An application of the wavelet transformation to sequence stratigraphy: A case study of the Huangliu Formation in the Yinggehai Basin, northern South China Sea

The present paper gives an introduction of the terminology, principle, method and significance of the wavelet transformation in sequence stratigraphic division. The gamma-ray logging data for the D14 well in the Yinggehai Basin are explored with the aid of db5 wavelet in one-dimensional continuous wavelet transformation and one-dimensional discrete wavelet transformation, respectively. One long-term cycle, three medium-term cycles and nine short-term cycles are discriminated for the first member of the Huangliu Formation according to the time-frequency chromatogram and high-frequency discrete coefficient curves. The results of the study show that the wavelet transformation may provide a tool for the division of high-resolution logging sequence stratigraphy and recognition of subtle sequence cycles. The integration of one-dimensional continuous wavelet transformation and one-dimensional discrete wavelet transformation will be more favourable for the recognition of sequence cycles of varying orders.