Abstract
Common facies models of turbidite deposits are based on idealized sequences of turbidite
units, which are assumed to reflect the depositional processes of a decelerating turbidity current.
We show how suites of turbidite units, i.e., distinct turbidite facies associations that
are easily described from core and outcrop, may characterize the entire range of large-scale
dynamics of turbidity currents, enabling estimates of their densimetric Froude number (Fr;
subcritical versus supercritical) and suspension fall-out rate (stratified versus nonstratified
flows). The linking of facies associations with large-scale flow dynamics resolves process-facies
links that were hitherto unresolved by the common turbidite facies models.
units, which are assumed to reflect the depositional processes of a decelerating turbidity current.
We show how suites of turbidite units, i.e., distinct turbidite facies associations that
are easily described from core and outcrop, may characterize the entire range of large-scale
dynamics of turbidity currents, enabling estimates of their densimetric Froude number (Fr;
subcritical versus supercritical) and suspension fall-out rate (stratified versus nonstratified
flows). The linking of facies associations with large-scale flow dynamics resolves process-facies
links that were hitherto unresolved by the common turbidite facies models.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 987-990 |
Journal | Geology |
Volume | 42 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |