Grain size studies on turbidite components from Tyrrhenian deep sea cores

Through an analysis of their coarse-grain composition (>63 μm), pumice-rich sandy layers from deep sea cores were identified as shelf-derived turbidites rather than deposits due to ash rain or drifting pumice. A comparison of median sizes of individual grain types and total samples yielded significant vertical and horizontal sorting trends, which allowed apparently unrelated samples from different cores to be grouped into proximal and distal parts of one turbidite type. A discrimination of samples belonging to unrelated turbidite layers was also possible. In addition, whatever the grain size, planktonic molluscs and foraminifera have Md-diameters 1·1–2·75 times larger than those of pumice. Weathered shallow-water skeletals have Md-diameters approximately equal to pumice, whereas those of augite and hornblende are 1·25–2·3 times smaller. This results in a different proportion of components in proximal and distal turbidite samples. The Md-values of planktonic foraminifera reach their upper natural limit at 250–350 μm.