Modelling subaqueous bipartite sediment gravity flows on the basis of outcrop constraints: first results

Abstract

This paper presents the first attempt to provide a two-dimensional numerical model simulating processes and related deposits of individual subaqueous bipartite gravity flows. A new code for dense flows has been implemented and coupled with a code for turbulent flows. An integrated approach has been adopted: the numerical model is constrained by detailed facies tract analysis of outcropping ancient turbidites, and by grain-size analyses performed on the individual component facies. The results presented here illustrate the ability of the coupled model to simulate with good accuracy both the dense and turbulent flows and the related deposits. Particularly, the model can reproduce grain-size distributions comparable to those measured from the ancient turbidites.