Establishing the Late Pleistocene-Holocene sedimentation boundary in the southern North Sea using OSL dating of shallow continental shelf sediments

This paper provides insight into the fate of Late Weichselian and Early Holocene sediments accumulated in the German sector of the southern North Sea. A combination of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating and radiocarbon dating was applied to set up the chronology. Seven cores were studied to obtain ten quartz OSL samples and ten radiocarbon samples. The core locations were chosen along a southeast to northwest transect along the western side of the Elbe palaeovalley, giving a good coverage of the entire German North Sea area. All samples for OSL dating showed a significant scatter in the equivalent dose (D_e) distribution of quartz due to heterogeneous bleaching. The Minimum Age Model (MAM-3) was found to be the most suitable to extract true burial ages. It was inferred from the study that sedimentation did still occur during the late deglaciation period in many areas. These are mainly Late Weichselian glaciofluvial or glaciolacustrine sediments directly overlain by early Holocene fluvial and/or transgressive deposits and followed by modern marine sands. However, considerable late Weichselian erosion or a possible period of non-deposition was observed in the highland area to the northeast of the Dogger Bank and a small discontinuity in the near-shore region was noticed, probably due to early Holocene fluvial erosion. Relicts of a palaeo-river bank or terrace were identified in core 14VC to the east of the Dogger Bank. A possible interpretation of the Pleistocene-Holocene interface along the core transect is provided based on lithology and measured OSL and radiocarbon ages.     

南苏丹Melut盆地Palogue油田古近系Yabus组河型演化规律及主控因素分析*

针对南苏丹Melut盆地Palogue油田Yabus组独特的辫状河—曲流河沉积体系,利用定量统计和成因动态分析方法,通过引入“微相砂体密度”变量,深入总结了辫状河和曲流河不同的垂向岩相序列,从空间演化角度详细阐述了辫状河和曲流河的差异沉积过程及其河型转化规律,建立了同一物源体系下不同阶段河型转化的沉积模式,并明确了河型转化的主控因素。研究表明: Yabus组河流沉积体系先后经历了3个演化阶段。早期辫状河形成阶段,沉积物顺流加积形成垂向沙坝;中期辫—曲交汇沉积阶段,河流下切作用明显减弱,河流沉积作用转变为侧向加积,在辫状河道中形成斜列砂坝,且辫流坝开始向河道边部迁移形成曲流河点坝;晚期曲流河发育阶段,河道弯度大且砂体沉积规模小。     

Fluvial style changes during the last glacial-interglacial transition in the middle Tisza valley (Hungary)

The Weichselian Late Pleniglacial, Lateglacial and Holocene fluvial history of the middle Tisza valley in Hungary has been compared with other river systems in West and Central Europe, enabling us to define local and regional forcing factors in fluvial system change. Four Weichselian to Holocene floodplain generations, differing in palaeochannel characteristics and elevation, were defined by geomorphological analysis. Coring transects enabled the construction of the channel geometry and fluvial architecture. Pollen analysis of the fine-grained deposits has determined the vegetation development over time and, for the first time, a bio(chrono)stratigraphic framework for the changes in the fluvial system. Radiocarbon dating has provided an absolute chronology; however, the results are problematic due to the partly reworked character of the organic material in the loamy sediments. During the Late Pleniglacial, aggradation by a braided precursor system of the Tisza and local deflation and dune formation took place in a steppe or open coniferous forest landscape. A channel pattern change from braided to large-scale meandering and gradual incision occurred during the Late Pleniglacial or start of the Lateglacial, due to climate warming and climate-related boreal forest development, leading to lower stream power and lower sediment supply, although bank-full discharges were still high. Alternatively, this fluvial change might reflect the tectonically induced avulsion of the River Tisza into the area. The climatic deterioration of the Younger Dryas Stadial, frequently registered by fluvial system changes along the North Atlantic margin, is not reflected in the middle Tisza valley and meandering persisted. The Lateglacial to Holocene climatic warming resulted in the growth of deciduous forest and channel incision and a prominent terrace scarp developed. The Holocene floodplain was formed by laterally migrating smaller meandering channels reflecting lower bank-full discharges. Intra-Holocene river changes have not been observed.     

Glacitectonic evidence of ice sheet interaction and retreat across the western part of Dogger Bank (North Sea) during the Last Glaciation

High-resolution 2D seismic data from the western side of Dogger Bank (North Sea) has revealed that the glacigenic sediments of the Dogger Bank Formation record a complex history of sedimentation and penecontemporaneous, large-scale, ice-marginal to proglacial glacitectonism. The resulting complex assemblage of glacial landforms and sediments record the interplay between two separate ice masses revealing that Late Devensian ice sheet dynamics across Dogger Bank were far more complex than previously thought, involving the North Sea lobe of the British and Irish Ice Sheet, advancing from the west, interacting with the Dogger Bank lobe which expanded from the north. The active northward retreat of the Dogger Bank lobe resulted in the development of a complex assemblage of arcuate thrust-block moraines (≤ 15 km wide, > 30 km long) composed of highly folded and thrust sediments, separated by sedimentary basins and meltwater channels filled by outwash. The impact of the North Sea lobe was restricted to the western margin of Dogger Bank and led to deep-seated (100–150 m thick) glacitectonism in response to ice-push from the west. During the earlier expansion of the North Sea lobe, this thrust and fold complex initially occupied a frontal marginal position changing to a more lateral ice-marginal position as the ice sheet continued to expand to the south. The complex structural relationships between the two glacitectonic complexes indicates that these ice masses interacted along the western side of Dogger Bank, with the inundation of this area by ice probably occurring during the last glaciation when the ice sheets attained their maximum extents.     

Patterns of Late Pleistocene proglacial fluvial sedimentation in the SE Lithuanian Plain

We investigated proglacial fluvial sedimentation processes in the SE Lithuanian Plain by means of lithofacies analysis. The main parameters on which interpretations were based, were depositional structures of sandy sediments, paleohydraulic parameters and grain-size distribution. The development of the SE Lithuanian Plain illustrates the phenomenal shift of proglacial fluvial sedimentation from outwash plain to ice-marginal river during the ice retreat of the last glaciation. Three facies assemblages of braidplain deposits and two facies assemblages of palaeovalley deposits were distinguished in the sandy plain by means of qualitative and quantitative sedimentological research. This raises the question how the commonly accepted development of a SE orientated outwash plain could turn into an almost perpendicular (SW running) ice-marginal river. The vertical and lateral transitions of outwash plain facies present a classical example of braidplain evolution on slightly inclined lowlands, with well expressed proximal, middle and distal parts. Mid- and side-channel (point-bar) deposits of the proglacial valley point, however, which is unusual for proglacial fluvial systems, to a meandering character of the ice-marginal river. River types of various scale show a change from braided into meandering in the proglacial subenvironment. Lithofacies analysis and paleohydraulic parameters show distinct differences of the hydrodynamic regime during the first stage of the sandy plain development: from sedimentation on an outwash plain in a proglacial valley to sedimentation on a braidplain in a wide ice-marginal valley. The outwash system is characterized by a distinct downstream decrease in energy, whereas the ice-marginal river maintained most of its power and velocity.     

河流沉积学研究热点与进展--第11届国际河流沉积学大会综述

第11届国际河流沉积学大会于2017年7月17日-21日在加拿大卡尔加里大学举行,每四年举行一次的国际河流沉积学学术会议,吸引了当今北美、欧洲、澳洲及亚洲从事河流沉积学及相关学科研究的众多知名学者参会,研究成果充分体现了当前国际河流沉积学研究取得的重要进展和发展方向。重要进展有:1）河流动力学及其变化过程研究。其中包括将今论古法论现代河流沉积过程与古老地层对比,河道-洪泛平原体系的越岸复合沉积动力学,河流动力学与变化过程研究展望,恢复河道迁移过程:新一代平面图演化模式的讨论,冲积河流和基岩河流的湍流、颗粒间作用和沉积作用;2）陆缘河流。包括河流入海处的地貌动力学与沉积学,河流补给边缘的沉积物搬运、地貌和地层特征,干旱地区河流、冲积扇体系与风的相互作用,植被生长前、无植物生长、或是植被发育区河流的沉积过程研究;3）河流沉积地层及其地下资源。包括源-汇系统,"河流相模式"是否有用的讨论,辫状河、网状河、曲流河概念的厘定等;4）河流地貌变化。包括气候改变、泥泞植被洪泛平原等对河流沉积物通量、河流模式等产生影响,河道中冲积岛屿的演化和稳定河流的蛇曲化,河流环境中沉积物生物作用等。基于上述资料分析,认为河流演化过程从定性向定量化研究,物理模拟与数值模拟技术是河流沉积学研究不可或缺的手段,应用定量建模、数学计算等方法进行精准研究,碎屑锆石U-Pb定年技术是新一代从源到汇研究的重要工具等诸多方面,是我国学者应该重视并开展研究的方向。     

渤海西部晚第四纪地层层序特征及沉积响应

渤海是一个仅通过渤海海峡与北黄海相接的半封闭陆架浅海,晚第四纪以来的地层演化过程复杂,目前尚不清楚,且海相地层的形成时代存在争议.为了研究渤海西部晚第四纪以来的地层层序,对高分辨率浅地层剖面声学地层与典型钻孔沉积地层的进行对比分析.研究表明:高分辨率浅地层剖面自下而上划定的7个声学地层单元（U5、U4-2、U4-1、U3、U2、U1-2、U1-1）与钻孔岩心划分的沉积地层单元具有良好的对应关系.与MIS4期、MIS2期低海面时期的沉积间断密切相关的两个层序界面R5、R3,将渤海西部晚第四纪（MIS5期）以来的地层层序自下而上划分为3个层序（SQ3、SQ2、SQ1）:SQ3识别出下部海侵体系域与高水位体系域、上部海退体系域,分别对应MIS5期海平面相对较高时期的滨-浅海相交替沉积（U5）、MIS4期早期滨海相沉积（U4-2）;SQ2自下而上由低水位体系域[MIS4期中晚期与黄河、滦河相关的河湖相沉积（U4-1）]与海侵体系域[MIS3期早中期滨海相沉积（U3）]组成;SQ1自下而上包括低水位体系域[末次冰盛期与滦河相关的河湖相沉积（U2）]、海侵体系域[全新世早中期滨海相沉积（U1-2）]高水位体系域[全新世高海面以来的浅海相沉积（U1-1）].研究区的地层发育受控于海平面变化、沉积物供应、渤海海峡地形及活动构造的共同作用.      

鄂尔多斯盆地上三叠统延长组长10油层组沉积特征及物源*

鄂尔多斯盆地上三叠统延长组为大型拗陷湖盆沉积,长10油层组为延长组初始期沉积物。但其物源特征、沉积体系划分、沉积相类型等基础问题尚不清楚,严重制约了全盆地长10油层组的勘探发现。针对这些问题,作者采用了轻重矿物、锆石测年等分析方法,明确了长10油层组主要发育东北、西北、西南三大物源,根据物源特征沉积体系划分为东北、西北和西南沉积体系。综合野外露头、岩心、钻井、测井等资料揭示了长10主要发育河流-三角洲沉积,其中,西北沉积体系主要发育辫状河沉积,东北沉积体系发育曲河流-三角洲沉积,西南沉积体系发育辫状河-三角洲沉积,沉积中心位于太白-宜君一带,为浅湖相沉积。     

Late-glacial sedimentological and morphological changes in a lowland river in response to climatic change: the Maas,southern Netherlands

The late Pleniglacial and Late-glacial Maas valley, south of Nijmegen, contains four terraces. Three river systems are described based on the morphology of channel scars on these terrace surfaces and by sediment characteristics. The River Maas reacted to climatic warming at the start of the Weichselian Late-glacial by changing its river system slowly, from a braided system to a transitional phase between braiding and meandering and finally to a highly sinuous meandering system. The Maas reacted rapidly to the Younger Dryas climate deterioration by again establishing a braiding system. At the onset of the Holocene, the river changed abruptly to a meandering river without a transitional phase. The triggering factor for change in the Maas river pattern is almost certainly the changing climate in the Late Glacial. Gradient lines on the terrace surfaces show that tectonic activity did not modify the morphology of the channels. A division of the terraces is shown, the morphological, sedimentological and petrographical characteristics are presented and the linking of changing fluvial patterns with climatic changes or tectonic movements is discussed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mesozoic (Late Jurassic) palynomorphs and charcoal from a sandstone pebble from Quaternary glacial deposits of the North Sea

The palynological contents as well as macroscopic charcoal fragments from a calcareous sandstone pebble from Quaternary glacial deposits of the North Sea (80 km SW of the Dogger Bank) are described. The taxonomic composition of the palynoflora points to a Late Jurassic (or Late Jurassic/Early Cretaceous) age of the sandstone. The charcoal is interpreted as direct evidence of palaeo‐wildfire occurring during this period in the source area of the sediments of this particular sandstone. This finding, together with already published data on Mesozoic deposits, allows to conclude that wildfires were obviously widespread during this period in the area of the modern day North Sea and adjacent areas. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sea-level fluctuations and the geometric variability of tide-dominated sandbodies

This paper presents examples of various large tidal sandbodies from the Eocene Roda Sandstone in the southern Pyrenees and the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene in the East China Sea. An attempt is made to summarize the geometric variability of these large tidal sandbodies in relation to the sediment supply and tidal discharge of the depositional system. Transverse sand bars were developed in low-sinuosity, high-gradient channels with high influxes of coarse sediments and water from fluvial systems. Tidal point bars were formed in meandering low-gradient estuarine channel where tidal influence was stronger and sediment was finer than those of the transverse sand bar. A tidal delta complex was built up at the estuary mouth with an abundant sediment supply and an increased tidal discharge. Tidal sand ridges were formed when relict fluvial or deltaic sands were eroded and reworked by strong tidal currents during subsequent sea-level rise.

Since the sediment supply and the tidal discharge of the depositional system were closely related to the eustatic sea-level change and basin subsidence, i.e. the relative sea-level change, special attention will be given to the relationship between geometric variability of tidal sandbodies and the sequence stratigraphic framework in which various sandbodies occurred. Three orders of eustatic sea-level fluctuations can be recognized. The third-order eustatic sea-level cycle, together with basin subsidence, controlled the development of systems tracts and the occurrence of different tidal sandbodies, such as estuary and tidal flat facies during the late stage of a LSW systems tract (type 1 sequence) or a SM systems tract (type 2 sequence); tidal point bar facies, tidal delta facies or tidal sand-ridge facies during a TR systems tract; estuary facies during an early HS systems tract; and fluvial sand bar facies in a late HS systems tract and the early stage of a SM or LSW systems tract. There are also the fourth-order and fifth-order eustatic fluctuations, which are superimposed on the third-order eustatic changes and have important control on the build-up, abandonment and preservation of composite and single tidal sandbodies, respectively.

Since the deposition of tidal sandbodies is very sensitive to eustatic sea-level changes, recognition of various tidal sandbodies is important in sequence stratigraphy analyses of sedimentary basins and in the facies prediction of clastic sediments in basin modelling.     

Early–Middle Jurassic evolution of the northern Yangtze foreland basin: a record of uplift following Triassic continent–continent collision to form the Qinling–Dabieshan orogenic belt

The northern Yangtze foreland basin system was formed during the Mesozoic continental collision between the North and South China plates along the Mianlue suture. In response to the later phase of intra-continental thrust deformation, an extensive E–W-trending molasse basin with river, deltaic, and lake deposits was produced in front of the southern Qinling–Dabieshan foreland fold-and-thrust belt during the Early–Middle Jurassic (201–163 Ma). The basin originated during the Early Jurassic (201–174 Ma) and substantially subsided during the Middle Jurassic (174–163 Ma). A gravelly alluvial fan depositional system developed in the lower part of the Baitianba Formation (Lower Jurassic) and progressively evolved into a meandering river fluvial plain and lake systems to the south. The alluvial fan conglomerates responded to the initial uplift of the southern Qinling–Dabieshan foreland fold-and-thrust belt after the oblique collision between the Yangtze and North China plates during the Late Triassic. The Qianfoya Formation (lower Middle Jurassic) mainly developed from shore-shallow lacustrine depositional systems. The Shaximiao Formation (upper Middle Jurassic) predominantly consists of thick-bedded braided river delta successions that serve as the main body of the basin-filling sequences. The upward-coarsening succession of the Shaximiao Formation was controlled by intense thrusting in the southern Qinling–Dabieshan fold-and-thrust belt. Palaeogeographic reconstructions indicated an extensive E–W foredeep depozone along the fold-and-thrust belt during the Middle Jurassic (174–163 Ma) that was nearly 150 km wide. The depozone extended westward to the Longmenshan and further east to the northern middle Yangtze plate. The northern Yangtze foreland basin was almost completely buried or modified by the subsequent differential thrusting of Dabashan and its eastern regions (Late Jurassic to Cenozoic).     

断陷盆地拗陷期河流层序样式及其地貌响应:以渤海湾盆地沙垒田凸起区新近系明化镇组下段为例*

对于断陷盆地拗陷期远离滨岸的河流而言,其层序划分是层序地层学研究的难点。本研究在已有钻测井、岩心及地震资料分析基础上,以渤海湾盆地沙垒田凸起区新近系明化镇组下段(简称“明下段”)作为研究对象,将其划分为1个完整的三级层序、4个四级层序(即SQm1-SQm4)。沉积间断面、宽浅下切谷及复合连片砂体是该地区河流层序界面重要的识别标志。每个四级层序均由低可容空间和高可容空间体系域组成。地震地貌学定量分析表明,低可容空间体系有利于低弯度河流(辫状河、低弯度曲流河)发育,高可容空间体系域有利于中高弯度河流发育。新增可容空间和沉积物供给速率的变化对于河流不同体系域的砂体样式具有重要控制作用。     

Fluvial sequence pattern and its response of geomorphy in depression phase of rift basin: A case study of the Lower Member of Neogene Minghuazhen Formation in Shaleitian Uplift area,Bohai Bay Basin

The sequence classification is a difficulty of sequence stratigraphic study on rivers that are distal to coast area during the depression phase of rift basin. Based on the integrated analysis of logging,cores and seismic data,the case study shows that the Lower Member of Neogene Minghuazhen Formation in the Shaleitian Uplift area in the western Bohai Sea region corresponds to one complete third-order sequence which can be divided into four fourth-order sequences(i.e. SQm1-SQm4). Sedimentary hiatus,wide and shallow incised valley and amalgamated channel sand bodies are the main recognition of sequence boundaries in fluvial sequence stratigraphy of the study area. Each fourth-order sequence comprises low and high accommodation systems tracts. According to seismic sedimentological and quantitative geomorphological analysis,low-sinuosity rivers including braided river and low-sinuosity meandering river are well developed in the low accommodation systems tract,whereas the medium- to high-sinuosity meandering rivers are well preserved in the high accommodation systems tract. The change in the new creation of accommodation and the sediment supply exert a significant control on the stacked pattern within different systems tracts.     

Miocene tidal-influenced sedimentation to continental Pliocene sedimentation in the forebulge–backbulge depozones of the Beni–Mamore foreland Basin (northern Bolivia)

Mio-Pliocene deposits of the forebulge–backbulge depozones of the Beni-Mamore foreland Basin indicate tidally to fluvially dominated sedimentation. Seven facies assemblages have been recognized: FAA–FAG. FAA represents a distal bottom lake assemblage, FAB and FAD are interpreted as tidal flat deposits, FAC and FAG are interpreted as fluvial systems, FAE sediments are deposited in a subtidal/shoreface setting, and FAG represents a meandering fluvial system. The identification of stratigraphic surfaces (SU, MFS, and MRS) and the relationship among the facies assemblages permit the characterization of several systems tracts: a falling-stage systems tract (FSST) followed by a lowstand systems tract (LST), a transgressive systems tract (TST), and a highstand systems tract (HST). The FSST and LST may have been controlled by the uplift of the Beni-Mamore forebulge, whereas TST may result from a quiescent stage in the forebulge. Subaerial unconformity two (SU2) records the passage from a tide-influenced depositional system to a fully continental depositional system. The Miocene tidal-influenced deposits in the Beni–Mamore Basin suggest that it experienced a connection, either with the South Atlantic Ocean or the Caribbean Sea or both.     

Climate-related river activity at the Weichselian-Holocene transition: a comparative study of the Warta and Maas rivers

Huvial systems from the Dutch and Polish lowlands are compared for their evolution during the Weichselian deglaciation period. In both regions the Pleniglacial braided-river pattern changed to a meandering pattern in the beginning of the Lateglacial. Several transitional stages between braided and high-sinuosity meandering systems have been recognized. A difference in fluvial activity is found during the Younger Dryas when the Maas transformed to a braided pattern while the Warta maintained its meandering pattern. Phases of erosion and aggradation are more or less synchronous in the different river basins, but their intensity may differ greatly. The major characteristics of the fluvial systems are obviously a response to the general climatic evolution and related to changes in vegetation. The regional differences are of minor importance and can be explained by site-specific factors. Threshold values within the latter factors define the changes in river dynamics.     

鄂尔多斯盆地华池地区中侏罗统延安组延9油层组河流沉积及演化

据新的地层划分方案及大量钻井、露头和岩心资料,详细研究了鄂尔多斯盆地华池地区延安组延9油层组（Y9）沉积体系特征及演化,认为延9油层组主要为河流沉积,是延10油层组的继承与发展,发育有辫状河、辫状型曲流河和网状河3种类型的河流。Y39油层是辫状河发育的油层,Y29油层在继承Y39油层河流的基础上发育辫状型曲流河,Y19油层则是在前两期逐渐填平补齐之后,在准平原条件下发育的网状河沉积。华池地区延9油层组发育辫状河-辫状型曲流河和网状河两种河流沉积模式。     

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.     

山西二叠系河流沉积特征

山西西部二叠系沉积环境以河流为主,除曲流河外,还有为数不多的辫状河与交织河。曲流河以发育曲流沙坝、洪泛平原和决口扇为其特征。辫状河发育河道沙坝沉积,洪泛平原沉积不太发育。交织河以河道稳定为特征,伴有沼泽沉积,是理想的成煤环境。     

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.