for five of the IKU cores, a se ries of shallow stratigraphic cores penetrating the Upper Carboniferous-Per mian Finnmark carbonate platform succession near its southern erosional tru ncation against the Norwegian mainland. These data are compared with core d escriptions previously published from the thicker 'stratigraphic reference section' of the exploration well 7128/6-1 (Ehrenberg et al. 1998a), New fus ulinid datings from 7128/6-1 are correlated with existing fusulinid data fr om the IKU cores to provide a consistent time-stratigraphic framework for l andward correlation of depositional sequences previously defined in the 712 8/6-1 reference section. These correlations reveal a limited two-dimensiona l image of depositional sequence geometry for the inner platform. Of the 7 major sequences previously defined in the Kasimovian through Upper Permian section of well 7128/6-1, 2 sequences are suggested to pinch out before rea ching the IKU cores, while the remaining 5 sequences thin by 32-63% and sho w landward loss of lithologic resolution of systems tracts. Thinning is pro bably accomplished by increasing magnitude and frequency of hiatuses both w ithin and bounding each sequence, reflecting gradual uplift of the Norwegia n mainland and seaward tilting of the platform throughout the depositional history. Landward changes in lithology, dolomitization, and porosity are re latively subtle, suggesting that platform deposition extended well beyond t he present southern termination of carbonate strata.