Submarine landslide structures in neopleistocene deposits on the western slope of the Derbent basin of the Caspian Sea

In the autumn of 2004, during cruise 19 of R/V Rift, an “SES-2000 standard” super high-resolution narrow-beam parametric profiler was applied for studies of the fine structure of the uppermost sediments for the first time in the Caspian Sea. In this paper, we discuss the latitudinal seismoacoustic profile across the western slope of the Derbent Basin in the region of the Russian part of the Yalama-Samur hydrocarbon field. In the upper part of the slope, in the Neopleistocene deposits, a series of overthrust covers with a step-wise structure of displacement surfaces (duplexes) was revealed. They seem to have been formed by gravity processes. We also suggest the existence of a “pushed wedge” type of structure of landslide origin formed by the Bakinian-Khvalynian deposits intruding into the overlying Holocene sediments. Sufficiently distinct signs of disintegration of the bottom sediments and landslide-slumping processes were distinguished within the Eopleictocene deposits on the steepest lower part of the slope. The data of seismoacoustic profiling indicate that submarine landslide processes proceeded on the western slope of the Derbent Basin during the Neopleistocene-Holocene, which may have retained their activity up to present. These facts should be considered when designing engineering constructions over the Yalama-Samur structure.     

Slope-confined submarine canyons in the Baiyun deep-water area,northern South China Sea: variation in their modern morphology

On the basis of newly collected multibeam bathymetric data, chirp profiles and existing seismic data, we presented a detailed morphological interpretation of a series of slope-confined canyons in water depths of 300–2000 m in the Baiyun deep-water area, northern margin of the South China Sea. Although these canyons are commonly characterized by regular spacing and a straight-line shape, they vary in their lengths, starting and ending water depths, canyon relief, slope gradients, wall slope gradients and depth profiles along the axis. The eastern canyons (C1–C8) have complex surface features, low values in their slope gradient, canyon relief and wall slope gradient and high values in their length and starting and ending depth contrasting to the western ones (C9–C17). From the bathymetric data and chirp profiles, we interpret two main processes that have controlled the morphology and evolution of the canyons: axial incision and landsliding. The western part of the shelf margin where there were at least four stages of submerged reefs differs from the eastern part of the shelf margin where sedimentary undulations occurred at a water depth of ~650 m. We consider that the variation in morphology of submarine canyons in the study area is the result of multiple causes, with the leading cause being the difference in stability of the upper slope which is related to the submerged reefs and sedimentary undulations.     

Sedimentology and depositional architecture of a submarine delta-fan complex in the Durban Basin,South Africa

The seismic stratigraphy, evolution and depositional framework of a sheared-passive margin, the Durban Basin, of South East Africa are described. Based on single-channel 2D seismic reflection data, six seismic units (A-F) are revealed, separated by major sequence boundaries. These are compared to well logs associated with the seismic data set. Internal seismic reflector geometries and sedimentology suggest a range of depositional regimes from syn-rift to upper slope and outer shelf. Nearshore and continental facies are not preserved, with episodic shelf and slope sedimentation related to periods of tectonic-induced base level fall. The sedimentary architecture shows a change from a structurally defined shelf (shearing phase), to shallow ramp and then terminal passive margin sedimentary shelf settings. Sedimentation occurred predominantly during normal regressive conditions with the basin dominated by the progradation of a constructional submarine delta (Tugela Cone) during sea-level lowstands (LST). The earlier phases of sedimentation are tectonic-controlled, however later stages appear to be linked to global eustatic changes.     

冲绳海槽西侧陆坡及其邻区天然气水合物成藏构造特征

为了解特殊地质体与天然气水合物成藏构造特征之间的关系,作者以冲绳海槽西侧陆坡和槽底为例,利用地震资料和地球化学方法对该地区上新世和第四纪沉积物厚度、有机碳含量和断裂系统进行了分析。研究表明,在冲绳海槽西侧及槽底都发育了较厚的上新统和第四系沉积层,上新统厚度约为1000—1500m,第四系厚约为1000—3500m,其中海槽南段存在巨厚的第四系,而且冲绳海槽西侧陆坡沉积物中有机质含量高达0.75%—1.25%,并且沉积速率高达10—40cm/ka,有利于有机质的保存和转化。陆坡发育有与海槽走向一致的NE-SW向断裂系统,以及横切海槽的一系列NW-SE向水平错动扭性断裂系统,其中NE-SW向断层在海槽南段方向变为NEE-SWW,这些断裂系统为烃类气(流)体的运移创造了有利条件。因此,在冲绳海槽西侧陆坡发育的海底峡谷、滑塌体、断块隆脊、泥底辟等特殊地质体与天然气水合物的形成密切相关。     

High resolution seismic profile through a Late Cenozoic delta complex in the southern North Sea

A digitally recorded and processed multichannel seismic profile between Cromer (England) and Sylt (Germany) has provided the first continuous section through the Miocene to Middle Pleistocene delta complex of the southern North Sea Basin. The profile depicts the progressive westward expansion of deltaic sedimentation that eventually filled in this gently subsiding epicontinental basin. Significant basinward shifts in seismic facies occur above all but one of 14 seismic sequence boundaries that punctuate the deposition of up to 830 m of deltaic sediments on the profile. These sequence boundaries and the morphology of prodelta, delta front, delta top and fluvio-deltaic seismic facies record the interaction between subsidence, cyclic fluctuation in sediment supply to, and cyclic change of relative sea level within the basin. Two submarine slides were developed within delta front facies in the Pliocene section and the profile has intersected a swarm of Elsterian (Middle Pleistocene) glacial palaeovalleys that have been incised into the upper part of the delta complex.     

长江三角洲地区晚第四纪地层及潜在环境问题

根据钻孔的沉积相序将长江三角洲分为三角洲主体、三角洲南翼和北翼等３个基本的地层分区,鉴于两翼前缘和后缘的相序具有很大差异,因而两翼均划分出前缘和后缘２个亚区。地层结构的不同决定了与沉积层有关的潜在环境问题和灾害的分布,三角洲南翼和后缘为地面沉降发育区和潜在发育区,北翼的前缘为地下海水入侵的潜在发育区,三角洲主体是污染江水的潜在渗滤区,现今河口为底辟构造潜在发育区。     

Depositional characteristics and spatial distribution of deep-water sedimentary systems on the northwestern middle-lower slope of the Northwest Sub-Basin, South China Sea

Based upon 2D seismic data, this study confirms the presence of a complex deep-water sedimentary system within the Pliocene-Quaternary strata on the northwestern lower slope of the Northwest Sub-Basin, South China Sea. It consists of submarine canyons, mass-wasting deposits, contourite channels and sheeted drifts. Alongslope aligned erosive features are observed on the eastern upper gentle slopes (<1.2° above 1,500 m), where a V-shaped downslope canyon presents an apparent ENE migration, indicating a related bottom current within the eastward South China Sea Intermediate Water Circulation. Contourite sheeted drifts are also generated on the eastern gentle slopes (~1.5° in average), below 2,100 m water depth though, referring to a wide unfocused bottom current, which might be related to the South China Sea Deep Water Circulation. Mass wasting deposits (predominantly slides and slumps) and submarine canyons developed on steeper slopes (>2°), where weaker alongslope currents are probably dominated by downslope depositional processes on these unstable slopes. The NNW–SSE oriented slope morphology changes from a three-stepped terraced outline (I–II–III) east of the investigated area, into a two-stepped terraced (I–II) outline in the middle, and into a unitary steep slope (II) in the west, which is consistent with the slope steepening towards the west. Such morphological changes may have possibly led to a westward simplification of composite deep-water sedimentary systems, from a depositional complex of contourite depositional systems, mass-wasting deposits and canyons, on the one hand, to only sliding and canyon deposits on the other hand.     

Geochemistry of dispersed sedimentary matter and its fluxes in the water column of the Caspian Sea

The first data on the chemical composition of dispersed matter from sedimentary traps are reported. The suspended components of sedimentary matter (amorphous silica, organic matter, carbonates, and lithogenic material, as well as Fe, Mn, and minor elements) are considered. As a result, it is shown that the intraannual variability in vertical fluxes of sedimentary matter is characterized by a seasonal increase in spring and autumn. The high fluxes of the components of sedimentary matter on the northern and southern slopes of the Derbent Basin in winter are explained by precipitation of material from the nepheloid layer that forms over the contour current.     

Diatomaceous oozes of the Middle Caspian Sea

Ten cores taken by a gravity corer from an area 5 × 5 km in size at the foot of the western slope of the Derbent Basin recovered uniform sections composed of variegated clotted diatomaceous oozes and soft gray clays with hydrotroilite-enriched spots, lenses, and laminae, the abundance of which increases downward. The diatom assemblages indicate a strongly freshened basin, which was replaced in the Holocene (Novocaspian time) by the brackish-water and then present-day saline sea. The grain-size composition of the sediments was determined by the gravitational deposition of suspended particles and by the near-bottom currents. The latter likely promoted the concentration of diatom frustules and accumulation of diatomaceous oozes.     

Sediment distribution in Akhziv Canyon off northern Israel

Akhziv Canyon is one of a series of submarine canyons incised into the continental margin of the northern Levant. The Canyon is steep and sinuous, bounded by precipitous walls. Located off northern Israel, the Canyon was recently surveyed by a series of submarine video observations that show that both the thalweg and the walls are covered by ubiquitous apron of silty clay. Evidence for downslope sediment mass movement was encountered only in places. Earlier studies show that the silty clay is of Nilotic origin. Since the northern Levant margin has not been a part of the Nile sedimentary cell since the Pleistocene, the widespread Nilotic sediments indicate that the Quaternary sedimentary processes in the area differ considerably from the Neogene depositional regime.     

舟山北部海域海底第四系淡水资源赋存潜力

为了解东海舟山北部海域海底第四系淡水资源赋存情况,本文在系统分析舟山北部海域地质钻孔和单道地震资料基础上,分析了研究海域海底第四纪地层结构与沉积环境,阐述了研究海域海底松散沉积物分布规律,探讨了上海陆地地区早更新世中、晚期和早期古河道在研究海域的延伸和分布状况,分析了研究海域海底第四系含水层赋存状况。研究海域第四系可供开发利用的主要含水层为早更新世中、晚期的第四承压含水层（Ⅳ）和早更新世早期的第五承压含水层（Ⅴ）;第四承压含水层古河道分布区富水性最佳,含水层顶部发育厚层黏性土隔水层区域赋存淡水资源的可能性很大,含水层开发利用潜力可分为开发前景良好A区、开发前景较好B区和开发前景一般C区3类;第五承压含水层在古河道分布区富水性强,具有很好的淡水赋存潜力和良好的开发利用前景。     

Early Cretaceous deltaic sedimentary environment of the Côte d’Ivoire–Ghana transform margin as deduced from deep dive data

During the Equanaute cruise (June 1992), 14 submersible deep dives were conducted along the steep southern slope of the Côte d’Ivoire–Ghana marginal ridge. In situ diving observations and sample analysis were done to specify the clastic lithology of a sedimentary sequence about 2200?m thick. Most of the rocks collected consist of dark shales, greenish lenticular- to wavy-bedded siltstones and large-scale trough cross-bedded sandstones. Lithofacies analysis favors a deltaic origin for this sedimentary synrift succession, which is probably of Early Cretaceous age.     

南海东北部陆架边缘第四纪高分辨率层序地层和沉积体系演化及其控制因素

The northeastern shelf margin of the South China Sea(SCS) is characterized by the development of large scale foresets complexes since Quaternary. Based on integral analysis of the seismic, well logging and paleontological data, successions since ～3.0 Ma can be defined as one composite sequence, consist of a set of regional transgressive to regressive sequences. They can be further divided into six 3 rd order sequences(SQ0–SQ5) based on the Exxon sequence stratigraphic model. Since ～1.6 Ma, five sets of deltaic systems characterized by development of wedge-shaped foresets complexes or clinoforms had been identified. High-resolution seismic data and the thick foresets allowed further divided of sub-depositional sequences(4 th order) of regression to transgression, which is basically consistent with published stacked benthic foram O-isotope records. Depositional systems identified in the study area include deltaic deposits(inner-shelf deltas and shelf-edge deltas), incised valleys, and slope slumping massive deposits. Since ～1.6 Ma, clinoforms prograded from the southern Panyu Lower Uplift toward the northern Baiyun Depression, shelf slope break migrated seaward, whereas the shelf edge of SQ0 migrated landward. The development of incised valleys in the continental shelf increased upward,especially intensive on the SB3 and SB2. The slumping massive deposits increased abruptly since SB2, which corresponds to the development of incised valleys. The evolution of depositional systems of continental slope mainly controlled by the combined influence of sea level changes, tectonic movements, sediment supply and climate changes. Since ～3.0 Ma, relative sea level of the northern SCS had been experienced transgression(～3.0 Ma BP) to regression(～1.6 Ma BP). The regional regression and maximum transgressions of the composite sequences were apparently enhanced by uplift or subsidence related to tectono-thermal events. In addition,climatic variations including monsoon intensification and the mid-Pleistocene transition may have enhanced sediment supply by increasing erosion rate and have an indispensable influence on the development of the incised valleys and 5 sets of deltaic systems since ～1.6 Ma.     

Characteristics and occurrence of submarine canyon-associated landslides in the middle of the northern continental slope,South China Sea

High-resolution and high-density 2-D multichannel seismic data, combined with high-precision multibeam bathymetric map, are utilized to investigate the characteristics and distribution of submarine landslides in the middle of the northern continental slope, South China Sea. In the region, a series of 19 downslope-extending submarine canyons are developed. The canyons are kilometers apart, and separated by inter-canyon sedimentary ridges. Numerous submarine landslides, bounded by headscarps and basal glide surfaces, are identified on the seismic profiles by their distorted to chaotic reflections. Listric faults and rotational blocks in head areas and compressional folds and inverse faults at the toes of the landslides are possibly developed. Three types of submarine landslides, i.e., creeps, slumps, and landslide complexes, are recognized. These landslides are mostly distributed in the head areas and on the flanks of the canyons. As the most widespread landslides in the region, creeps are usually composed of multiple laterally-coalesced creep bodies, in which the boundaries of singular component creep bodies are difficult to delineate. In addition, a total of 77 landslides are defined, including 61 singular slumps and 16 landslide complexes that consist of two or more component landslides. Statistics show that most landslides are of a small dimension (0.53–18.09 km² in area) and a short runout distance (less than 3.5 km). Regional and local slope gradients and rheological behavior of the displaced materials might play important roles in the generation and distribution of the submarine landslides. A conceptual model for the co-evolution of the canyons and the associated landslides in the study area is presented. In the model it is assumed that the canyons are initiated from gullies created by landslides on steeper sites of the continental slope. The nascent canyons would then experience successive retrogressive landsliding events to extend upslope; at the same time canyon downcutting or incision would steepen the canyon walls to induce more landslides.     

台西南盆地地质构造特征及油气远景

本文从盆地的基本地质特征入手,分析了台西南盆地的地层、沉积、构造特征及油气条件,在进行盆地的定性分析的基础上,对盆地内的次级构造单元进行了类比,对盆地的含油气远景进行了评价,提出了该盆地的油气勘探方向。     

Submarine faults and slides on the continental shelf,northern Gulf of Alaska

Abstract

Submarine faults and slides or slumps of Quaternary age are potential environmental hazards on the outer continental shelf (OCS) of the northern Gulf of Alaska. Most faults that approach or reach the seafloor cut strata that may be equivalent in age to the upper Yakataga Formation (Pliocene‐Pleistocene). Along several faults, the seafloor is vertically offset from 5 to 20 m. A few faults appear to cut Holocene sediments, but none of these shows displacement at the seafloor. Submarine slides or slumps have been found in two places in the OCS region: (1) seaward of the Malaspina Glacier and Icy Bay, an area of 1200 km² with a slope of less than 0.5°, and (2) across the entire span of the Copper river prodelta, an area of 1730 km², having a slope of about 0.5°. Seismic profiles across these areas show disrupted reflectors and irregular topography commonly associated with submarine slides or slumps. Potential slide or slump areas have been delineated in areas of thick sediment accumulation and relatively steep slopes. These areas include (1) Kayak Trough, (2) parts of Hinchinbrook Entrance and Sea Valley, (3) parts of the outer shelf and upper slope between Kayak Island and Yakutat Bay, and (4) Bering Trough.     

Morphology, distribution and origin of recent submarine landslides of the Ligurian Margin (North-western Mediterranean): some insights into geohazard assessment

Based on new multibeam bathymetric data, seismic-reflection profiles and side-scan sonar images, a great number of submarine failures of various types and sizes was identified along the northern margin of the Ligurian Basin and characterized with 3 distinct end-members concerning their location on the margin, sedimentary processes and possible triggering mechanisms. They include superficial landslides mainly located in the vicinity of the main mountain-supplied rivers and on the inner walls of canyons (typically smaller that 10⁸ m³ in volume: Type 1), deep scars 100?C500 m high along the base of the continental slope (Type 2), and large-scale scars and Mass Transport Deposits (MTDs) affecting the upper part of the slope (Type 3 failures). The MTDs are located in different environmental contexts of the margin, including the deep Var Sedimentary Ridge (VSR) and the upper part of the continental slope in the Gulf of Genova (Finale Slide and Portofino Slide), with volumes of missing sediment reaching up to 1.5 × 10⁹ m³. High sedimentation rates related to hyperpycnal flows, faults and earthquake activity, together with sea-level fluctuations are the main factors invoked to explain the distribution and sizes of these different failure types.     

TrackDip: A multi-scale processing of dipmeter data – Method,tests, and field example for 3-D description of gravity-driven deformations in the Eocene foreland basin of Ainsa,Spain

This paper presents TrackDip, a new method for dipmeter data processing. This method selects, localizes and measures significant tilts from the comparison at various scales of the changes of orientation of sedimentary beddings. We tested this method on simple cases (unconformity, gradual tilt, successive tilts, without and with additional random noise) and on a field example, along three sections in the Eocene Sobrarbe delta, Ainsa foreland basin, northern Spain. For synthetic data sets, the method clearly identifies and measures the introduced tilts.On the field, sedimentary and tectonic structures, especially three main syn-sedimentary sliding surfaces (S1–S3), were successfully identified from processed dipmeter data. The tilt axis are mainly trending N–S in sandstones, associated to Westward transport of sediments. The sliding surfaces S1 and S3 correspond to E–W-trending tilt axis, tentatively correlated either to the flexural subsidence of the basin, or to anticline growth during sedimentation South of the studied area. Combination of these sedimentary and tectonic directions results in a NE–SW striking submarine slope, which locally controls the gravity-driven deformations, especially on the S2 sliding surface. Finally, NNW–SSE-trending tilts above the uppermost S3 sliding surface are interpreted as the result of infilling on the side of the scar produced by sliding.     

Passive margin evolution and its controls on natural gas leakage in the southern Orange Basin,blocks 3/4, offshore South Africa

Using a 2D seismic dataset that covers part of the southern Orange Basin offshore South Africa, we reconstructed the geological evolution of the basin. This evolutionary model was then used to investigate the occurrence of natural gas within the sedimentary column and the distribution of gas leakage features in relation to the observed sedimentary and tectonic structures developed in the post-rift succession since the Early Cretaceous. The Cretaceous succession has been subdivided into five seismic units. The highest sedimentation rates occur within the Barremian/Aptian (unit C1) and the Turonian/Coniacian (unit C3). Two Cenozoic units (T1 and T2) have been distinguished. These show a sudden decrease in sedimentation rate for the whole of the Cenozoic. Three phases of gravitational tectonics, with two Late Cretaceous phases of mass movement in the northern study area and Cenozoic slumping in the southern study area, have been related to sedimentation rates, sea-level changes, paleoenvironmental evolution and regional tectonics. The occurrence of natural gas leakage follows a coast-parallel distribution within the study area. In the near shore part at water depths shallower than 400 m, massive gas chimneys penetrate through the sediment layers and reach the (near-) surface. Within an intermediate narrow band, between 300 and <500 m water depth, the gas migrates more diffusely through sub-vertical faulted Cretaceous sediments, while in the outer part of the basin, through the Cretaceous and Cenozoic gravitational wedges, only very few signs of gas accumulation and migration can be seen along the faults. A conceptual model has been established with the Aptian source rock generating gas in the outer part of the basin. This source rock underlies the Cenozoic wedge in the south and the thick Cretaceous wedge in the north and is a postulated source for the natural gas within the sedimentary column. This thermogenically generated gas does not migrate directly through the gravitational faults and the above lying sediments, but moves buoyancy driven up-dip along stratigraphic layers, to escape through the sediments to the sea-floor in the inner shelf area.