An integrated study of sediments was conducted to examine the facies architecture and depositional environment of the Cretaceous Pab Formation, Rakhi Gorge, and Suleiman Ranges, Pakistan. This research focused on analyzing architectural elements and facies, which are not commonly studied in sedimentary basins in Pakistan. To identify lithofacies, outcrop analysis and section measurement were performed. The identified lithofacies were then categorized based on their depositional characteristics and facies associations, with a total of nine types identified within a stratigraphic thickness of approximately 480 m. These facies were mainly indicative of high-energy environments, although the specifics varied by location. Sedimentary structures such as planar and trough crossbedding, lamination, nodularity, load-casts, and fossil traces were found within these facies, indicating high-energy environments with a few exceptions in calm environments. The identified facies were grouped into seven architectural elements according to their depositional environments: delta-dominated elements, including laminated shale sheet elements (LS), fine sandstone elements (SF), planar cross-bedded sandstone elements (SCp), trace sandstone elements (ST), and paleosol elements (Pa); and river-dominated elements, including trough cross-bedded sandstone elements (SCt), channel deposit elements (CH), and paleosol elements (Pa). These architectural elements, along with their vertical and lateral relationships, indicate a transitional fluvio-deltaic environment within the Pab Formation. In conclusion, by interpreting facies and architectural elements, it is possible to gain a better understanding of the depositional history of the formation and the distribution of reservoir units.

The sandstone units of the Early Cretaceous Lower Goru Formation are significant reservoir for gas, oil, and condensates in the Lower Indus Basin of Pakistan. Even though these sandstones are significant reservoir rocks for hydrocarbon exploration, the diagenetic controls on the reservoir properties of the sandstones are poorly documented. For effective exploration, production, and appraisal of a promising reservoir, the diagenesis and reservoir properties must be comprehensively analyzed first. For this study, core samples from depths of more than 3100 m from the KD-01 well within the central division of the basin have been studied. These sandstones were analyzed using petrographic, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopic analyses to unravel diagenetic impacts on reservoir properties of the sandstone. Medium to coarse-grained and well-sorted sandstone have been identified during petrographic study. The sandstone are categorized as arkose and lithic arkose. Principal diagenetic events which have resulted in changing the primary characters of the sandstones are compaction, cementation, dissolution, and mineral replacement. The observed diagenetic processes can be grouped into early, burial, and late diagenesis. Chlorite is the dominant diagenetic constituent that occurs as rims, coatings, and replacing grains. The early phase of coating of authigenic chlorite has preserved the primary porosity. The recrystallization of chlorite into chamosite has massively reduced the original pore space because of its bridging structure. The current study reveals that diagenetic processes have altered the original rock properties and reservoir characteristics of the Lower Goru sandstone. These preliminary outcomes of this study have great potential to improve the understanding of diagenetic process and their impact on reservoir properties of the Lower Goru sandstone in the Lower Indus Basin and adjoining areas.

Our research focuses on the reconstruction of turbidity paleocurrents of the Cilento Group in the Cilento area (southern Apennines, Italy). These deposits were formed in the wedge-top basin above the oceanic Ligurian Accretionary Complex, the early orogenic wedge of the southern Apennines. The Cilento Group succession, whose age ranges between the uppermost Burdigalian and lowermost Tortonian, consists of a thick pile of sandstones, conglomerates, marls and pelites grouped in two formations (Pollica and San Mauro Fms). We retrieved information on the turbidity current directions through sedimentary features such as flute and groove casts, flame structures and ripple marks. The aim of this study is to shed light on the early tectonic evolution of the southern Apennines by reconstructing the geometry of this basin, the source areas that fed it and the paleogeography of the central Mediterranean area in the Miocene. We analyzed 74 sites in both formations and collected 338 measurements of paleocurrent indicators. Because the succession was affected by severe thrusting and folding, every paleocurrent measurement was restored, reinstating the bedding in the horizontal attitude. Results indicate a complex pattern of turbidity current flow directions consistent with a basin model fed by a spectrum of sources, including recycled clasts from the Ligurian Accretionary Complex, Calabria–Peloritani Terrane and the Apennine Platform units and volcaniclastics from the synorogenic volcanoes located in the Sardinia block.

The Fort Munro Formation is well exposed along DG Khan-Fort Munro road, a type locality. The section was measured and sampled for the biostratigraphy, where it has a conformable lower contact with Mughalkot Formation and is underlain by the Pab Sandstone. The total observed thickness was 105 meters, and 26 samples were collected from top to the bottom at random intervals. Fifty thin sections were studied carefully, and five species of large benthic foraminifera, including Orbitoidestissoti, Orbitoidesapiculata, Orbitoides media, Orbitoideshottingeri, and Omphalocyclusmacroporus were identified along with miliolids. Gastropods, Bivalves and Echinoderms were also observed. Based on identified microfossils, the depositional environment of the formation is the inner ramp to the middle ramp deposited in the Campanian to Maastrichtian age.