Continental Margin Sedimentation: From Sediment Transport to Sequence Stratigraphy (Special Publication 37 of the IAS)

by Editor: Charles A. Nittrouer (University of Washington); Editor: James A. Austin (University of Texas); Editor: Michael E. Field (USGS Pacific Science Center); Editor: Joseph H. Kravitz (George Washington University); Editor: James P. M. Syvitsk

• ISBN13: 9780470766361
• ISBN10: 0470766360
• Format: eBook
• Copyright: 2009-03-01
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Summary

This volume on continental margin sedimentation brings together an expert editorial and contributor team to create a state-of-the-art resource. Taking a global perspective, the book spans a range of timescales and content, ranging from how oceans transport particles, to how thick rock sequences are formed on continental margins. Summarizes and integrates our understanding of sedimentary processes and strata associated with fluvial dispersal systems on continental shelves and slopes Explores timescales ranging from particle transport at one extreme, to deep burial at the other Insights are presented for margins in general, and with focus on a tectonically active margin (northern California) and a passive margin (New Jersey), enabling detailed examination of the intricate relationships between a wide suite of sedimentary processes and their preserved stratigraphy Includes observational studies which document the processes and strata found on particular margins, in addition to numerical models and laboratory experimentation, which provide a quantitative basis for extrapolation in time and space of insights about continental-margin sedimentation Provides a research resource for scientists studying modern and ancient margins, and an educational text for advanced students in sedimentology and stratigraphy

Table of Contents

Preface

Writing a Rosetta stone: insights into continental-margin sedimentary processes and strata

Introduction

The boundary conditions

The common threads

Sediment delivery

Sediment alteration

Sediment dispersal system

Seabed failure

Gravity flows

Margin morphology

Margin stratigraphy

Conclusions

Acknowledgements

References

Sediment delivery to the seabed on continental margins

Introduction

Review of previous work

Sediment delivery to the Eel margin

Summary and conclusion

Acknowledgements

Nomenclature

References

Post-depositional alteration and preservation of sedimentary strata

Introduction and scope

Consolidation

Physical alteration

Biological alteration

Preservation

Summary

Acknowledgements

Nomenclature

References

Oceanic dispersal and accumulation of river sediment

Introduction

Quantifying sedimentary processes

The northern California margin

Sediment production and coastal delivery

Sediment transort and accumulation

Sedimentation patterns and rates

Sediment budgets of dispersal systems

Conclusions

Acknowledgements

Nomenclature

References

Submarine mass movements on continental margins

Introduction

Historic development of understanding

Classification

Environments

Fjords

Active river deltas on the continental shelf

Submarine canyon-fan systems

The open continental slope

Statistics of submarine landslides

Mechanics of slope failure

Pore-water pressure

Sediment mobilization and strength loss

Triggers

Contributions to submarine landslide research from the strataform program

Summary

Acknowledgements

Nomenclature

References

The mechanics of marine sediment gravity flows

Introduction

Turbidity currents

Debris flows

Wave-supported sediment gravity flows

Origin and transformation of sediment gravity flows

Conclusions

Acknowledgements

List of nomenclature

References

Seascape evolution on clastic continental shelves and slopes

Introduction

Background

Processes governing shelf width and slope relief

Processes that form the shelf profile

Processes that act to limit the slope of the continental slope

Processes that create submarine canyons and slope gullies

Future research

Acknowledgments

References

The long-term stratigraphic record on continental margins

Introduction

Analysing the long-term record

The Eel River basin

The New Jersey margin

Summary

Acknowledgements

References

Prediction of margin stratigraphy

Introduction

Component sed-strat modules

Integrated models

Seismic models

The way forward

Acknowledgements

Nomenclature

References

Index

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