Bed-thickness and grain size of turbidites

In measured sequences of limestone- and greywacke-turbidites the bed-thickness is found to vary proportionally with the fall velocity of the maximum grain size, found at the base of the bed. A simple theoretical model, based on the decay of isotropic turbulence, suggests that bed-thickness should be a function not only of this fall velocity, but also of bottom slope, flow depth and the concentration and grain-size distribution of the sediment in the turbidity current. The field data do show some influence of these additional factors. Nevertheless, for many natural sequences of turbidites the flows must have carried very poorly sorted sediments and the inferred flow volumes and densities must cluster tightly about modal values. Thus, grain size remains the primary variable and the modal regression curve of bed-thickness on maximum grain size is well defined and resembles a fall-velocity curve. Relatively steep basin floors near to source can, theoretically, cause these modal regressions for distal and very proximal parts of a turbidite to diverge, introducing a crudely parabolic appearance in the form of the total regression curve. The form of this parabolic curve predicts the deposition of thin but relatively coarse proximal beds. Such beds do occur. They are different from the thin, but relatively fine, proximal beds that have been interpreted as the result of a fractionation of a turbidity current during levee-forming processes.     

Stochastic analysis of bed-thickness distribution of sediments

On formation of a bed and distribution of bed thickness, A. N. Kolmogorov presented a mathematical explanation that if repetitive alternations of material accumulation and erosion form a sequence of beds, the resultant bed-thickness distribution curve takes a shape truncated by the ordinate at zero thickness. In this truncated distribution curve, its continuation and extension from positive to negative thickness represents the distribution of beds with negative thickness, that is, the depth of erosion. When a distribution curve, including both positive and negative parts, is expressed by a function f(x),the ratio \(\int_0^\infty {f(x)dx to} \int_{ - \infty }^\infty {f(x)dx} \) ,called Kolmogorov's coefficient and designated as p,is a parameter representing the degree of accumulation in the depositional environment. On the assumption that f(x)is described by the Gaussian distribution function, the coefficient pfor Permian and Pliocene sequences in central Japan was calculated. The coefficients also were obtained from published data for different types of sediments from other areas. It was determined that they are more or less different depending on their depositional environments. The calculated results are summarized as follows: $$\begin{gathered} p = 0.80 - 1.0for{\text{ }}alluvial{\text{ }}or{\text{ }}fluvial{\text{ }}deposits \hfill \\ p = 0.65 - 0.95for{\text{ }}nearshore{\text{ }}sediments \hfill \\ p = 0.55 - 0.95for{\text{ }}geosynclinal{\text{ }}sediments \hfill \\ p = 0.90 - 1.0for{\text{ }}varves \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$ In addition, a ratio \(q = \int_0^\infty {xf(x)dx/} \int_{ - \infty }^\infty {|x|f(x)dx} \) ,called Kolmogorov's ratio in this paper, is introduced for estimating a degree of total thickness actually observed in the field relative to total thickness once present in a basin. The calculated results of Kolmogorov's ratio are as follows: $$\begin{gathered} q = 0.88 - 1.0for{\text{ }}alluvial{\text{ }}or{\text{ }}fluvial{\text{ }}deposits \hfill \\ q = 0.68 - 0.98for{\text{ }}nearshore{\text{ }}sediments \hfill \\ q = 0.55 - 0.96for{\text{ }}geosynclinal{\text{ }}sediments \hfill \\ q = 0.92 - 1.0for{\text{ }}varves \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$ The sedimentological significance of these values is discussed.     

Lithologic transition and bed thickness periodicities in turbidite successions of the Antola Formation, Northern Apennines, Italy

The Antola Formation of Upper Cretaceous age crops out extensively in the Northern Apennines and consists of graded units of calcareous sandstones, sandstones, marlstones, and shales. It can be subdivided into the Cerreto, Antola Marlstone, Bruggi, and S. Donato Members on the basis of bed thicknesses and percentage of shales. Although the whole formation is interpreted as a deep-sea basin plain deposit, the members constitute lateral facies subdivisions which range from proximal, thick-bedded turbidities that show a prevalence of thinning upward cycles in bed thicknesses to distal turbidites that show predominantly thickening upward cycles and have a high percentage of shale. Repetitive patterns in the lithological sequence of the turbidite association are generally distinctive and are satisfactorily described as first order Markov chains. Only the Antola Marlstone Member has an additional second order Markov property. Imaginary eigenvalues of the transition probability matrices of all but the Bruggi Member demonstrate a strong cyclic character in the lithologic ordering within the formation. The behaviour of the Antola Marlstone and of the Bruggi may reflect the influence of a secondary ophiolitic intra-basinal source of clastics that contributed sandy turbidites and olistostromes. Systematic long-term variations in the sequence of bed thickness development in some sections of the Antola Formation are often subtle and equivocal, and pose special problems in interpretation. Fourier analysis was applied to the task of partitioning fundamental wavelengths from “background noise” introduced by essentially random depositional processes. In all members there is (1) strong short-term wavelength of two to three beds indicative of alternating thin and thick beds and judged to be typical of turbidite sequences; (2) an intermediate wavelength ranging from about five beds (proximal facies), eight beds (distal) to nine beds (very distal), which have both thinning and thickening upward trends, interpreted respectively as valley fill due to shifting talwegs of low density turbidity currents, and to progradational, flat turbidite lobes; (3) a poorly defined long-term wave-length of from thirty to greater than sixty beds that may be related to an unspecified trend in the evolution of the sedimentary basin. Phase angles associated with the coniputed power spectra give indications as to the asymmetry (thickening or thinning upward) or symmetry of the representative units.     

The importance of breaching as a mechanism of subaqueous slope failure in fine sand

Large bank failures, comprising up to 10⁶ m³ of sediment, are common features along steep channel banks in estuaries and large rivers that consist of clean, fine sands, and are mostly assumed to be generated by sudden liquefaction of large masses of very loosely packed sand. Another less commonly recognized type of failure is manifested by the gradual retrogression of a very steep wall, steeper than the angle-of-repose. Instead of the voluminous surging plastic sediment-water flow, or hyperconcentrated density flow (sensu Mulder & Alexander, 2001 ) generated by liquefaction, this type of failure, known as breaching by dredging companies and hydraulic engineers, produces a sustained quasi-steady, turbidity current. To date, sedimentologists have not recognized the process of breaching as such. In this paper, it is suggested that breaching may be the origin of many thick, massive sand layers known from ancient deposits from various environments, notably in some turbidite successions. Possible differences in the sedimentary structure of the deposits produced by breach failures vs. liquefaction slope failures (=liquefaction flow slides) can be deduced from a knowledge of the sediment transport processes initiated by the failure. A field study is presented on some poorly structured beds in the Eocene Vlierzele Sands in Belgium, which are supposed to have originated from liquefaction failures, but are reinterpreted to be the products of breaching. It is postulated that the local steep slope disturbance required to initiate an active breach can be produced by a small liquefaction slope failure (=liquefaction flow slide failure) or local erosion by river or tidal channel flow at the initial stage of the failure event.     

Distinctive erosional and depositional structures formed at a canyon mouth: A lower Pleistocene deep‐water succession in the Kazusa forearc basin on the Boso Peninsula,Japan

The canyon mouth is an important component of submarine‐fan systems and is thought to play a significant role in the transformation of turbidity currents. However, the depositional and erosional structures that characterize canyon mouths have received less attention than other components of submarine‐fan systems. This study investigates the facies organization and geometry of turbidites that are interpreted to have developed at a canyon mouth in the early Pleistocene Kazusa forearc basin on the Boso Peninsula, Japan. The canyon‐mouth deposits have the following distinctive features: (i) The turbidite succession is thinner than both the canyon‐fill and submarine‐fan successions and is represented by amalgamation of sandstones and pebbly sandstones as a result of bypassing of turbidity currents. (ii) Sandstone beds and bedsets show an overall lenticular geometry and are commonly overlain by mud drapes, which are massive and contain fewer bioturbation structures than do the hemipelagic muddy deposits. (iii) The mud drapes have a microstructure characterized by aggregates of clay particles, which show features similar to those of fluid‐mud deposits, and are interpreted to represent deposition from fluid mud developed from turbidity current clouds. (iv) Large‐scale erosional surfaces are infilled with thick‐bedded to very thick‐bedded turbidites, which show lithofacies quite similar to those of the surrounding deposits, and are considered to be equivalent to scours. (v) Concave‐up erosional surfaces, some of which face in the upslope direction, are overlain by backset bedding, which is associated with many mud clasts. (vi) Tractional structures, some of which are equivalent to coarse‐grained sediment waves, were also developed, and were overlain locally by mud drapes, in association with mud drape‐filled scours, cut and fill structures and backset bedding. The combination of these outcrop‐scale erosional and depositional structures, together with the microstructure of the mud drapes, can be used to identify canyon‐mouth deposits in ancient deep‐water successions.     

Recognition of cyclic steps in sandy and gravelly turbidite sequences,and consequences for the Bouma facies model

Preservation of cyclic steps contrasts markedly with that of subcritical‐flow bedforms, because cyclic steps migrate upslope eroding their lee face and preserving their stoss side. Such bedforms have not been described from turbidite outcrops and cores as yet. A conceptual block diagram for recognition of cyclic steps in outcrop has been constructed and is tested by outcrop studies of deep water submarine fan deposits of the Tabernas Basin in south‐eastern Spain. Experimental data indicate that depositional processes on the stoss side of a cyclic step are controlled by a hydraulic jump, which decelerates the flow and by subsequent waxing of the flow up to supercritical conditions once more. The hydraulic jump produces a large scour with soft‐sediment deformation (flames) preserved in coarse‐tail normal‐graded structureless deposits (Bouma Ta), while near‐horizontal, massive to stratified top‐cut‐out turbidite beds are found further down the stoss side of the bedform. The architecture of cyclic steps can best be described as large, up to hundreds of metres, lens‐shaped bodies that are truncated by erosive surfaces representing the set boundaries and that consist of nearly horizontal lying stacks of top‐cut‐out turbidite beds. The facies that characterize these bedforms have traditionally been described as turbidite units in idealized vertical sequences of high‐density turbidity currents, but have not yet been interpreted to represent bedforms produced by supercritical flow. Their large size, which is in the order of 20 m for gravelly and up to hundreds of metres for sandy steps, is likely to have hindered their recognition in outcrop so far.     

Late Vendian-Early Cambrian formations of the north-west Siberian Craton

The composition and structure of principal key-sections for the Tira (Late Vendian) and Danilovo (Late Vendian-Early Cambrian) Horizons were characterized on the basis of deep-drilling data and studies of natural outcrops along the peripheries of the Kureika syneclise. The typical sedimentary formations/associations were recognized, their vertical and lateral successions were distinguished, and their deposition environments were interpreted. A distribution pattern scheme of thicknesses and depositional environments of Upper Vendian-Lower Cambrian deposits was compiled at the 1: 1000000 scale. The reservoir characteristics of the formations are discussed and forecasted for poorly studied areas of the northwestern Siberian platform.     

非补偿陆相断陷盆地层序地层学研究——以廊固凹陷古近系为例

非补偿沉积表现为无明显的沉积间断面,单层暗色泥岩厚度大,分布范围广,沉积剖面以退积为特点。通过对廊固凹陷古近系基底地层、物源体系的研究,结合沉积物组合特点、沉积剖面序列和构造发育阶段特征,分析了非补偿沉积盆地的层序发育样式,总结了非补偿盆地层序边界发育特征,建立了层序地层格架,共划分了1个一级层序、3个二级层序、11个三级层序。研究了不同沉积、构造背景下各层序组内体系域的样式,将一个完整的层序划分为湖泊充填体系域、湖泊扩张体系域、湖泊稳定体系域及湖泊萎缩体系域(下降体系域)等4个阶段,使体系域的叠加与层序的演化相关联。建立了非补偿型陆相盆地有利体系域沉积模式,认为物源的演替是其主控因素,复杂的断裂系统仅是一种控制沉积作用的一种表象。     

Sedimentary facies of the Nova Scotian upper and middle continental slope, offshore eastern Canada

A detailed survey of the upper and middle Nova Scotian continental slope at 42°50′N and 63°30′W indicates a complex morphology dominated by mass movements on various scales and an immature turbidity current channel. The range of sediment facies is diverse including hemipelagic and turbidite muds, turbidite sands and gravelly sandy muds of debris flow origin. Deformed units, interpreted as slump deposits are also observed. Several facies associations, related to discrete morphological environments, are recognized. Thick turbidite sand units with minor intervening mud beds are characteristic of the high-relief uppermost slope and channel margin. Thinner turbidite sands, deformed slump beds and various mud facies are associated with small-scale, hummocky mid-slope topography. Sand beds are more abundant in the depressions than on intervening hummocks indicating the preferred transport paths of small turbidity currents. At the lower end of the main turbidity current channel, frequent turbidite sand beds with relatively minor mud beds are deposited on a depositional lobe. In areas unaffected by mass movements, alternating bioturbated mud and sandy muds make up the core sequences. A local model of sedimentation is proposed for this area and illustrates that simple models of continental slope sedimentation only apply to a limited range of settings.     

The stratigraphic record and processes of turbidity current transformation across deep‐marine lobes

Sedimentary facies in the distal parts of deep‐marine lobes can diverge significantly from those predicted by classical turbidite models, and sedimentological processes in these environments are poorly understood. This gap may be bridged using outcrop studies and theoretical models. In the Skoorsteenberg Formation (South Africa), a downstream transition from thickly bedded turbidite sandstones to argillaceous, internally layered hybrid beds, is observed. The hybrid beds have a characteristic stratigraphic and spatial distribution, being associated with bed successions which generally coarsen and thicken‐upward reflecting deposition on the fringes of lobes in a dominantly progradational system. Using a detailed characterization of bed types, including grain size, grain‐fabric and mineralogical analyses, a process‐model for flow evolution is developed. This is explored using a numerical suspension capacity model for radially spreading and decelerating turbidity currents. The new model shows how decelerating sediment suspensions can reach a critical suspension capacity threshold beyond which grains are not supported by fluid turbulence. Sand and silt particles, settling together with flocculated clay, may form low yield strength cohesive flows; development of these higher concentration lower boundary layer flows inhibits transfer of turbulent kinetic energy into the upper parts of the flow ultimately resulting in catastrophic loss of turbulence and collapse of the upper part of the flow. Advection distances of the now transitional to laminar flow are relatively long (several kilometres) suggesting relatively slow dewatering (several hours) of the low yield strength flows. The catastrophic loss of turbulence accounts for the presence of such beds in other fine‐grained systems without invoking external controls or large‐scale flow partitioning and also explains the abrupt pinch‐out of all divisions of these sandstones. Estimation of the point of flow transformation is a useful tool in the prediction of heterogeneity distribution in subsurface systems.     

Deepwater Turbidite Lobe Deposits: A Review of the Research Frontiers

Deepwater/deep-marine turbidite lobes are the most distal part of a siliciclastic depositional system and hold the largest sediment accumulation on the seafloor. As many giant hydrocarbon provinces have been discovered within deepwater lobe deposits, they represent one of the most promising exploration targets for hydrocarbon industry. Deepwater exploration is characterized by high cost, high risk but insufficient data because of the deep/ultra–deepwater depth. A thorough understanding of the deepwater turbidite lobe architecture, hierarchy, stacking pattern and internal facies distribution is thus vital. Recently, detailed outcrop characterizations and high–resolution seismic studies have both revealed that the deepwater lobe deposits are characterized into four–fold hierarchical arrangements from "beds", to "lobe elements", to "lobes" and to "lobe complex". Quantitative compilations have shown that hierarchical components of lobe deposits have similar length to width ratios but different width to thickness ratios depending on different turbidite systems. At all hierarchical scales, sand–prone hierarchical lobe units are always separated by mud–prone bounding units except when the bounding units are eroded by their overlying lobe units thus giving rise to vertical amalgamation and connectivity. Amalgamations often occur at more proximal regions suggesting high flow energy. A mixed flow behavior may occur towards more distal regions, resulting in deposition of "hybrid event beds". These synthesized findings could(1) help understand the lobe reservoir distribution and compartmentalization therefore benefit the exploration and development of turbidite lobes within the deep marine basins(e.g. South China Sea) and(2) provide rules and quantitative constraints on reservoir modeling. In addition, the findings associated with deepwater turbidite lobes might be a good starting point to understand the sedimentology, architecture and hierarchy of turbidites in deep lacustrine environment.     

Possible retrogressive flow slide deposits from the Kongsfjord Formation: a Precambrian submarine fan, Finnmark, N. Norway

Three thinning and fining-upward turbidite sequences are described from the Precambrian Kongsfjord Formation, a 3.5 km thick flysch succession. Their thicknesses range between about 2 and 5 m. They show a progressive upward decrease in bed thickness, bulk mean grain size and the ratio of the higher to lower energy division of the Bouma sequence. In one case, however, there is an initial upward bed thickness and grain size increase, with an increase in the proportion of the higher energy division. The absence of structureless mud of the Bouma E division and the presence of wavy interfaces between beds, together with similar palaeo-currents within each sequence suggest that these sequences resulted from related depositional events. These sequences are interpreted as the deposits of retrogressive flow slides, as an alternative to the classic mechanism of channel fill after abandonment.     

The (Na–Ca)amphibole–albite–chlorite–epidote–quartz geothermobarometer in the system S–A–F–M–C–N–H2O. 1. An empirical calibration

The proposed geothermobarometer is based on an empirical calibration which takes account of two equilibria involving the tremolite, edenite, pargasite and hastingsite components in amphiboles. It has applications to assemblages found in metabasic rocks of widely different chemical compositions (magnesian to Fe-rich metabasalts), and for metamorphism ranging from lower greenschist to highest amphibolite facies. Knowing the Si_(T1), Al^iv, Al^vi, Fe³⁺, Fe²⁺, Mg, Ca, Na_M4, Na_A and A vacancy in an amphibole, and the Al³⁺ and X _Mg in coexisting epidote and chlorite, it is possible to calculate two values of In K _d for this assemblage. These equilibria involve edenite-tremolite and (pargasite/hastingsite)-tremolite end-members in amphibole (the calculation program is given). For these equilibria, the isopleths (iso-values of K _d) have been calculated for 0.27 < X _Mg < 0.75 and 0 < X _Fe3+= Fe³⁺/(Fe³⁺+ Al^vi) < 0.8. It is then possible to determine pressure and temperature directly when X _Mg, X _Fe3+, In K _d for tremoliteedenite and In K _d for (pargasite/hastingsite)-tremolite are known. Application of this geothermobarometer is limited to Ca-free plagioclase assemblages, and complete P–T paths can be drawn only if all the minerals are considered together. Phase relations at successive stages of crystallization can be constrained by studying the relationships between the coexisting minerals, their zoning and the metamorphic fabrics.     

Anatomy of turbidites and linked debrites based on long distance (120 × 30 km) bed correlation, Marnoso Arenacea Formation, Northern Apennines, Italy

Much of our understanding of submarine sediment‐laden density flows that transport very large volumes (ca 1 to 100 km³) of sediment into the deep ocean comes from careful analysis of their deposits. Direct monitoring of these destructive and relatively inaccessible and infrequent flows is problematic. In order to understand how submarine sediment‐laden density flows evolve in space and time, lateral changes within individual flow deposits need to be documented. The geometry of beds and lithofacies intervals can be used to test existing depositional models and to assess the validity of experimental and numerical modelling of submarine flow events. This study of the Miocene Marnoso Arenacea Formation (Italy) provides the most extensive correlation of individual turbidity current and submarine debris flow deposits yet achieved in any ancient sequence. One hundred and nine sections were logged through a ca 30 m thick interval of time‐equivalent strata, between the Contessa Mega Bed and an overlying ‘columbine’ marker bed. Correlations extend for 120 km along the axis of the foreland basin, in a direction parallel to flow, and for 30 km across the foredeep outcrop. As a result of post‐depositional thrust faulting and shortening, this represents an across‐flow distance of over 60 km at the time of deposition. The correlation of beds containing thick (> 40 cm) sandstone intervals are documented. Almost all thick beds extend across the entire outcrop area, most becoming thinly bedded (< 40 cm) in distal sections. Palaeocurrent directions for flow deposits are sub‐parallel and indicate confinement by the lateral margins of the elongate foredeep. Flows were able to traverse the basin in opposing directions, suggesting a basin plain with a very low gradient. Small fractional changes in stratal thickness define several depocentres on either side of the Verghereto (high) area. The extensive bed continuity and limited evidence for flow defection suggest that intrabasinal bathymetric relief was subtle, substantially less than the thickness of flows. Thick beds contain two distinct types of sandstone. Ungraded mud‐rich sandstone intervals record evidence of en masse (debrite) deposition. Graded mud‐poor sandstone intervals are inferred to result from progressive grain‐by‐grain (turbidite) deposition. Clast‐rich muddy sandstone intervals pinch‐out abruptly in downflow and crossflow directions, in a fashion consistent with en masse (debrite) deposition. The tapered shape of mud‐poor sandstone intervals is consistent with an origin through progressive grain‐by‐grain (turbidite) deposition. Most correlated beds comprise both turbidite and debrite sandstone intervals. Intrabed transitions from exclusive turbidite sandstone, to turbidite sandstone overlain by debrite sandstone, are common in the downflow and crossflow directions. This spatial arrangement suggests either: (i) bypass of an initial debris flow past proximal sections, (ii) localized input of debris flows away from available sections, or (iii) generation of debris flows by transformation of turbidity currents on the basin plain because of seafloor erosion and/or abrupt flow deceleration. A single submarine flow event can comprise multiple flow phases and deposit a bed with complex lateral changes between mud‐rich and mud‐poor sandstone.     

Postglacial stratigraphic evolution of a current-influenced sandy shelf: offshore Kujukuri strandplain,central Japan

Sandy shelf sediments are important elements of clastic sedimentary systems because of their wide distribution in the geological record and their significance as hydrocarbon reservoirs. Although many studies have investigated shelf sediments influenced by waves or tidal currents, little is known about shelf sediments influenced by oceanic currents, particularly their lithofacies characteristics and stratigraphic evolution. This study investigated the stratigraphic evolution of shelf sediments off the Kujukuri strandplain facing the Pacific Ocean, which is influenced by the strong Kuroshio Current. Sediment cores were obtained from six locations on the Kujukuri shelf (34 to 124 m water depth) using a vibrocorer. The dominant lithofacies is mud-free sand with low-angle cross-lamination associated with alternating beds of finer and coarser sand with cross-lamination. These display depositional processes influenced by storm waves and the Kuroshio Current, respectively. This finding is consistent with the previously presented modern and historical observations of the Kuroshio Current and estimates of the storm-wave base. Radiocarbon dates show that the sediment succession formed during the last transgressive and highstand stages after 13·1 ka. The depositional processes during the stages represent a transition from storm waves with abundant sediment supply to both storm waves and the Kuroshio Current with sediment starvation mainly due to its trapping in the strandplain. Comparison to other Holocene–Modern shelf systems suggests that the sandy shelf successions are strongly influenced by oceanic currents under conditions of limited riverine input and open coastal geometry. The resultant sand-dominated succession is characterized by reversal of the proximal to distal grain-size trend compared to the fining for most other recognized wave/storm-dominated shelf successions. This is because of seaward increase in the influence of the Kuroshio Current. Thus, shelf deposits are naturally complex, and these may be further complicated by the additional influence of oceanic currents above the usual wave-dominated and tide-dominated end members.     

The Valanginian history of the eastern part of the Getic Carbonate Platform (Southern Carpathians,Romania): Evidence for emergence and drowning of the platform

Lower Cretaceous successions that crop out in the eastern part of the Getic Carbonate Platform (Southern Carpathians, Romania) preserve records of the Valanginian events in different settings of the platform. The integrated sedimentological, biostratigraphical, geochemical and mineralogical analysis of the upper Berriasian–Valanginian successions reveal successive stages in the evolution of the carbonate platform: (a) pre-drowning stage of the shallow-shelf and slope settings of the platform; (b) subaerial exposure and karstification; and (c) incipient flooding and drowning of the carbonate platform. Following the subaerial exposure, starting in the middle early Valanginian, the eastern part of the Getic Carbonate Platform experienced a drowning phase documented by iron oxyhydroxides, phosphate and glaucony mineralized discontinuity surface and glaucony-rich sediments disposed on the discontinuity surface. Recognition of the diachronous intra-Valanginian discontinuity surface within the studied successions is based on clear evidences (facies contrast, depositional and diagenetic features, biostratigraphic and taphonomic data, and geometrical relations). The negative–positive carbon isotope excursion is correlated with the global perturbations of the carbon cycle related to the Valanginian “Weissert” episode, and it is documented for the first time in the shallowest parts of the Getic Carbonate Platform. Tectonic activity and eustatic sea-level fluctuations were most probably the main factors that led to fault-block tilting, local emersion and subsequent drowning of the eastern part of the Getic Carbonate Platform during the Early Cretaceous. We infer that the eastern part of the Getic Carbonate Platform was affected by late Berriasian–early Hauterivian extensional tectonics that could be related to the Neo-Cimmerian movements with effects generally recognized in the northern peri-Tethyan areas.     

Distinctive thin-bedded turbidite facies and related depositional environments in the Eocene Hecho Group (South-central Pyrenees, Spain)

The vertical and lateral stratigraphic relations of facies and facies associations, palaeocurrent directions, and geometry and internal organization of associated thick-bedded and coarse-grained bodies of sandstone provide the framework for distinguishing five thin-bedded turbidite facies in the Eocene Hecho Group, south-central Pyrenees, Spain. Each facies is characterized by a number of primary features which are palaeoenvironmental indicators by themselves. These features and their palaeoenvironmental significance are summarized below.

• 1 The impressive regularity and lateral persistence of bedding and depositional structures, combined with the association of thin hemipelagic intercalations are typical characteristics of the basin plain thin-bedded turbidites. Lateral variations in bed thickness, internal structures, grain size, sand: shale ratio, and amounts of hemipelagic intercalations are present in these sediments, but take place so gradually that they cannot generally be recognized at the scale of even very large exposures. The basin plain facies has a remarkable character of uniformity over great distances and considerable stratigraphic thicknesses.
• 2 Thickening-upward and/or symmetric cycles with individual thicknesses ranging from a few metres to a few tens of metres are typical of lobe-fringe thin-bedded turbidites. The sediments that comprise the cycles contain small but recognizable variations in bed thickness and sand: shale ratio. The diagnostic cyclic pattern can be detected in relatively small exposures. It should be noted that in absence of coarse-grained and thick-bedded sandstone of the depositional lobes the above cyclic pattern is diagnostic of fan-fringe areas.
• 3 An extremely irregular bedding pattern with lensing, wedding, and amalgamation of individual beds over very short distances, sharp rippled tops of many beds, and internal depositional structures indicative of mainly tractional processes without substantial fallout, are typical and exclusive characteristics of channelmouth thin-bedded turbidites.
• 4 Bundles of interbedded thin-bedded sandstone and mudstone as thick as a few metres that are separated in vertical sequences by mudstone units of roughly similar or greater thickness are typical of interchannel thin-bedded turbidites. The most diagnostic feature of this depositional environment is the presence of beds of sandstone filling broad shallow channels as probable crevasse-splays.
• 5 Thin, thoroughly rippled sandstone beds with marked divergence of the bedding attitude characterize the channel-margin facies. The divergence or expansion in thickness, is consistently toward the channel axis. Small and shallow channels filled with thin-bedded deposits, interpreted here as crevasses cut into channel edges or levees during period of severe overbanking are also characteristic.

     

Cyclicity in the Middle Eocene Yamak turbidite complex of the Haymana basin,Central Anatolia,Turkey

The Haymana basin in central Anatolia (Turkey) formed on a Late Cretaceous to Middle Eocene fore-arc accretionary wedge. A sequential model is proposed for the 1-km-thick Lutetian Yamak turbidite complex (YTC) which is the youngest paleotectonic unit of the basin. The YTC represents a prograding submarine fan subdivided into three depositional sequences (DS), each several hundred meters thick. Each depositional sequence consists of a turbidite system (TS), with sandstone and conglomeratic sandstone beds alternating with mudstones, overlain by basin plain mudstones. In each turbidite system, the sandstone and mudstone sequential organization allows the distinction of smaller subdivisions, namely, basic sequences (BS) and basic units (BU), with each basic sequence being composed of several basic units. This subdivision, associated with a two-dimensional geometric reconstruction of the YTC, leads to a better understanding of the evolution in time and space of the submarine fan system. Lower to middle fan depositional lobes, and upper fan and slope channels, are represented. As a whole, the YTC progressed from a sand-poor to a sand-rich system. Depositional sequences (DS) of the YTC may correspond to third-order sea-level cycles of tectonic origin. Accordingly, fourth- and fifth-order cycles might be proposed for the BS and BU, respectively. However, partly because of the limited extent of exposures, the allocyclic origin of these finer subdivisions remains problematic.     

青岛垭口—八仙墩变质海相碎屑岩的属性和构造意义

青岛垭口—八仙墩变质海相碎屑岩分布面积大,保留了原生的各种沉积构造,为一套浊积岩系,应归属于扬子板块上奥陶统,建议命名为八仙墩组。浊积岩系中的砾岩含花岗质砾石、角闪岩砾石和长英质砾石,可以为复原上奥陶世扬子板块大陆边缘沉积环境和研究物源区大地构造背景提供良好的研究素材。岩石地球化学成份判别为硬砂岩和页岩,也佐证了本套地层为浊积岩系。弱的Ce/Ce*负异常,说明了海相沉积成因,也表明陆源碎屑物对沉积岩的主导作用。(Fe2O3+MgO)-TiO2图解、La-Th-Sc图解和Th-Sc-Zr/10图解表明本套碎屑岩具有活动大陆边缘背景和大陆岛弧的共同特征,但从比较高的La丰度、Ce丰度和 REE 丰度,可以判断八仙墩碎屑岩为活动大陆边缘背景下发育的浊积岩系。通过露头的构造地质分析,推断本套地层是在扬子板块陆壳物质向华北板块下深俯冲过程期间或其后扬子板块陆壳上部盖层继续向华北板块仰冲就位的,在超高压变质岩折返时经历了由北向南的逆冲。本套碎屑岩明确指示在南黄海盆地深部应该有古生界奥陶统的地层,盆地深部的同一套地层应该具有油气储层和盖层的性能。     

内蒙古桌子山中奥陶统的“特殊”浊积岩系

内蒙古桌子山中奥陶统拉什仲组是由鲍马层序清晰的多层浊积岩组成的浊积岩系,然而其沉积序列总厚度以及浊积岩内部特征等诸多方面,又与那些形成于不稳定或次稳定型外陆架边缘直至深海盆内的巨厚浊积岩系有着明显的差异,因此将拉什仲组以“特殊”浊积岩系称之。文中在对这两种浊积岩系进行多方面的对比研究后,进而从沉积相、相组合、浊流的古流向以及遗迹化石群落的生态特征等方面,阐述了形成拉什仲组浊流盆地的特征,并认为:充填这套“特殊”浊积岩系的海盆是位于稳定地块之间、盆地地形简单、坡度不大、海水深度在浪基面以下200m左右、含氧量较充足的深水浊流盆地。