Deltaic sedimentation in the Lake Hazar pull-apart basin, south-eastern Turkey

Lake Hazar lies within a small pull-apart basin along the East Anatolian Transform Fault in south-eastern Turkey. Deltas are formed where streams debouch into the low-energy lacustrine environment. The facies constituting the deltas include delta plain debris flow, braided stream, and marginal lacustrine deposits; delta front foreset and mouth bar deposits; prodelta and lacustrine deposits. The facies are spatially restricted with sharp transitions. Facies sequences and relationships indicate two distinct styles of deltaic sedimentation. Fan deltas with a tripartite structure characteristic of Gilbert-type deltas comprise the marginal drainage system and form along the basin margins. Mouth bar deltas develop where the axial drainage system of the basin debouches into the lake. The distribution of the two deltaic types is thought to be a function of gradient and controlled by position relative to faults within the basin.     

晚更新世江苏海岸带沉积分布模拟研究

中国边缘海大陆架在晚更新世时期曾是海岸平原,在古长江、古黄河泥沙填充下形成了陆架堆积体,并在全新世发育了南黄海辐射沙脊群、废黄河三角洲和长江三角洲。根据点状的地质钻孔分析和重建,对南黄海-江苏海岸的沉积体系的分布和变化机制尚不明了。作为动力机制探讨,基于气候-海面-沉积系统,根据气候水文学、沉积学原理以及泥沙沉积面的动态高程计算,构建了气候冰川驱动-东黄海地海系统响应-河流沉积建造的数值模式,模拟了14万年、4万年和1万年不同时间尺度江苏海岸线和长江三角洲沉积的变化过程和分布,进而对冰川气候、构造沉降、沉积压实等复杂效应下的海面特征、陆源泥沙沉积和海岸线进行分析。模拟结果与地质钻孔资料揭示的层序和埋深能够进行对比。     

Contrasting morphodynamics in alluvial fans and fan deltas: effect of the downstream boundary

Alluvial fans and fan deltas can, in principle, have exactly the same upstream conditions, but fan deltas by definition have ponding water at their downstream boundary. This ponding creates effects on the autogenic behaviour of fan deltas, such as backwater adaptation, mouth bars and backward sedimentation, whereas alluvial fans may lack these effects. Hence the present authors hypothesize that morphodynamics on alluvial fans are determined primarily by upstream boundary conditions, whereas morphodynamics on fan deltas are determined by both the upstream and the downstream boundary condition and changes therein. To isolate the effects of the upstream and downstream boundaries, five new alluvial fan experiments are compared with the details of three fan deltas published earlier that were formed under very similar and simple conditions. Similar to the fan deltas, the alluvial fans build up by sheet flow, whilst quasi‐regular periods of incision cause temporary channelized flow. Incision is followed by channel backfilling, after which the fan returns to sheet flow. The channelization and backfilling in alluvial fans is markedly less pronounced and more prone to autogenic disturbance than in fan deltas. The difference is caused by morphodynamics at the downstream boundary. In a fan delta, the flow expansion of the channel causes deposition of all the sediment, which forms a mouth bar and causes strong backfilling. In an alluvial fan, on the other hand, the slope break at the fan perimeter causes some deposition, but transport is not reduced to zero. Consequently, the backfilling in alluvial fans is less pronounced than in fan deltas. Other published experiments support this trend: removal of the mouth bar by a river leads to permanent channelization, whilst pronounced mouth‐bar formation in highly channelized deltas promotes backward sedimentation. The experimental results for this study predict that, when alluvial fans prograde into lakes or deep rivers, they transition to fan deltas with increasingly deeper channels and thicker backfill deposits.     

中国南沙海域大中型盆地沉积特征与油气分布

中国南沙海域大中型盆地蕴含着丰富的油气资源,这些盆地大多形成于新生代,自下而上沉积陆相—海陆过渡相—海相地层。不同的盆地沉积分布主控因素不同。碎屑岩沉积受控于3大古水系:即华南古陆南缘造山带古水系控制南薇西盆地和北康盆地扇三角洲,巽他陆架古水系控制湄公盆地和万安盆地三角洲,婆罗洲古水系控制曾母盆地和文莱—沙巴盆地扇三角洲与三角洲。碳酸盐沉积受控于水体和构造条件,温暖、干净、适度动荡的浅水环境有利于碳酸盐岩台地和生物礁形成与生长。多种沉积相类型构成多种油气储集体,中新统砂岩和碳酸盐岩储集层最为重要,烃源岩分布具规律性。研究认为块体漂移控制了南沙大中型盆地油气分布,形成3套生储盖组合,发育3类岩性地层圈闭。     

Sediment density flow distribution on wave-influenced deltas

Deltas are at the transition between fluvial and marine sedimentary environments where sediment density flows are often triggered during high river discharge events, forming submarine channels and sediment waves. On wave-influenced deltas, longshore currents are particularly efficient at transporting sediment alongshore, reducing the likelihood of sediment density flows from occurring at river mouths. This study describes four deltaic sedimentary systems at different stages of their evolution on a formerly glaciated continental inner shelf of eastern Canada in order to better understand the distribution of sediment density flows on wave-influenced deltas. Three types of settings are recognized as being prone to sediment density flows: (i) in the early stages of wave-influence and on large deltas, converging longshore currents can lead to offshelf sediment transport; (ii) on wave-influenced to wave-dominated deltas, a sandy spit can re-route the river mouth and sediment density flows form where the spit intersects the delta lip; (iii) in advanced stages of wave-dominated deltas and during their demise, rocky headlands are exposed and can intersect the slope, where off-shelf sediment transport occurs. These types of sediment density flows were all characterized by debris flows or surge-type turbidity currents which have limited offshore run-out. More rarely, hyperpycnal flows form at the river mouths, especially where the river incises glaciomarine clays prone to landsliding in the river, which increases fine-grained fluvial suspended sediment concentration. Overall, these results highlight the predominance of fluvial-dominated deltas during a phase of relative sea-level fall combined with high sediment supply. However, as soon as sediment supply diminishes, wave action remobilizes sediment alongshore modifying the distribution and types of sediment density flows occurring on wave-influenced deltas.     

济阳坳陷东营凹陷古近系沙河街组沉积相

济阳坳陷东营凹陷的主要含油层系为古近系沙河街组。沙河街组各段沉积相的展布各具特征,演化序列清楚。沙四段早期主要发育冲积—洪积扇,分布于湖盆的边缘地区;沙四段晚期,受北断南超的箕状构造背景控制,由北向南依次发育了近岸水下扇、滑塌浊积扇、半深湖相和滨浅湖濉坝相沉积。沙三段沉积时期是三角洲发育的鼎盛时期,三角洲的主体主要分布于凹陷的东部和中部地区,伴随着三角洲自东向西的推进及湖盆范围的不断缩小,沉积类型由早期的三角洲—滑塌浊积扇、三角洲—坡移浊积扇体系向晚期的河流—三角洲体系演化。南部斜坡带以河流相沉积为主,北部陡坡带垂向上由近岸水下扇—滑塌浊积扇、三角洲和辫状河三角洲组成。经过沙三段沉积时期三角洲等的填平补齐作用,到沙二段沉积时期以河流相沉积为主,只在凹陷西部的利津洼陷发育小规模的三角洲—浅湖相沉积。沙—段沉积时期湖盆发生大规模湖侵,物源供应减弱,以滨、浅湖相沉积为主,在凹陷南部边缘发育有滩坝相沉积。     

库车坳陷中生界三种类型三角洲的比较研究

库车坳陷中生代呈北陡南缓的箕状,其内连续沉积了一套厚度巨大的冲积-湖泊碎屑沉积体。湖缘扇三角洲、辫状河三角洲及曲流河三角洲非常发育,它们的特征清楚、区别明显:（1） 扇三角洲为突发的、瞬时的灾变事件产生的重力流沉积与间灾变期正常牵引流沉积交替进行,并以重力流沉积占主导地位:其平原亚相类似于冲积扇沉积,河道砂体呈透镜状,厚度小、变化大。（2） 辫状河三角洲为正常的河流牵引流沉积,通常受到湍急洪水控制,为季节性沉积作用产物;平原亚相类似于辫状河沉积;河道沉积发育,砂体总体呈层状,内部由若干个下粗上细的河道砂岩透镜体相互叠置而成,交错层发育,尤以侧积交错层异常发育为特征,岩性以颗粒支撑的砂砾岩为主。（3） 曲流河三角洲为正常的河流牵引流沉积,沉积物输入量为相对连续的终年河流的产物,平原亚相类似于曲流河沉积:河道砂体呈层状,交错层发育,类型丰富。当然,这三种类型三角洲之间亦存在着密不可分的内在联系,不仅同一时期内可以并存,而且随着地质历史的演化可相互转化。     

Fluvial response to rapid high‐amplitude lake‐level changes during the Late Weichselian and early Holocene,Ain River valley,Jura, France

In the present paper the effects of rapid, high‐amplitude base‐level changes during the last glacial‐interglacial transition were studied for the Ain River in eastern France. During the Würm glacial maximum (MIS 2) rapid aggradation by deep‐water Gilbert‐type deltas and shallow‐water fan deltas occurred at the margins of a 20 to 50 m deep proglacial lake. A temporal high‐amplitude lake‐level fall of 60 m resulted in gravel deposition by forced‐regressive deltas, followed by rapid lake‐level rise and fine‐grained glaciolacustrine deposition. During the final deglaciation, a rapid base‐level fall of 40 m resulted in a complex fluvial response. Knickpoint formation and headward incision of the highstand deltas and concomitant deposition of gravel sheets by forced‐regressive deltas and braided systems occurred in several depocentres on the former glacial lake floor. Preservation of highstand and falling‐stage deposits and terrace formation in the incised valley depended on vertical incision and lateral channel migration. Terraces are well developed in the former lake‐floor depressions, whereas vertical incision was dominant in the higher lake‐floor areas. The Ain terrace staircase was likely formed by autogenic processes during a single allogenic base‐level fall. This case study possibly offers an analogue for the preservation of interglacial highstand coastal deltas during sea‐level fall at warm‐to‐cold climate transitions, although the rates of base‐level fall are different.     

The depositional architecture and facies variability of shelf deltas in the Eocene Battfjellet Formation,Nathorst Land,Spitsbergen

Deltas are commonly classified according to their plan‐view morphology as either river‐dominated, tide‐dominated or wave‐dominated. However, most deltas form under the mixed influence of these processes, commonly with laterally varying process regimes. It has also become clear that there is a mismatch between the plan‐view morphology and internal facies composition in some deltas. Combined outcrop and subsurface data from the Eocene Battfjellet Formation, Spitsbergen, provide an example of ancient shelf deltas that formed under mixed influence. Internally, these shelf deltas are characterized by wave‐dominated facies that are normally associated with strike‐extensive, nearly linear shoreline sandstones. However, the formation comprises partially overlapping sandstone bodies of limited lateral extent (<20 km in any direction). This stacking pattern is attributed to frequent autogenic lobe switching that caused localized and rapid transgressions. Such processes typify fluvial‐dominated deltas and occur less commonly in wave‐dominated ones. Thus, there is an apparent mismatch between inferred plan‐view morphology and internal facies composition. It is argued that the Battfjellet deltas were flood‐dominated and prograded mainly during periods of high fluvial discharge. However, reworking of the fluvial‐flood facies by fair‐weather and storm waves, as well as longshore currents, resulted in a wave‐dominated facies character. Delta lobes undergoing auto‐retreat were particularly prone to reworking by basinal processes, including tidal currents. It is suggested that repeated delta progradation from inner shelf settings towards the outer shelf and shelf edge was aided by high sediment supply rather than relative falls in sea‐level as previously suggested. This interpretation is supported by: (i) the lack of major facies dislocations and extensive sub‐aerial unconformities; and (ii) an overall relative rise in sea‐level as evidenced by an overall low‐angle (0·8 to 1·2°) ascending shoreline trajectory. The latter results from the combined effect of basin subsidence, eustatic highstand and sediment compaction.     

一个辫状河三角洲的沉积特征——以民和盆地朱家台组为例

本文论述了民和盆地朱家台组辫状河三角洲的主要沉积特征,及其与扇三角洲的异同点进行了重点讨论,对正确识别两类粗粒三角洲沉积,对盆地演化的研究及其储集性具有重要意义。     

三角洲沉积模式存在的问题与讨论

三角洲是一类非常重要的沉积相,是油气聚集的有利场所。准确可靠的三角洲沉积模式,对指导油气的勘探和开发有重要意义。关于教科书中经典的三角洲沉积模式和一些相关概念,很少有人质疑过。但研究发现,该模式及一些相关概念存在许多问题,诸如对于三角洲平原、三角洲前缘和前三角洲等亚相的定义含糊不清,各亚相之间缺乏明确的、具可操作性的界限。由于海(湖)平面是波动的,模式中未明确三角洲平原与三角洲前缘究竟以哪种海(湖)平面为界。三角洲平原与正常河流冲积平原的边界、三角洲前缘与前三角洲的边界、前三角洲与正常海(湖)的边界均未明确,也没有系统总结它们各自的识别、区分标志,致使不同的研究者根据自己的理解对古代同一地层可能得出不同的结论。三角洲有多种类型,且不同类型的三角洲沉积特征不同,应有各自的沉积模式,但许多研究者将曲流河三角洲沉积模式用于所有三角洲亚相、微相划分。经典沉积模式中,三角洲前缘发育水下分支河道和水下天然堤,但笔者等研究表明这2个微相不存在。而三角洲平原上普遍发育的砂体——汊口滩与并口滩,在经典三角洲沉积模式中未提及。作者针对三角洲沉积模式存在的各种问题,进行了深入讨论,并结合现代沉积,系统总结了能用于古代沉积不同亚相和微相的识别、区分标志。     

浅水三角洲沉积模式

浅水湖盆三角洲与一般三角洲具有明显的差异,为弄清浅水三角洲的沉积特征和砂体分布规律,以现代沉积、地震属性反演和密井网区解剖,确定了两种特征截然不同的浅水湖盆三角洲,即枝状的分流河道型三角洲和连片的分流砂坝型三角洲（现代洞庭湖和鄱阳湖、尕斯N1—N21油田、BZ28和BZ26区块三维地震属性）。枝状三角洲骨架砂体发育的主体为天然堤,三角洲呈现出明显的树枝状,各朵体分散、朵体间不连接或通过决口水道连接。三角洲整体上不具备广阔的平原相带,呈现出窄条状的特征。分流砂坝型三角洲发育的主体是分流砂坝,砂呈现朵状、坨状,朵体发育集中,基本上呈现片状分布,在各朵体之间部位会发育分流间湾沉积,但常常因朵体增长而被填充,最终常表现为浅水沼泽。     

辽河盆地冷家油田沙河街组三段储层岩相古地理

辽河盆地在沙河街组三段早期水体较深,主要形成扇三角洲及盆底扇;沙三晚期水体较浅,发育湖泊砂体.依据沉积相分布规律,沙三早、中、晚3个时期可进一步分别划分出湖泊扩张和收缩阶段.盆地西部凹陷的冷家油田为东陡西缓的箕状洼陷.研究区内沙三段的古地理格局是决定相分布的关键因素,河流和湖泊能量相对强弱决定扇体沉积的规模.受相对湖平面变化的影响,纵向扇三角洲主要形成于湖泊扩张时期,并且有相带窄、过渡快、以粗碎屑沉积为主的特点.扇体沉积中主要发育前缘分流河道充填沉积,但位于河口前缘或侧缘的滩坝及前三角洲中的盆底扇局部也较发育.     

Ice‐marginal forced regressive deltas in glacial lake basins: geomorphology,facies variability and large‐scale depositional architecture

This study presents a synthesis of the geomorphology, facies variability and depositional architecture of ice‐marginal deltas affected by rapid lake‐level change. The integration of digital elevation models, outcrop, borehole, ground‐penetrating radar and high‐resolution shear‐wave seismic data allows for a comprehensive analysis of these delta systems and provides information about the distinct types of deltaic facies and geometries generated under different lake‐level trends. The exposed delta sediments record mainly the phase of maximum lake level and subsequent lake drainage. The stair‐stepped profiles of the delta systems reflect the progressive basinward lobe deposition during forced regression when the lakes successively drained. Depending on the rate and magnitude of lake‐level fall, fan‐shaped, lobate or more digitate tongue‐like delta morphologies developed. Deposits of the stair‐stepped transgressive delta bodies are buried, downlapped and onlapped by the younger forced regressive deposits. The delta styles comprise both Gilbert‐type deltas and shoal‐water deltas. The sedimentary facies of the steep Gilbert‐type delta foresets include a wide range of gravity‐flow deposits. Delta deposits of the forced‐regressive phase are commonly dominated by coarse‐grained debrisflow deposits, indicating strong upslope erosion and cannibalization of older delta deposits. Deposits of supercritical turbidity currents are particularly common in sand‐rich Gilbert‐type deltas that formed during slow rises in lake level and during highstands. Foreset beds consist typically of laterally and vertically stacked deposits of antidunes and cyclic steps. The trigger mechanisms for these supercritical turbidity currents were both hyperpycnal meltwater flows and slope‐failure events. Shoal‐water deltas formed at low water depths during both low rates of lake‐level rise and forced regression. Deposition occurred from tractional flows. Transgressive mouthbars form laterally extensive sand‐rich delta bodies with a digitate, multi‐tongue morphology. In contrast, forced regressive gravelly shoal‐water deltas show a high dispersion of flow directions and form laterally overlapping delta lobes. Deformation structures in the forced‐regressive ice‐marginal deltas are mainly extensional features, including normal faults, small graben or half‐graben structures and shear‐deformation bands, which are related to gravitational delta tectonics, postglacial faulting during glacial‐isostatic adjustment, and crestal collapse above salt domes. A neotectonic component cannot be ruled out in some cases.     

Conceptual framework for assessing the response of delta channel networks to Holocene sea level rise

Recent research has identified two fundamental unit processes that build delta distributary channels. The first is mouth-bar deposition at the shoreline and subsequent channel bifurcation, which is driven by progradation of the shoreline; the second is avulsion to a new channel, a result of aggradation of the delta topset. The former creates relatively small, branching networks such as Wax Lake Delta; the latter generates relatively few, long distributaries such as the Mississippi and Atchafalaya channels on the Mississippi Delta. The relative rate of progradation to aggradation, and hence the creation of accommodation space, emerges as a controlling parameter on channel network form. Field and experimental research has identified sea level as the dominant control on Holocene delta growth worldwide, and has empirically linked channel network changes to changes in the rate of sea level rise. Here I outline a simple modeling framework for distributary network evolution, and use this to explore large-scale changes in Holocene channel pattern that have been observed in deltas such as the Rhine-Meuse and Mississippi. Rapid early- to mid-Holocene sea level rise forced many deltas into an aggradational mode, where I hypothesize that avulsion and the generation of large-scale branches should dominate. Slowing of sea level rise in the last ～6000 yr allowed partitioning of sediment into progradation, facilitating the growth of smaller-scale distributary trees at the shorelines of some deltas, and a reduction in the number of large-scale branches. Significant antecedent topography modulates delta response; the filling of large incised valleys, for example, caused many deltas to bypass the aggradational phase. Human effects on deltas can be cast in terms of geologic controls affecting accommodation: constriction of channels forces rapid local progradation and mouth-bar bifurcation, while accelerated sea level rise increases aggradation and induces more frequent channel avulsion.     

川西上侏罗统遂宁组沉积相特征

川西地区在晚侏罗世遂宁期处于稳定坳陷阶段,构造活动相对较弱,主要沉积一套稳定的鲜紫红色泥（页）岩夹长石岩屑细-粉砂岩地层,构成了一个相对独立和完整的沉积旋回。根据不同级次基准面旋回分析,川西遂宁组可划分出1个长期层序、3个中期层序（对应于遂宁组的3个岩性段）和十余个短期层序。以各中期层序的上升和下降相域为编图单元编制的沉积相图表明：遂宁期川西地区以广泛发育被湖湾分隔的曲流河三角洲沉积体系为特征,并形成各自相对独立的储、盖组合和油气聚集成藏条件。遂宁期沉积演化具明显受基准面旋回控制的继承性,遂宁期早期（遂宁组一段沉积时期）,基准面不断上升,沉积作用以进积→加积为主,沿龙门山前缘发育有小型冲积扇或带状剥蚀区,向前分别在丰谷、新都、回龙镇各发育1套大且稳定的三角洲;遂宁期中期（遂宁组二段沉积时期）,随着基准面由缓慢上升转为下降,沉积作用由加积→退积→加积演化,遂宁期早期形成的3个三角洲分裂成4～5个发育较均衡的三角洲;遂宁期晚期（遂宁组三段沉积时期）,随着基准面不断下降,沉积作用由加积→进积演化,三角洲不断向湖推进,同时,由于受陆源物质供给不均衡的影响,该时期川西地区三角洲发育有较大变化,除在德阳发育1个较稳定的三角洲外,在新都发育的三角洲逐渐消亡,而在新津则由浅湖沉积逐渐演变为大型三角洲沉积。     

Depositional facies and the sequence stratigraphic control of a mixed-process influenced clastic wedge in the Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway: The Gallup System,New Mexico,USA

Depositional facies have been hypothesized to be linked to sequence stratigraphic positions. Also, shoreline systems are built by mixed processes, including rivers, storms, fair-weather waves and tides. Resolving the complexity of shoreline deposition requires detailed quantitative facies analysis with particular attention to heterolithic successions. In this study, 71 sections in a 130 km long outcrop belt of the Cretaceous Gallup Formation in the north-west of the San Juan Basin were measured. Five major facies associations were identified using sedimentological and iconological interpretations, including offshore shelf, non-deltaic shoreline sandstones, deltas, coastal bayline and fluvial. Each facies association also comprises subordinate facies. Depositional facies interpretations are placed in a high-resolution sequence stratigraphic framework that allows for reconstructions of the palaeogeography of individual parasequence sets that demonstrate temporal and spatial evolution of facies associations and depositional processes. The results show that the Gallup is a mixed-process-controlled depositional system with fair-weather and storm-wave dominance, river influence and tide-effect, contrasting with previous interpretations of a solely fair-weather wave-dominated environment. Depositional processes and the resultant facies change with sequence stratigraphic positions in response to relative sea-level changes – particular facies are only deposited in certain systems tracts. Distinction and transition between non-deltaic shorefaces and wave-dominated deltas have also been documented in this study. Non-deltaic shorefaces are characterized by homogeneous sandstones with a wide-range bioturbation index and the absence of mudstones. Wave-dominated deltas are subject to river influence and contain prodelta facies. This study shows the importance of detailed facies analysis with high-resolution sequence stratigraphic control using outcrops for documenting sedimentary processes of shallow marine shoreline systems.     

Numerical modelling of depositional sequences in half-graben rift basins

ABSTRACT A three‐dimensional numerical model of sediment transport and deposition in coarse‐grained deltas is used to investigate the controls on depositional sequence variability in marine half‐graben extensional basins subject to eustatic sea‐level change. Using rates of sea‐level change, sediment supply and fault slip reported from active rift basins, the evolution of deltas located in three contrasting structural settings is documented: (1) footwall‐sourced deltas in high‐subsidence locations near the centre of a fault segment; (2) deltas fed by large drainage catchments at fault tips; and (3) deltas sourced from drainage catchments on the hangingwall dip slope. Differences in the three‐dimensional form and internal stratigraphy of the deltas result from variations in tilting of the hangingwall and the impact of border fault slip rates on accommodation development. Because subsidence rates near the centre of fault segments are greater than all but the fastest eustatic falls, footwall‐sourced deltas lack sequence boundaries and are characterized by stacked highstand systems tracts. High subsidence and steep bathymetry adjacent to the fault result in limited progradation. In contrast, the lower subsidence rate settings of the fault‐tip and hangingwall dip‐slope deltas mean that they are subject to relative sea‐level fall and associated fluvial incision and forced regression. Low gradients and tectonic tilting of the hangingwall influence the geometry of these deltas, with fault‐tip deltas preferentially prograding axially along the fault, creating elongate delta lobes. In contrast, broad, sheet‐like delta lobes characterize the hangingwall dip‐slope deltas. The model results suggest that different systems tracts may be coeval over length scales of several kilometres and that key stratal surfaces defining and subdividing depositional sequences may only be of local extent. Furthermore, the results highlight pitfalls in sequence‐stratigraphic interpretation and problems in interpreting controlling processes from the preserved stratigraphic product.     

Ichnology of prodeltaic hyperpycnite–turbidite channel complexes and lobes from the Upper Cretaceous Prairie Canyon Member of the Mancos Shale,Book Cliffs,Utah, USA

The Upper Cretaceous Prairie Canyon Member of the Mancos Shale, Book Cliffs, Utah, contain outstanding examples of prodeltaic turbidity and hyperpycnal flow deposits. Sandstone‐rich, heterolithic and mudstone‐rich channel fills occur near the north‐west entrance to Tusher Canyon, Gunnison Butte and Bootlegger Wash. Mudstone‐rich and heterolithic‐rich hyperpycnal channel deposits are mostly unbioturbated, locally displaying a few specimens of Phycosiphon incertum, Protovirgularia dichotoma, Rosselia socialis, Schaubcylindrichnus coronus and Palaeophycus tubularis. Sandstone‐rich channel deposits consist of wave‐reworked turbidites and hyperpycnites, containing Helminthoidichnites tenuis, Lockeia siliquaria, Phycodes isp., Phycosiphon incertum, Protovirgularia dichotoma, Rosselia socialis, Skolithos linearis and Fugichnia. Scolicia isp. and Chondrites isp. occur locally. Strata along the south‐west entrance of Tusher Canyon record deposition in a prodelta turbidite lobe, but far from its axis. With the exception of a few specimens of Ophiomorpha isp., bioturbation is restricted to the top of the succession, where Curvolithus simplex, Gyrochorte comosa, Lockeia siliquaria, Palaeophycus tubularis and Ptychoplasma excelsum occur. Strata at Hatch Mesa record deposition in a hyperpycnal lobe, near to its axis. Sandstone beds include Curvolithus simplex, Gyrochorte comosa, Ophiomorpha nodosa, Palaeophycus tubularis, Phycosiphon incertum, Protovirgularia dichotoma, Ptychoplasma excelsum, Schaubcylindrichnus freyi, Skolithos linearis, large specimens of Rosselia socialis and indeterminate crustacean burrows. Chondrites isp. is present in the mudstone. High rates of both episodic and sustained sedimentation, degree of substrate consolidation, freshwater discharge and water turbidity are the most important stress factors in both channels and lobes. Taxonomic composition, uneven distribution of bioturbation through the successions, and overall low ichnodiversity help to distinguish these prodeltaic deposits from bathymetrically equivalent offshore strata in the same basin. Hyperpycnal flow deposits are formed in a wide variety of environmental settings, therefore displaying high ichnological variability. Such variability is summarized by characterising ichnofaunas from four different depositional settings: (i) lakes; (ii) shelf deltas; (iii) shelf‐edge deltas; and (iv) deep‐marine systems.     

Stratigraphic architecture of the Plio-Pleistocene infill of the Corinth Rift: Implications for its structural evolution

An integrated study of the stratigraphy, structure, sedimentology, and geomorphology of the Akrata–Derveni region (southern coast of the Gulf of Corinth, Greece) forms the basis for a tectono-stratigraphic model for the evolution of the Plio-Pleistocene central Corinth Rift.

The syn-rift sediments exposed on the uplifted southern coast of the Gulf of Corinth comprise three stratigraphic groups. Maximum total thickness of the syn-rift sediments can reach 2800 m in the middle of the studied area. The Lower Group is made of fluvio-lacustrine deposits. The Middle Group corresponds to thick alluvial fan conglomerates and their equivalent Gilbert-type fan deltas that built toward the north. The Upper Group is composed of uplifted terrace deposits, slope breccias and small Gilbert-type deltas. These groups have been subdivided into informal formations and depositional systems. Restoration of the stratigraphic architecture along a N–S transect provides a linked structural and depositional model for this part of the rift. Reconstruction of the latest phases of uplift is based on a study of geomorphological features.

Evolutionary phases include, (1) an overall increase in accommodation space during deposition of the Lower and Middle Groups followed by (2) a drastic decrease in accommodation space during deposition of the Upper Group. Sedimentary signals indicate that most of the major normal faults were active during deposition of the Lower Group. The depocentre was located in the middle part of the study area and paleocurrents were predominantly toward the ENE. The main depositional system shifted south at the onset of deposition of the Middle Group, recording a widening and deepening of the rift. This major event also corresponds to a change in paleocurrent direction to a clear northward polarity. The southernmost border fault, the Killini Fault, was sealed during deposition of the Middle Group. A northward migration of fault activity was associated with northward progradation of giant Gilbert-type fan deltas that record water depths up to 500 m. Finally, the fan delta system was abandoned as progressive tilting to the south and uplift of the margin induced a reversal of the drainage system with the development of an endorheic depression. Sediment supply to the basin thus decreased and a forced regression took place during deposition of the Upper Group recording a northward shift of more than 5 km and a 600 m relative sea-level drop. As no major eustatic sea-level falls of such amplitude are documented during the Pleistocene, the uplift is linked to regional tectonics. Uplift and fault reactivation gave the present day configuration of the southern coast of the Gulf.