Sequence stratigraphy of the Upper Carboniferous strata in the Majiaoba region, Jiangyou, Sichuan

The Upper Carboniferous strata in the Majiaoba region, Jiangyou, Sichuan are known for well-developed sections and abundant fossils, and thus selected as a classical area for the study of sedimentary characteristics of the Sichuan Basin and even the whole area of the Upper Yangtze area during the Late Carboniferous. Sequence stratigraphy of the Upper Carboniferous strata in the Majiaoba region, Jiangyou, Sichuan is based on the principles and methods of sequence stratigraphy, in integration of carbonate microfacies, palaeontology, diagenesis, sedimentary facies and depositional events. Seven third-order sequences have been distinguished, and represent seven major cycles of sea-level changes in this region. The transgressive and highstand systems tracts are recognized while the low stand systems tract is absent and condensed sections are seldom observed. Each sequence has recorded the time duration of ca. 2.7 Ma, and may be accompanied by several fourth-to fifth-order high-frequency sea-level changes, which may be constrained by the Late Palaeozoic glacial-type sea-level changes, storm events, palaeotopography, palaeoclimatology, provenance and sediment supply.