Patterns and variability in sediment accumulation rates,Fraser River delta foreslope,British Columbia,Canada

Minimum sediment accumulation rates on the Fraser River delta foreslope exhibit a high degree of spatial variation, with accumulation rates ranging from 0.50 to 3.0 cm/yr. Accumulation rates generally increase towards Sand Heads channel, the active foreslope depocenter. Sedimentation rates and patterns and micropaleontological assemblages are interpreted to reflect reintroduction of older sediment from upslope via slumping and sedimentgravity flow processes. Such processes account for the bulk of sedimentation in much of the subaqueous delta. These processes provide a mechanism for sand bypassing of the delta plain and foreslope and for delivery of coarse-grained sediment directly to prodelta and basinal environments.