Facies model for fluvial systems in the seasonal tropics and subtropics

Abstract

Research Article| July 01, 2009 Facies model for fluvial systems in the seasonal tropics and subtropics Christopher R. Fielding; Christopher R. Fielding 1Department of Geosciences, 214 Bessey Hall, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0340, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Jonathan P. Allen; Jonathan P. Allen 1Department of Geosciences, 214 Bessey Hall, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0340, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Jan Alexander; Jan Alexander 2School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7TJ, UK Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Martin R. Gibling Martin R. Gibling 3Department of Earth Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 3J5, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Christopher R. Fielding 1Department of Geosciences, 214 Bessey Hall, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0340, USA Jonathan P. Allen 1Department of Geosciences, 214 Bessey Hall, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0340, USA Jan Alexander 2School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7TJ, UK Martin R. Gibling 3Department of Earth Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 3J5, Canada Publisher: Geological Society of America Received: 04 Dec 2008 Revision Received: 23 Feb 2009 Accepted: 25 Feb 2009 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 © 2009 Geological Society of America Geology (2009) 37 (7): 623–626. https://doi.org/10.1130/G25727A.1 Article history Received: 04 Dec 2008 Revision Received: 23 Feb 2009 Accepted: 25 Feb 2009 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Christopher R. Fielding, Jonathan P. Allen, Jan Alexander, Martin R. Gibling; Facies model for fluvial systems in the seasonal tropics and subtropics. Geology 2009;; 37 (7): 623–626. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G25727A.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Facies models that summarize the deposits of fluvial systems are well established for humid climate settings and for desert environments, but the deposits of rivers in the sub-humid and semiarid seasonal tropics have been largely ignored. Our observations and data from modern streams and recent deposits in northeastern Australia show how such rivers, with extremely variable discharge, have distinctive deposit characteristics that are substantially different from conventional fluvial facies models. These properties include (1) erosionally based channel-fill lithosomes that exhibit complex lateral facies changes, with (2) abundant, pedogenically modified mud partings, (3) complex internal architecture that may lack the macroform elements typical of other fluvial sediment bodies, (4) an abundance of sedimentary structures formed under high flow stage, and (5) an abundance of in situ trees that colonize channel floors and are adapted to inundation by fast-flowing water. We illustrate examples of this fluvial style from the rock record, and set out a new facies model. The recognition of such a distinctive fluvial character, and of changes in character through vertical successions, will aid paleoclimate and reservoir analysis. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.