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Fig. 20.20 Geomorphic and facies patterns in Pennsylvanian
tidal shoal complex, Kansas (modifi ed from French and Watney
1993 ) . ( a ) General setting. The shoal complex ( red ) occurs on
the fl ank of a shallow embayment of the Pleasanton Platform
( blue ). ( b ) Detailed coring and outcrop analysis suggests that the
ooids occur in fl ow-parallel bodies ( grey color ). Line of section
in ( c ) is highlighted in the red box . ( c ) Stratigraphic cross-section
across the shoal complex. The system includes two stacked ooid
shoal systems (the upper Bethany Falls Oolite and The Mound
Valley Oolite) separated by a subaerial exposure surface
understanding the aspects of carbonate tidal sand sys-
tems. Important questions include:
1. What is the internal geometry and heterogeneity
present in Holocene ooid shoals? Although data
illustrate relationships among geomorphology, sed-
imentology, and hydrodynamics that are associated
with the shoals today, they provide only speculative
insights into stratigraphic architecture, facies vari-
ability, and depositional geometries. To develop
more accurate facies models for ancient succes-
sions, the stratigraphic character of a suite of shoals
could be examined. Do shoals with distinct geome-
tries have unique stratigraphic signatures, such that
a certain succession of sedimentary structures,
facies, or granulometric changes could be used to
predict the barform geometry or dimensions in
ancient analogs?
2. How have oolitic systems evolved through the
Holocene? Observations on internal geometries
should provide insights into how these systems have
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