Identification of ancient sandy contourites

Abstract

Research Article| August 01, 1981 Identification of ancient sandy contourites J.P.B. Lovell; J.P.B. Lovell 1Grant Institute of Geology, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JW, Scotland Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar D.A.V. Stow D.A.V. Stow 1Grant Institute of Geology, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JW, Scotland Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1981) 9 (8): 347–349. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1981)9<347:IOASC>2.0.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation J.P.B. Lovell, D.A.V. Stow; Identification of ancient sandy contourites. Geology 1981;; 9 (8): 347–349. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1981)9<347:IOASC>2.0.CO;2 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 Proposed criteria for the identification of ancient sandy contourites include occurrence (thin beds, reworked sandy turbidites, coarse lag), structure (bioturbated, no regular vertical sequence, orientation of cross-lamination perpendicular to regional downslope paleocurrents), grain size (silt or sand, little mud, low or negative skewness), fabric (grain orientation), and composition (downslope and along-slope provenance, concentrations of heavy minerals). A suggested three-stage approach to recognition of sandy contourites in the field involves work on a progressively increasing scale, with particular emphasis on paleocurrent data. The various deep-water settings in which disparate current directions may occur are summarized, and those in which sandy contourites may be formed and recognizably preserved are indicated. A broad definition of the term “contourite” is now possible because of the widespread documentation of contourites even in freshwater environments. Along-slope flow that is persistent in time and space is a requirement. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.