Mediterranean shelf-edge muddy contourites: examples from the Gela and South Adriatic basins

We present new evidence of shallow-water muddy contourite drifts at two distinct locations in the central Mediterranean characterized by a relatively deep shelf edge (between 170 and 300 m below sea level): the south-eastern Adriatic margin and the north-western Sicily Channel. The growth of these shelf-edge contourite drifts is ascribed to the long-term impact of the Mediterranean themohaline circulation. The Levantine Intermediate Water flows continuously, with annual or inter-annual variations, and affects the shelf edge and the upper slope in both study areas. In addition, the SW Adriatic margin is impinged by the seasonally modulated off-shelf cascading of North Adriatic Dense Water. This water mass has formed ever since the large Adriatic continental shelf was drowned by the post-glacial sea-level rise. It energetically sweeps the entire slope from the shelf edge to the deep basin. These bottom currents flow parallel or oblique to the depth contours, and are laterally constricted along markedly erosional moats aligned parallel to the shelf edge where they increase in flow velocity. The internal geometry and growth patterns of the shelf-edge contourites reflect changes in oceanographic setting affecting the whole Mediterranean Sea. In particular, seismic correlation with published sediment cores documents that these deposits are actively growing and migrating during the present interglacial, implying an enhancement in bottom-water formation during intervals of relative sea-level rise and highstand. Regardless of the specific mechanisms of formation, sediment drifts in both study areas have been affected by widespread thin-skinned mass-wasting events during post-glacial times. Repeated mass-transport processes have affected in particular the downslope flank of the shelf-edge contourite drifts, indicating that these muddy deposits are prone to failure during, or soon after, their deposition.     

Pliocene�CQuaternary contourites along the northern Gulf of Cadiz margin: sedimentary stacking pattern and regional distribution

This study reports novel findings on the Pliocene?CQuaternary history of the northern Gulf of Cadiz margin and the spatiotemporal evolution of the associated contourite depositional system. Four major seismic units (P1, P2, QI and QII) were identified in the Pliocene?CQuaternary sedimentary record based on multichannel seismic profiles. These are bounded by five major discontinuities which, from older to younger, are the M (Messinian), LPR (lower Pliocene revolution), BQD (base Quaternary discontinuity), MPR (mid-Pleistocene revolution) and the actual seafloor. Unit P1 represents pre-contourite hemipelagic/pelagic deposition along the northern Gulf of Cadiz margin. Unit P2 reflects a significant change in margin sedimentation when contourite deposition started after the Early Pliocene. Mounded elongated and separated drifts were generated during unit QI deposition, accompanied by a general upslope progradation of drifts and the migration of main depocentres towards the north and northwest during both the Pliocene and Quaternary. This progradation became particularly marked during QII deposition after the mid-Pleistocene (MPR). Based on the spatial distribution of the main contourite depocentres and their thickness, three structural zones have been identified: (1) an eastern zone, where NE?CSW diapiric ridges have controlled the development of two internal sedimentary basins; (2) a central zone, which shows important direct control by the Guadalquivir Bank in the south and an E?CW Miocene palaeorelief structure in the north, both of which have significantly conditioned the basin-infill geometry; and (3) a western zone, affected in the north by the Miocene palaeorelief which favours deposition in the southern part of the basin. Pliocene tectonic activity has been an important factor in controlling slope morphology and, hence, influencing Mediterranean Outflow Water pathways. Since the mid-Pleistocene (MPR), the sedimentary stacking pattern of contourite drifts has been less affected by tectonics and more directly by climatic and sea-level changes.     

Importations et remaniements de thanatofaunes dans les sables de la plate-forme profonde des approches occidentales de la Manche

Macro- and micro-faunas are reported from six gravity cores collected at a mean depth of 150 m in the surficial deposits of the Kaiser sand bank in the Southern Western Channel Approaches. These are bivalves (mainly), gastropods, echinids, crustaceans and foraminifers. These fauna present a very rich association of numerous, well preserved species from various ecological settings. Such an association is commonly reported from the continental shelf of the last transgressive cycle. In addition, the sediment comprises two imported faunal associations. The first one corresponds to thanatocaenoses of Pliocene/lowermost Pleistocene and Weichselian age, reworked respectively from the underlying celtic incised valley fills and the Celtic Sand Banks. The absence of Quaternary fauna prior to the Weichselian suggests that the introduction of Pliocene sources occurred during the last climatic cycle. The second stage of importation took place after the last transgression in the Western Channel, and corresponds to the enrichment of the sediment in coastal fauna derived from western Brittany by the the predominant ebb tidal current. The variations of taxonomic diversity from core to core suggest a sediment transport around the bank that matches the one deduced from the study of tidal bedforms. At the present day, the wave action is highlighted by accumulation of species of the same shape, size and density inside storm beds. However, the survival within these beds of very small, juvenile shells indicate that each storm reworking was short in duration.     

上新世——早更新世青藏高原北缘隆升的磁性地层学证据

对新疆叶城剖面西域砾岩及下伏第三纪地层的磁性地层学研究表明 ,西域砾岩的沉积时代为晚上新世至早更新世 ,磁性地层年龄为 3.5至 <1.8Ma。阿图什组沉积于早上新世 ,古地磁年龄为 4 .6～ 3.5 Ma。阿图什组以砂岩和粉砂岩为主夹薄层砾岩 ,为河流相及冲积扇前缘相。西域砾岩以厚层砾岩为主夹风成粉砂岩 ,为典型洪积—冲积扇堆积。西域砾岩的沉积反映了青藏高原北缘晚上新世至早更新世强烈的隆起和剥蚀     

Near-surface seismic facies at the Korea Strait shelf margin and trough region

High-resolution seismic profiles across the shelf margin and trough region of the Korea Strait reveal five shallow, near-surface facies units. These are relict coastal deposits, relict delta deposits, slumps and slides, and trough lag deposits. Most deposits represent a lowstand systems tract, formed during the last lowstand of sea level. Relict coastal deposits represent a linear sediment body along the present shelf margin at water depths of 120–150 m, whereas relict delta deposits occur on the gentle, southwestern slope of the trough at water depths of about 150–200 m. Slumps and slides are dominant at the base of slope in the central trough region. Sediments on the central trough floor were partly eroded and redistributed by strong currents, resulting in lag deposits.     

Quaternary seismic stratigraphy of the North Sea Fan: glacially-fed gravity flow aprons, hemipelagic sediments, and large submarine slides

Approximately 1000 km of high resolution sleeve-gun array transects on the North Sea Fan, located at the mouth of the Norwegian Channel, reveal three dominant styles of sedimentation within a thick (> 900 m) Quaternary sediment wedge comprising numerous sequences. These are interpreted as: terrigenous hemipelagic sedimentation, large scale translational slides, and aprons of glaciogenic debris flow deposits contributing to considerable fan construction. Four large, buried translational slides involved sediment volumes upwards of 3000 km³ each and preceded the similarly dimensioned “first” Storegga Slide on the NE fan flank. Several thick (> 100 m) terrigenous hemipelagic deposits apparently represent long-lived (150–200 kyr) periods of sedimentation whose distribution indicates fan input via the Norwegian Channel. The upper sequences are each made upper sequences are each made up of one or several thick (> 100 m) aprons comprising stacked lensoid and/or lobate forms which range from 2 to 40 km in width and 15 to 60 m in thickness. They characterize debris flows attributed to periodic input from several phases of a Norwegian Channel ice stream reaching the shelf edge. Subsidence in the outer Norwegian Channel allowed preservation of several glaciation cycles represented by sheet erosion-bounded tills and progradational units. Much of the shelf/slope transition has been preserved, allowing a preliminary chronology of the fan sequences through correlation with borehole sediments in the Norwegian Channel. Debris flows, which signal the initial shelf-edge glaciation, are not recognized from the initial glaciation in the Channel (> 1.1 Myr) but are associated with a Middle Pleistocene and all following glacial erosion surfaces (GES) in the outer Norwegian Channel. This was followed by six further sequences, probably totalling over 13,000 km³ of sediment. At least four of these were shelf-edge ice-maximum events the last of which was Late Weichselian age (¹⁴C AMS). Considering earlier glaciation-related hemipelagic sedimentation, material since removed by the large slides, and extensive unmapped areas, total Quaternary fan sedimentation was in the vicinity of 20,000 km³.     

Geomorphology and sedimentology of the continental shelf adjacent to Mac. Robertson Land,East Antarctica: A scalped shelf

During the Quaternary, the Mac. Robertson shelf of East Antarctica was deeply eroded by glaciers and currents exposing the underlying basement, resulting in a scalped shelf. Major geomorphic zones are: (1) high-relief, ridge and valley topography (200–1400 m); (2) smooth sea floors associated with low-energy, depositional shelf valleys and basins (400–800 m); (3) low-relief, planated banktops (100–200 m); and (4) iceberg gouged and current reworked seaward-bank margins and upper slope (200 to < 630 m). About 90% of the shelf's surface has net erosional conditions and about 10% is net depositional. The sedimentary processes and deposits may be common to large areas of the East Antarctic margin.     

Pleistocene progradational growth pattern of the northern Catalonia continental shelf (northwestern Mediterranean)

The Pleistocene sedimentary growth pattern of the northern Catalonia continental shelf is characterized by the vertical stacking of seaward downlapping regressive deposits. These deposits are characterized by a progradational development, with oblique clinoforms of low angle in the middle continental shelf, that become more inclined seaward in the outer continental shelf and shelfbreak. Eustatic sea level fluctuations controlled the development of this sedimentary pattern, whereas sediment supply conditioned the nonuniform progradation along the continental shelf and subsidence due to both sediment loading and tectonics controlled its preservation through and along the continental shelf.     

Sequence architecture and depositional evolution of the Late Miocene to quaternary northeastern shelf margin of the South China Sea

Based on an integrated analysis of seismic, well logging and paleontological data, the sequence architecture and depositional evolution of the northeastern shelf margin of the South China Sea since Late Miocene are documented. The slope deposits of the Late Miocene to Quaternary can be divided into two composite sequences (CS1 and CS2) bounded by regional unconformities with time spans of 3–7 Ma, and eight sequences defined by local unconformities or discontinuities with time spans of 0.8–2.3 Ma. Unconformities within CS1 feature shelf-edge channel erosion, while in CS2 they form truncations at the top of the shelf margin as prograding complexes and onlap contacts against the slope.Depositional systems recognized in the slope section include unidirectionally migrating slope channels, slope fans or aprons, shelf-edge deltas and large-scale slope clinoforms. CS1 (Late Miocene to Pliocene) is characterized by development of a series of shelf-margin channels and associated slope fan aprons. The shelf-margin channels, oriented mostly NW-SE, migrate unidirectionally northeastwards and intensively eroded almost the entire shelf-slope zone. Two types of channels have been identified: (1) broad, shallow and unconfined or partly confined outer-shelf to shelf-break channels; and (2) deeply incised and confined unidirectionally migrating slope channels. They might be formed by gravity flow erosion as bypassing channels and filled mostly with along-slope current deposits. Along the base of the shelf slope, a series of small-scale slope fans or fan aprons are identified, including three depositional paleo-geomorphological elements: (1) broad or U-shaped, unconfined erosional-depositional channels; (2) frontal splays-lobes; and (3) non-channelized sheets. CS2 (Quaternary) consists mainly of a set of high-angle clinoforms, shelf-margin deltas and lower slope unidirectionally migrating channels.The relative sea level changes reflected in the sequence architecture of the study area are basically consistent with Haq's global sea level curve, but the development of regional unconformities were apparently enhanced by tectonic uplift. The development of high-angle (thick) clinoforms in the Quaternary may be attributed to a high sediment supply rate and rapid tectonic subsidence. The formation of the unidirectionally migrating channels appears to have resulted from the combined effects of the northeastward South China Sea Warm Current (SCSWC) and downslope gravity flow. The formation of the slope channels in the outer-shelf to shelf-break zone may be predominately controlled by bottom current, whereas those developed along the middle to lower slope zone may be dominated by gravity flow.     

东营市东辛2-4井磁性地层划分对比研究

本文通过东辛2—4井岩心样品的古地磁学研究,整段岩心呈现以正极性为主的混合极性特征。自上而下划分的布容、松山、高斯和吉尔伯特极性时和布容极性时内清晰显示出的哥德堡和布莱克亚时的界限分别位于井深28.0m、161.0m、274.5m和452.0m。据黄河口南北5个钻孔磁性地层的划分对比,长江口、苏北盆地和东营地区,吉尔伯特、高斯和布容极性时的沉积速度较快,松山极性时较慢或近于缺失;黄河口以北至河北地区,高斯极性时地层不发育,吉尔伯特、松山和布容极性时则较厚,表明它们所处的构造单元、地质基础和沉积环境有较大的不同。     

Seismic stratigraphy of Late Quaternary sediments of western Mersin Bay shelf, (NE Mediterranean Sea)

High-resolution shallow seismic-reflection profiles obtained from the western Mersin Bay have revealed the existence of the two distinct depositional sequences (C and B) lying on a narrow and relatively steeply-sloping continental shelf which mainly receives its sediments from the ephemeral rivers. The upper Holocene sedimentary sequence (C) is characterized by stratified (simple to complex) to chaotic reflection configurations produced by the development of a prograding wedge of terrigenous sediment. Particular occurrences of slope- and front-fill facies and the lack of a sharp boundary, which has, however, been observed on the western shelf of this bay, between the Early Holocene and latest Pleistocene deposits are related to possible movement of underlying deposits due to local gravity mass movements or synsedimentary tectonics due to adjustment of the underlying evaporites in adjacent basin. The maximum thickness of the topmost sequence C is associated with the Tarsus–Seyhan delta, which lies to the northeast of the area and is prograding along the shelf. Other variations in thickness (5–40 m) of this topmost sequence are related to the variable sediment discharge along the coast, and the distance from the coast. It is at a maximum (40 m) in the nearshore area just west of the Lamas river mouth and at a minimum (5–15 m) in the offshore area.

The lower depositional pre-Holocene sequence (B) is characterized by continuous to wavy reflection configurations and how some cyclicity, suggesting coarse, heterogeneous sediments deposited under high energy conditions (fan-deltas) of Plio-Pleistocene age.

The combined interpretation of seismic reflection profiles with the available bore-hole data reveals the existence of a widespread Miocene acoustic basement (A) off the Susanoğlu–Tırtar coasts and Karapınar–Gilindirez rivers mouths. Unusual features in some profiles suggest the escape of coastal freshwater into the accumulating sediment.     

Ensuring very shallow-water sediment properties: case study from Capo Granitola harbour,Sicily (Italy)

We present high-resolution Vp models of the Capo Granitola harbor, Sicily (Italy) obtained by first arrival traveltime tomography. Seismic data were collected along four hydrophone arrays on the sea-bottom and via a Watergun as seismic source, in order to plan dredging operations in the harbor. Using a hydrophone spacing of 2.5 m and shot spacing of 5 m, very high resolution quality data were recorded. Seismic tomography expands existing knowledge of the harbour subsoil with a penetration of about 20 m, illuminating the Lower Pleistocene bedrock (Marsala calcarenites) that corresponds to high-Vp regions (Vp?>?4.5 km/s). Low Vp (1.8–4.5 km/s) deposits belonging to terraced calcarenites (Upper Pleistocene in age) are also well imaged; they are about 8 m thick and lie below loose sand deposits (Vp?=?1.5 km/s). The substratum has an articulated morphology; Vp images unravel small steps in the basement probably related to structural discontinuities (e.g., faults). Processing data with 3D techniques enables images of the structure and the thickness of the lithotypes to be reconstructed, thus leading to large-scale, realistic estimates of the total quantity of material to be excavated or dredged. Tomographic profiles permit clear discrimination of the soft sediment above the basement and thus allow the determination of the total volume of sediment above the seismic bedrock, estimated at about 265,000 m³.     

中国近海北部陆架海相地层解体问题的研究

晚更新世以来,中国近海北部陆架近岸地区至少发生了三次海侵并保留三期海相地层.在研究了数千千米的浅地层剖面仪测量资料及大量钻孔资料后,笔者发现最后冰期最盛时期陆架出露,海相地层并非简单地、原封不动地被保留下来.在强大的风力作用下,除进行正常的风成沉积以外,还产生了沉积分异作用,出现风暴沉积及其衍生沉积,裸露的陆架至少部分地改变了原来的沉积结构,形成了新的沉积类型,构成复杂的混杂堆积区和黄土堆积区.这样,原先的海相地层被破坏,或者部分被保留下来,即陆架上海相地层发生了解体.     

南海北部陆丰凹陷LF14井中新世古水深变化及沉降特征*

南海北部陆丰凹陷内LF14井记录了早中新世至早上新世的海相沉积地层。古水深重建结果显示研究井位在早中新世突然发生海侵, 水深迅速上升至最大值275m, 随后经数次波动, 整体处于中—外陆架环境, 共记录了5个完整的海侵—海退层序。回剥分析方法重建的LF14井沉降史揭示了研究井位在中中新世(17.5—10Ma)处于快速沉降期, 快速沉降导致的凹陷内沉积物的可容纳空间发育速率高和陆源物质供给充足是造成该阶段沉积速率高的两个重要因素; 晚中新世—早上新世(10—4.53Ma)处于弱沉降期, 推测东沙运动导致凹陷内的沉积物可容纳空间发育速率变小和陆源物质供给减少, 造成该时期内研究井位沉积速率低。最后, 依据定量重建的古水深变化在研究层段识别出一系列短暂存在的构造上升事件。     

Deformation and sedimentary evolution of the Lake Albert Rift (Uganda,East African Rift System)

This study proposed a new reconstruction of the tectono-sedimentary evolution of the Lake Albert Rift based on a biostratigraphical, sedimentological and structural re-evaluation of the outcropping data and on an exceptional subsurface dataset. The infilling of the rift consists of lacustrine deposits wherein two major unconformities dated at 6.2 Ma and 2.7 Ma were characterized, coeval with major subsidence and climatic changes. Combined with the fault analysis, the evolution and distribution of the subsidence highlights a four-steps evolution of the rift after its initiation dated at 17.0 Ma. The first phase (17.0 – 6.2 Ma) consists of low and diffuse extension associated with low accommodation rates ranging from 150 to 200 m/Ma. Restricted in the southern part of the basin, the depocenter location is poorly controlled by faults, meaning that the basin extension was potentially larger at this time. The second time interval (6.2 – 2.7 Ma) shows an increase of accommodation rates with values reaching more than 800 m/Ma. These high rates combined with the location of the major depocenters down the bounding faults argue for a first true rifting phase. Between 2.7 Ma and 0.4 Ma, the accommodation rates decreases to reach less than 400 m/Ma and the individualization of major depocenters continue down the major fault in the southern and northwestern parts of the basin. Finally, between 0.4 Ma and present-day, a late uplift led the formation of the Ugandan scarp. Comparison of the Lake Albert Rift evolution with the data available in the rifts of both branches of the East African Rift System shows that most of the sedimentary basins experienced the same geometrical evolution from large basins with limited fault control during Late Miocene to narrow true rift in Late Pleistocene.     

Neogene stratigraphy and the sedimentary and oceanographic development of the NW European Atlantic margin

A regional correlation of Neogene stratigraphy has been attempted along and across the NW European Atlantic continental margin, between Mid-Norway and SW Ireland. Two unconformity-bounded successions are recognised. These are referred to as the lower and upper Neogene successions, and have been dated as Miocene–early Pliocene and early Pliocene–Holocene, respectively, in age. Their development is interpreted to reflect plate-wide, tectonically driven changes in the sedimentary, oceanographic and latterly climatic evolution of the NE Atlantic region. The lower Neogene succession mainly preserves a record of deep-water sedimentation that indicates an expansion of contourite sediment drifts above submarine unconformities, within this succession, on both sides of the eastern Greenland–Scotland Ridge from the mid-Miocene. This is interpreted to record enhanced deep-water exchange through the Faroe Conduit (deepest part of the Southern Gateway), and can be linked to compressive inversion of the Wyville–Thomson Ridge Complex. Thus, a pervasive, interconnected Arctic–North Atlantic deep-water circulation system is a Neogene phenomenon. The upper Neogene succession records a regional change, at about 4 Ma, in the patterns of contourite sedimentation (submarine erosion, new depocentres) coeval with the onset of rapid seaward-progradation of the continental margin by up to 100 km. This build-out of the shelf and slope is inferred to record a marked increase in sediment supply in response to uplift and tilting of the continental margin. Associated changes in deep-water circulation may be part of an Atlantic-wide reorganisation of ocean bottom currents. Glacial sediments form a major component of the prograding shelf margin (shelf-slope) sediment wedges, but stratigraphic data indicate that the onset of progradation pre-dates significant high-latitude glaciation by at least 1 Ma, and expansive Northern Hemisphere glaciation by at least 3 Ma.     

A 33 Ma lithostratigraphic record of tectonic and paleoceanographic evolution of the South China Sea

The 853 m thick sediment sequence recovered at ODP Site 1148 provides an unprecedented record of tectonic and paleoceanographic evolution in the South China Sea over the past 33 Ma. Litho-, bio-, and chemo-stratigraphic studies helped identify six periods of changes marking the major steps of the South China Sea geohistory. Rapid deposition with sedimentation rates of 60 m/Ma or more characterized the early Oligocene rifting. Several unconformities from the slumped unit between 457 and 495 mcd together erased about 3 Ma late Oligocene record, providing solid evidence of tectonic transition from rifting/slow spreading to rapid spreading in the South China Sea. Slow sedimentation of 20–30 m/Ma signifies stable seafloor spreading in the early Miocene. Dissolution may have affected the completeness of Miocene–Pleistocene succession with short-term hiatuses beyond current biostratigraphical resolution. Five major dissolution events, D-1 to D-5, characterize the stepwise development of deep water masses in close association to post-Oligocene South China Sea basin transformation. The concurrence of local and global dissolution events in the Miocene and Pliocene suggests climatic forcing as the main mechanism causing deep water circulation changes concomitantly in world oceans and in marginal seas. A return of high sedimentation rate of 60 m/Ma to the late Pliocene and Pleistocene South China Sea was caused by intensified down-slope transport due to frequent sea level fluctuations and exposure of a large shelf area during sea level low-stands. The six paleoceanographic stages, respectively corresponding to rifting (33–28.5 Ma), changing spreading southward (28.5–23 Ma), stable spreading to end of spreading (23–15 Ma), post-spreading balance (15–9 Ma), further modification and monsoon influence (9–5 Ma), and glacial prevalence (5–0 Ma), had transformed the South China Sea from a series of deep grabens to a rapidly expanding open gulf and finally to a semi-enclosed marginal sea in the past 33 Ma.     

南黄海陆架沉积物中褶皱的形态及成因

更新世以来南黄海陆架具有构造活动性强、沉积厚度大(100~300m)、褶皱变形保存完整等特点,是研究未固结沉积物中褶皱变形的理想“实验室”.高分辨率单道地震剖面揭示了南黄海陆架沉积物中具有不同几何形态的三种褶皱:(1)断层相关褶皱(包括断层扩展褶皱和断层牵引褶皱);(2)横向弯曲褶皱;(3)复合作用褶皱.对褶皱的成因和几何形态的研究表明,控制未固结沉积物中褶皱形成的因素是基底断层及其形成的断块,而不是区域应力场.大量孔隙水可能对沉积物的几何形变具有重要的影响作用.沉积物中断层扩展褶皱和牵引褶皱在形变程度上具有连续性,说明两者在成因上存在联系.断层扩展褶皱可能引发的地震活动和变形带在海洋工程地质评估中应受到重视.     

Model of the post-Cenozoic evolution of the cryolithozone of the shelf of the western part of the Laptev Sea

The analysis of the structure of the cryolithozone, facies, and thicknesses of the Quaternary sediments and the results of the physicochemical mathematical modeling of the modern shelf of the western part of the Laptev Sea support the influence of the Late Pleistocene glaciations on the heat conditions and the distribution of the permafrost in the area. A ～200-m thick glacier formed under aerial conditions from atmospheric precipitation represented the metamorphosed snow cover. According to the modeling, the long-living (from 60?50 to 10?4 ky) glacier reduced the thickness of the permafrost rocks in the reviewed shelf area for 280–360 m. The Holocene marine transgression additionally decreased the thickness from 50–140 m on the inner shelf to 220–350 m on the outer shelf. The modern submarine cryolithozone 450-0 m thick is wide-spread in the studied region from the coast to the shelf boundary (isobaths of 130–140 m), where it pinches out at a distance of ～380 km from the coast at a depth of ～250 m above the sea level.