Discussion: “Turbidites and turbidity currents from Alpine ‘flysch’ to the exploration of continental margins” by Mutti et al. (2009), Sedimentology, 56, 267-318

Abstract

In a recent review article, Mutti et al. (2009) have discussed their views on turbidites and related models. I have been an ardent critic of these ‘turbidite’ concepts and models during the past 25 years (Shanmugam, 2006, 2008, 2009). However, the sole purpose of this Discussion is to set the record straight concerning some statements that have been made by Mutti et al. regarding my failure to give the due credit to the original ‘turbidite’ concepts of Sanders (1965). For example, Mutti et al. (2009) stated that: ‘‘It seems appropriate to mention briefly, at this point, the considerable confusion added to turbidite facies analysis by a number of papers by Shanmugam (2000a, 2003), for example. This author at first tried to deny the turbidite origin of the coarse-grained divisions observed in many turbidite beds, typified by the ‘a’ division of the Bouma sequence, by advocating sandy debris flows for their transport and deposition – essentially a revival of the discussion put forward by Sanders (1965) without making due reference to it’’. This is a serious charge, which implies plagiarism on my part. Therefore, it is imperative that I set the record straight. The fact is that I have been an avid advocate of Sanders’ concepts in my lectures and printed publications. For example: