山西寿阳—阳泉地区石炭—二叠系沉积环境及其沉积特征

本区石炭—二叠系是在海湾背景下发育的一套由滨海平原—三角洲平原—冲积平原沉积组成的海退层系。主要沉积环境是三角洲平原,其上部为冲积平原包括网状河和辫状河;下部为海湾（或分支间湾）、潮下碳酸盐岩、潮间介壳滩、碎屑岩潮坪及滨海沼泽湿地等。三角洲为河控浅水三角洲。上述沉积环境,随海水退却在时空上具明显的规律性变化。     

平沟矿区山西组潮控三角洲—河流沉积及聚煤特点

通过野外和室内研究,提出山西组形成于河流—潮控三角洲环境。河流沉积包括辫状曲流河和高弯度曲流河。潮控三角洲以潮汐沉积发育为标志,潮汐沙坝、潮河道构成其沉积骨架,揭示了沉积期仍受海水内泛影响。煤聚积发生在河道岸后边缘沼泽环境、废弃潮汐沙坝上发育起来的潮坪环境及分流间湾充填变浅形成的泥炭沼泽环境。总结了不同沉积环境的聚煤特点。     

山西省沁水煤田平昔矿区上石炭统太原组沉积环境探讨

本文在较为详细地研究各种沉积标志的基础上,对区内太原组地层的沉积环境进行分析,初步认为:本区太原组地层是发育在晚石炭世华北陆表海边缘的一套以潮坪、三角洲为主体的含煤沉积,主要由陆源碎屑潮坪、高建设性朵状三角洲、高破坏性潮控三角洲及潮下低能带的碳酸盐沉积所组成.     

庐枞盆地及周缘地区黄马青组沉积微相及与含铜岩系的关系

庐枞盆地及其周缘地区黄马青组具有典型的河控三角洲沉积层序,为前三角洲亚相-三角洲前缘亚相沉积。上段主要由泥岩-砂岩组成,三角洲前缘亚相,发育远砂坝、河口砂坝、分流间湾、分支河道和天然堤等微相,总体构成向上变粗的海退三角洲序列。含铜岩系分布于黄马青组上段,由灰绿色、深灰等还原色调的粉砂质泥岩或泥质粉砂岩等细碎屑岩类组成,属于三角洲前缘亚相中的分流间湾微相环境,在庐枞盆地中南部最为发育。     

遗迹化石与潮控滨线海泛面的识别及准层序相组合：以塔里木盆地下志留统塔？

塔里木盆地下志留统塔塔埃尔塔格组主要由潮坪沉积组成,根据遗迹化石与学积特征,固底控制的遗迹化石Ｇｙｒｏｌｉｔｈｅｓ常常与沉积性不连续面有关,潮控滨线中的准层序由三类岩相组成,其中含砾砂岩相为潮道沉积,未见遗迹化石;含交错层理细砂岩相为砂坪沉积,仅见少量的遗迹化石Ｓｋｏｌｉｔｈｏｓ;强生物扰动粉砂岩,泥岩相为砂,泥混合坪沉积,发育有丰富的遗迹化石,代表Ｓｋｏｌｉｔｈｏｓ－Ｃｒｕｚｉａｎａ混合遗迹相。     

遗迹化石与潮控滨线海泛面的识别及准层序相组合──以塔里木盆地下志留统塔塔埃尔塔格组为例

塔里木盆地下志留统塔塔埃尔塔格组主要由潮坪沉积组成。根据遗迹化石与沉积特征,固底控制的遗迹化石Ｇｙｒｏｌｉｔｈｅｓ常常与沉积性不连续面（海泛面）有关,潮控滨线中的准层序由三类岩相组成,其中含砾砂岩相（相Ａ）为潮道沉积,未见遗迹化石;含交错层理细砂岩相（相Ｂ）为砂坪沉积,仅见少量的遗迹化石Ｓｋｏｌｉｔｈｏｓ;强生物扰动粉砂岩、泥岩相（相Ｃ）为砂、泥混合坪沉积,发育有丰富的遗迹化石,代表Ｓｋｏｌｉｔｈｏｓ－Ｃｒｕｚｉａｎａ混合遗迹相。     

东海陆架盆地西湖凹陷W井区平湖组潮汐沉积模式

东海陆架盆地西湖凹陷平湖组发育大量潮汐沉积,具有较大的油气勘探潜力。综合利用岩心与测井资料,对西湖凹陷W井区平湖组岩相及沉积微相类型进行分析,并通过对江苏省东南部如东-东台沿海地区的现代沉积考察,进行比较沉积学研究,结合平湖组发育情况及现代潮汐沉积平面展布,明确了研究区平湖组潮汐沉积特征及发育规律,建立了沉积模式。研究结果表明:研究区平湖组发育一套潮控三角洲—潮坪沉积体系,沉积亚相主要包括三角洲前缘、潮上带和潮间带,可进一步识别出水下分流河道、分流间湾、河口坝、席状砂、沼泽、泥坪、砂坪、混合坪、潮汐水道共9种沉积微相。在沉积体系分析的基础上,建立了研究区潮控三角洲-潮坪沉积模式。     

扬子区石炭纪黄龙期沉积相

扬子区石炭纪黄龙期海侵主要由南而北,晚时海水北来明显。早、中时扬子海实为一东西向狭长形海湾,地形西高东低,低潮线约在皖南铜陵、巢县向;海水除由下扬子湾可随潮而溯流入中扬子湾外,并可由荆江潮口随潮而进入中扬子湾,再西而入上扬子湾,此即早、中时潮坪沉积分布特宽的原因。晚时江南古陆下沉,南北海水大侵,使海侵达到高潮,改早、中时局限海为正常浅海沉积,岩性单一,生物繁茂,厚度较大。早、中时中、上扬子区潮间带准同生白云岩发育,易为后期淡水溶蚀而多孔,是有利于油气储集的沉积相。     

扬子区石炭纪黄龙期沉积相

扬子区石炭纪黄龙期海侵主要由南而北,晚时海水北来明显。早、中时扬子海实为一东西向狭长形海湾,地形西高东低,低潮线约在皖南铜陵、巢县向;海水除由下扬子湾可随潮而溯流入中扬子湾外,并可由荆江潮口随潮而进入中扬子湾,再西而入上扬子湾,此即早、中时潮坪沉积分布特宽的原因。晚时江南古陆下沉,南北海水大侵,使海侵达到高潮,改早、中时局限海为正常浅海沉积,岩性单一,生物繁茂,厚度较大。早、中时中、上扬子区潮间带准同生白云岩发育,易为后期淡水溶蚀而多孔,是有利于油气储集的沉积相。     

河流-潮汐耦合控制下河口湾坝体沉积动力学数值模拟

潮控河口湾坝体复杂的沉积特征及内部结构尚不清楚.通过建立理想化的潮控河口湾模型,采用沉积动力学数值模拟方法,开展不同流量与潮汐能量条件下潮控河口湾坝体及内部夹层的沉积定量化模拟.结果表明,在理想情况下,大潮汐能量、中等流量条件下潮控河口湾坝体大规模发育.在潮汐能量因素分析中,潮控河口湾坝体长宽比为2~15,夹层长度集中在8 km,夹层厚度为0.1~0.2 m;在流量因素分析中,潮控河口湾坝体长宽比为1.5~9.0,夹层长度为1~2 km,夹层厚度为0.1~0.2 m.表明河流和潮汐共同作用控制着潮控河口湾坝体与夹层的形成与分布,但是潮汐作用更显著.基于沉积动力学对潮控河口湾沉积过程开展了数值模拟研究,得到了井震数据的验证,为潮控河口湾体系的沉积演化提供了新思路,从而指导潮控河口湾含油储层的勘探和开发.      

Sediment distribution and depositional processes along the fluvial to marine transition zone of the Mekong River delta,Vietnam

The area of coastal rivers with a combination of fluvial, tidal and wave processes is defined as the fluvial to marine transition zone and can extend up to several hundreds of kilometres upstream of the river mouth. The aim of this study is to improve the understanding of sediment distribution and depositional processes along the fluvial to marine transition zone using a comprehensive dataset of channel bed sediment samples collected from the Mekong River delta. Six sediment types were identified and were interpreted to reflect the combined action of fluvial and marine processes. Based on sediment‐type associations, the Mekong fluvial to marine transition zone could be subdivided into an upstream tract and a downstream tract; the boundary between these two tracts is identified 80 to 100 km upstream of the river mouth. The upstream tract is characterized by gravelly sand and sand and occasional heterolithic rhythmites, suggesting bed‐load supply and deposition mainly controlled by fluvial processes with subordinate tidal influence. The downstream tract is characterized by heterolithic rhythmites with subordinate sand and mud, suggesting suspended‐load supply and deposition mainly controlled by tidal processes with subordinate fluvial influence. Sediment distributions during wet and dry seasons suggest significant seasonal changes in sediment dynamic and depositional processes along the fluvial to marine transition zone. The upstream tract shows strong fluvial depositional processes with subordinate tidal influence during the wet season and no deposition with weak fluvial and tidal processes during the dry season. The downstream tract shows strong coexisting fluvial and tidal depositional processes during the wet season and strong tidal depositional processes with negligible fluvial influence during the dry season. Turbidity maxima are present along the downstream tract of the fluvial to marine transition zone during both wet and dry seasons and are driven by a combination of fluvial, tidal and wave processes.     

Architecture and preservation in the fluvial to marine transition zone of a mixed-process humid-tropical delta: Middle Miocene Lambir Formation,Baram Delta Province,north-west Borneo

The interaction of river and marine processes in the fluvial to marine transition zone fundamentally impacts delta plain morphology and sedimentary dynamics. This study aims to improve existing models of the facies distribution, stratigraphic architecture and preservation in the fluvial to marine transition zone of mixed-process deltas, using a comprehensive sedimentological and stratigraphic dataset from the Middle Miocene Lambir Formation, Baram Delta Province, north-west Borneo. Eleven facies associations are identified and interpreted to preserve the interaction of fluvial and marine processes in a mixed-energy delta, where fluvial, wave and tidal processes display spatially and temporally variable interactions. Stratigraphic successions in axial areas associated with active distributary channels are sandstone-rich, comprising fluvial-dominated and wave-dominated units. Successions in lateral areas, which lack active distributary channels, are mudstone-rich, comprising fluvial-dominated, tide-dominated and wave-dominated units, including mangrove swamps. Widespread mudstone preservation in axial and lateral areas suggests well-developed turbidity maximum zones, a consequence of high suspended-sediment concentrations resulting from tropical weathering of a mudstone-rich hinterland. Within the fluvial to marine transition zone of distributary channels, interpreted proximal–distal sedimentological and stratigraphic trends suggest: (i) a proximal fluvial-dominated, tide-influenced subzone; (ii) a distal fluvial-dominated to wave-dominated subzone; and (iii) a conspicuously absent tide-dominated subzone. Lateral areas preserve a more diverse spectrum of facies and stratigraphic elements reflecting combined storm, tidal and subordinate river processes. During coupled storm and river floods, fluvial processes dominated the fluvial to marine transition zone along major and minor distributary channels and channel mouths, causing significant overprinting of preceding interflood deposits. Despite interpreted fluvial–tidal channel units and mangrove influence implying tidal processes, there is a paucity of unequivocal tidal indicators (for example, cyclical heterolithic layering). This suggests that process preservation in the fluvial to marine transition zone preserved in the Lambir Formation primarily records episodic (flashy) river discharge, river flood and storm overprinting of tidal processes, and possible backwater dynamics.     

Recognition criteria,characteristics and implications of the fluvial to marine transition zone in ancient deltaic deposits (Lajas Formation,Argentina)

The seaward end of modern rivers is characterized by the interactions of marine and fluvial processes, a tract known as the fluvial to marine transition zone, which varies between systems due to the relative strength of these processes. To understand how fluvial and tidal process interactions and the fluvial to marine transition zone are preserved in the rock record, large‐scale outcrops of deltaic deposits of the Middle Jurassic Lajas Formation (Neuquén Basin, Argentina) have been investigated. Fluvial–tidal indicators consist of cyclically distributed carbonaceous drapes in unidirectional, seaward‐oriented cross‐stratifications, which are interpreted as the result of tidal modulation of the fluvial current in the inner part of the fluvial to marine transition zone. Heterolithic deposits with decimetre‐scale interbedding of coarser‐grained and finer‐grained facies with mixed fluvial and tidal affinities are interpreted to indicate fluvial discharge fluctuations (seasonality) and subordinate tidal influence. Many other potential tidal indicators are argued to be the result of fluvial–tidal interactions with overall fluvial dominance or of purely fluvial processes. No purely tidal or tide‐dominated facies were recognized in the studied deposits. Moreover, fluvial–tidal features are found mainly in deposits interpreted as interflood (forming during low river stage) in distal (delta front) or off‐axis (interdistributary) parts of the system. Along major channel axes, the interpreted fluvial to marine transition zone is mainly represented by the fluvial‐dominated section, whereas little or no tide‐dominated section is identified. The system is interpreted to have been hyposynchronous with a poorly developed turbidity maximum. These conditions and the architectural elements described, including major and minor distributary channels, terminal distributary channels, mouth bars and crevasse mouth bars, are consistent with an interpretation of a fluvial‐dominated, tide‐influenced delta system and with an estimated short backwater length and inferred microtidal conditions. The improved identification of process interactions, and their preservation in ancient fluvial to marine transition zones, is fundamental to refining interpretations of ancient deltaic successions.     

Alluvial architecture of mid-channel fluvial–tidal barforms: The mesotidal Lower Columbia River,Oregon/Washington,USA

Barforms of mesotidal to macrotidal fluvial–tidal transitions, regardless of fluvial-discharge, are currently thought to display a sedimentary architecture dominated by tidal signatures. Due to the scarcity of observations from modern mesotidal fluvial–tidal transitions, especially those of multi-channelled large-rivers (mean annual discharge ≥7000 m³ s⁻¹ and peak discharges ≥15 000 m³ s⁻¹) with mid-channel bars, this concept remains unproven. The present study analyses data produced by a combination of high-resolution ground penetrating radar and coupled shallow vibracores (<5 m depth), collected from modern fluvial–tidal mid-channel bars of the mesotidal multi-channelled Lower Columbia River, Washington/Oregon, USA, which can experience peak discharges ≥18 000 m³ s⁻¹. These data were used alongside time-sequenced aerial imagery to characterize the spatio-temporal sedimentological evolution of these barforms in singular flows or combined flows consisting of river, tidal and/or wind-wave oscillatory, current components operating in unique fluvial–tidal transition regimes. Results indicate that ca 75% of the Lower Columbia River fluvial–tidal transition produces braid-bars with basal to bar-top sedimentological architectures that are indistinguishable from fluvial-only braid-bars recorded in the literature. Barform stratal characteristics within the fluvial–tidal transitions of mesotidal large-rivers are therefore more likely to be dominated by downstream-oriented currents. Furthermore, a new style of low-angle (<5°) inclined heterolithic stratification found in bar-top accretion-sets within upper-mixed tidal–fluvial regime braid-bars is observed. This common stratification is created by combined-flows characterized by intrabasinal wind-wave oscillatory-currents and bidirectional tidal-currents. This inclined heterolithic stratification marks the initial downstream fluvial–tidal crossover point from Lower Columbia River up-dip fully-fluvial braid-bar architectures, to those possessing bar-top facies produced by the hydraulic-sedimentation response of combined intrabasinal wind-wave and tidal influence. When preserved, this form of mid-channel bar inclined heterolithic stratification provides a unique sedimentological signature of multi-channelled fluvial–tidal transitions that possess an open-water lower basin with intrabasinal wind-waves.     

Tidal influence in Cretaceous fluvial strata from Utah, USA: a key to sequence stratigraphic interpretation

Detailed models already exist that outline physical and temporal relationships in marine and marginal marine strata. Such models are still in their infancy in alluvial deposits. Recognition of tidal and estuarine influence in fluvial strata is critical to the development of high resolution sequence stratigraphic correlations between marine and non-marine strata. Strata that have previously been interpreted as low energy meandering river deposits contain sedimentary and biogenic structures that suggest a tidal influence. These structures include sigmoidal bedding, paired mud/silt drapes, wavy and lenticular bedding, shrinkage cracks, multiple reactivation surfaces, inclined heterolithic strata, complex compound cross-beds, bidirectional cross-beds, and trace fossils including Teredolites, Arenicolites and Skolithos. Although none of these structures is unique to tidal processes, the preponderance of data suggests that fluvial systems have been affected by tidal processes well inland of coeval shoreline deposits. These deposits rarely form a significant proportion of a depositional sequence; however, their occurrence allows time significant surfaces to be extended for tens or even hundreds of kilometres inland from coeval shoreline deposits. In Turonian through Campanian strata exposed in the Kaiparowits Plateau of southern Utah, tidally influenced facies are recognized within at least two distinct stratigraphic levels that were deposited during periods of relatively rapid base level rise. These strata form part of an alluvial transgressive systems tract. Landward of each of the marine transgressive maxima, tidal facies are present in fluvial channels that are completely encased in non-marine strata at distances up to 65 km inland from a coeval palaeoshoreline. Our work suggests that such deposits may have gone unrecognized in the past, but they form a significant component of alluvial strata in many depositional sequences. Although these tidally influenced fluvial deposits may be difficult to recognize, they are temporally equivalent to marine maximum flooding surfaces and provide a chronostratigraphic correlation between alluvial and nearshore marine deposits.     

Stacked fluvial and tide-dominated estuarine deposits in high-frequency (fourth-order) sequences of the Eocene Central Basin, Spitsbergen

Eighteen coastal-plain depositional sequences that can be correlated to shallow- to deep-water clinoforms in the Eocene Central Basin of Spitsbergen were studied in 1 × 15 km scale mountainside exposures. The overall mud-prone (>300 m thick) coastal-plain succession is divided by prominent fluvial erosion surfaces into vertically stacked depositional sequences, 7–44 m thick. The erosion surfaces are overlain by fluvial conglomerates and coarse-grained sandstones. The fluvial deposits show tidal influence at their seaward ends. The fluvial deposits pass upwards into macrotidal tide-dominated estuarine deposits, with coarse-grained river-dominated facies followed further seawards by high- and low-sinuosity tidal channels, upper-flow-regime tidal flats, and tidal sand bar facies associations. Laterally, marginal sandy to muddy tidal flat and marsh deposits occur. The fluvial/estuarine sequences are interpreted as having accumulated as a series of incised valley fills because: (i) the basal fluvial erosion surfaces, with at least 16 m of local erosional relief, are regional incisions; (ii) the basal fluvial deposits exhibit a significant basinward facies shift; (iii) the regional erosion surfaces can be correlated with rooted horizons in the interfluve areas; and (iv) the estuarine deposits onlap the valley walls in a landward direction. The coastal-plain deposits represent the topset to clinoforms that formed during progradational infilling of the Eocene Central Basin. Despite large-scale progradation, the sequences are volumetrically dominated by lowstand fluvial deposits and especially by transgressive estuarine deposits. The transgressive deposits are overlain by highstand units in only about 30% of the sequences. The depositional system remained an estuary even during highstand conditions, as evidenced by the continued bedload convergence in the inner-estuarine tidal channels.     

The applicability of modern tidal analogues to pre‐vegetation paralic depositional models

In modern siliciclastic environments terrestrial and aquatic vegetation binds substrate, controls weathering and erosion rates, influences run‐off, sediment supply and subsequent depositional architecture. This study assesses the applicability of modern depositional models that are impacted by vascular vegetation, as analogues for ancient pre‐land plant systems. A review of pre‐Devonian published literature demonstrates a paucity of described tidal successions; this is possibly due to the application of modern analogues for interpreting the record when there is a lack of tidal indicators. This paucity suggests a need for revised models of tidal deposition that consider the different environmental conditions prior to land plant evolution. This study examines the Ordovician–Silurian Tumblagooda Sandstone, which is exposed in the gorge of the Murchison River and coastal cliffs near Kalbarri, Western Australia. The Tumblagooda Sandstone comprises stacked sand‐rich facies, with well‐preserved bedforms and trace fossils. Previous interpretations of the depositional setting have proposed from a mixed sheet‐braided fluvial and intertidal flats; to a continental setting dominated by fluvial and aeolian processes. An enigmatic element is the rarity of mud‐rich facies preserved in the succession. Outcrop logging, facies and petrographic analysis record dominantly shallow water conditions with episodes of emergence. Abundant ichnotaxa indicate that marine conditions and bi‐directional flow structures are evidence for an intertidal and subtidal depositional environment. A macrotidal estuary setting is proposed, with evidence for tidal channels and repeated fluvial incursions. Physical and biogenic sedimentary structures are indicative of tidal conditions. The lack of clay and silt resulted in the absence of flaser or lenticular‐bedding. Instead cyclic deposition of thin beds and foreset bioturbation replaced mud drape deposits. Higher energy conditions prevailed in the absence of the binding activity of plants in the terrestrial and marine realm. This is suggestive of different weathering processes and a reduction in the preservation of some sedimentary features.     

Unincised fluvial and tide-dominated estuarine systems from the Mesoproterozoic Lower Tombador Formation,Chapada Diamantina basin,Brazil

The Mesoproterozoic Lower Tombador Formation is formed of shallow braided fluvial, unconfined to poorly-channelized ephemeral sheetfloods, sand-rich floodplain, tide-dominated estuarine, and shallow marine sediments. Lowstand braided fluvial deposits are characterized by a high degree of channel amalgamation interbedded with ephemeral, intermediate sheetflood sandstones. Sand-rich floodplain sediments consist of intervals formed by distal sheetflood deposits interbedded with thin layers of eolian sandstones. Tide-dominated estuarine successions are formed of tide-influenced sand-bed braided fluvial, tidal channel, tidal sand flat and tidal bars. Shallow marine intervals are composed of heterolithic strata and tidal sand bars. Seismic scale cliffs photomosaics calibrated with vertical sections indicate high lateral continuity of sheet-like depositional geometry for fluvial–estuarine successions. These geometric characteristics associated with no evidence of incised-valley features nor significant fluvial scouring suggest that the Lower Tombador Formation registers deposition of unincised fluvial and tide-dominated systems. Such a scenario is a natural response of the interplay between sedimentation and fluctuations of relative sea level on the gentle margins of a sag basin. This case study indicates that fluvial–estuarine successions exhibit the same facies distributions, irrespective of being related to unincised or incised-valley systems. Moreover, this case study can serve as a starting point to better understand the patterns of sedimentation for Precambrian basins formed in similar tectonic settings.     

Facies model of a mixed clastic–carbonate,wave‐dominated open‐coast tidal flat (Tithonian–Berriasian,north‐east Spain)

Detailed logging and analysis of the facies architecture of the upper Tithonian to middle Berriasian Aguilar del Alfambra Formation (Galve sub‐basin, north‐east Spain) have made it possible to characterize a wide variety of clastic, mixed clastic–carbonate and carbonate facies, which were deposited in coastal mudflats to shallow subtidal areas of an open‐coast tidal flat. The sedimentary model proposed improves what is known about mixed coastal systems, both concerning facies and sedimentary processes. This sedimentary system was located in an embayed, non‐protected area of a wide C‐shaped coast that was seasonally dominated by wave storms. Clastic and mixed clastic–carbonate muds accumulated in poorly drained to well‐drained, marine‐influenced coastal mudflat areas, with local fluvial sandstones (tide‐influenced fluvial channels and sheet‐flood deposits) and conglomerate tsunami deposits. Carbonate‐dominated tidal flat areas were the loci of deposition of fenestral‐laminated carbonate muds and grainy (peloidal) sediments with hummocky cross‐stratification. Laterally, the tidal flat was clastic‐dominated and characterized by heterolithic sediments with hummocky cross‐stratification and local tidal sandy bars. Peloidal and heterolithic sediments with hummocky cross‐stratification are the key facies for interpreting the wave (storm) dominance in the tidal flat. Subsidence and high rates of sedimentation controlled the rapid burial of the storm features and thus preserved them from reworking by fair‐weather waves and tides.     

Evidence of tidal processes from the lower part of the Witwatersrand Supergroup,South Africa

A 1600-m succession of quartz arenites and associated shaley deposits comprising the Hospital Hill Subgroup at the base of the Witwatersrand Supergroup is considered to have been deposited largely under the influence of tidal processes. Facies analysis indicates that deposition occurred in the following environments: (1) marine shalf; (2) shallow subtidal to intertidal; (3) intertidal flat; and (4) tidal inlet. The presence of strong tidal currents implies that the Witwatersrand Basin was open to an ocean basin, at least during the early stages of its evolution. Palaeocurrent trends and isopach data suggest that this probably lay to the southwest, an area now occupied by the high grade Natal—Namaqua metamorphic belt. The contrast between the supermature quartz arenites of the Hospital Hill Subgroup and the overlying gold-bearing immature subgreywackes, feldspathic quartzites and conglomerates of fluvial origin is believed to be a function of tidal reworking of sediments.