Mechanisms of volcaniclastic aggradation in fluvial systems influenced by explosive volcanism: An example from Neoproterozoic Hammamat Group, Wadi Queih area, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

Abstract

Wadi Queih basin records different continental settings that interacted with explosive volcanism. This paper discusses the contrasting aggradational mechanisms in fluvial systems strongly influenced by explosive volcanism which took place during sedimentation of the Queih basin. Six main facies associations composed of 12 lithofacies have been recognized in the Neoproterozoic succession filling the Queih basin: (1) lava flows and pedogenically modified pyroclastics facies association, (2) debris-flow-dominated alluvial fan facies association, (3) sheetflood-dominated alluvial fan facies association, (4) crevasse-splay facies association, (5) lacustrine facies association, and (6) loess facies association. These facies assemblages are typical of low-sinuosity rivers flowing through unsymmetrical half graben basin. Petrographical and geochemical data of the Queih sediments indicate a predominantly continental volcanic block provenance and stable craton to fault-bounded basement uplift. Low values of Chemical and Plagioclase Index of Alteration (CIA and PIA) are consistent with low intensity source rock weatherning under prevailing semi-arid to arid climate.During deposition of the lower member of the Queih basin, common fall and flow tuff events occurred, indicating syn-eruptive conditions. In contrast, deposition of the upper member occurred in a fluvial–aeolian setting without input of primary volcaniclastic detritus, indicating inter-eruptive conditions. The change in depositional mode from the lower to upper is considered to be due to a change in the balance between the sedimentation rate and the rate of lake-level rise. Lithofacies stacking and rapid lateral changes of lithological units in conjunction with interformational unconformities and basin margin faults suggest tectonically induced sedimentation. Volcanism can also influence basin evolution and the delicate balance between erosion, sedimentation, and prevalent transport processes is affected the Queih basin by volcanic input. Thus, the Queih basin records the response of fluvial system to large, volcanism-induced sediment loads.