Vertical facies and high-frequency cycle changes of the Oxfordian to lower Kimmeridgian Hanifa Formation, central Saudi Arabia

The Upper Jurassic Hanifa Formation (Oxfordian – lower Kimmeridgian) of Saudi Arabia has been investigated to determine the lithofacies and depositional environments. Twelve lithofacies of different depositional environments on a carbonate ramp under various dominantly lagoonal and shoal sedimentary environments have been identified. The recorded physical characterizations that were recorded in the field, such as sharp vertical facies changes, borings and erosional surfaces, allow for the subdivision of the Hanifa Formation into two 3rd order genetic sequences (DS1–DS2). The stacking pattern of the arranged vertical facies association shows shallowing-upward small cycles in response to astronomical variations.