Quaternary sedimentation on the Makran margin: turbidity current-hemipelagic interaction in an active slope-apron system
Stow, D.A.V.; Tabrez, A.R.; Prins, M.A. (2002). Quaternary sedimentation on the Makran margin: turbidity current-hemipelagic interaction in an active slope-apron system, in: Clift, P.D. et al. The tectonic and climatic evolution of the Arabian Sea region. Geological Society Special Publication, 195: pp. 219-236. https://dx.doi.org/10.1144/GSL.SP.2002.195.01.12 In: Clift, P.D. et al. (2002). The tectonic and climatic evolution of the Arabian Sea region. Geological Society Special Publication, 195. The Geological Society: London. e-ISBN 9781862394438. VI, 525 pp. https://dx.doi.org/10.1144/GSL.SP.2002.195, more In: Hartley, A.J. et al. (Ed.) Geological Society Special Publication. Geological Society of London: Oxford; London; Edinburgh; Boston, Mass.; Carlton, Vic.. ISSN 0305-8719; e-ISSN 2041-4927, more |
| Keywords | Geological time > Phanerozoic > Geological time > Cenozoic > Quaternary
Sedimentation
Topographic features > Submarine features > Continental slope
ISW, Arabian Sea [Marine Regions]
Marine/Coastal |
| Authors | | Top | - Stow, D.A.V.
- Tabrez, A.R.
- Prins, M.A.
| | |
| Abstract | The Makran slope-apron system is a stepped convergent margin across an active subduction complex. Shallow penetration piston cores have been recovered from the upper-slope region, three mid-slope basins and the abyssal plain. At most sites the upper 5-14 m of cored section is dominated by fine-grained, thin- to medium-bedded turbidites, averaging 5-10 turbidite events per metre of section. Oxygen isotope stratigraphy yields mean sedimentation rates of 50-95 cm ka-1 and a turbidite frequency of one event per 200-300 a. The upper-slope site has fewer turbidites and a greater proportion of hemipelagic mud. Fine-grained turbidite sequences are common, with top-cut-out and base-cut-out sequences most evident. Markov chain analysis of the transition between turbidite divisions confirms the normal T0-T8 order of sequence divisions. In some cases there is an upward gradation into a hemiturbidite facies. The range of turbidite bed thicknesses can be approximated by both power-law and log-normal distributions, typical of seismic triggering on an active margin, or of frequent river-flood sediment input. Small-scale vertical variations of turbidite bed thickness recognized by autocorrelation techniques can be interpreted as the result of bed-relief compensation effects (compensation cycles). The lateral distribution of both turbidites and hemipelagites is influenced by sediment focusing along pathways between slope basins. At a larger scale, climate, sea-level and tectonic effects have all played an important role in shaping margin sedimentation. |
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