Neotectonics and its Relations to the Evolution of the Pearl River Delta, Guangdong, China

Abstract

Yao, Y.; Zhan, W.; Liu, Z.; Zhang, Z.; Zhan, M., and Sun, J., 2013. Neotectonics and its Relations to the Evolution of the Pearl River Delta, Guangdong, China. In: Harff, J., Leipe, T., Waniek, J.J., and Zhou, D. (eds.), Depositional Environments and Multiple Forcing Factors at the South China Sea's Northern Shelf, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 66, pp. 1–11. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.Systematical reanalysis of previously published data indicates that neotectonics of the Pearl River Delta is characterized by fault activity and differentiated movement of fault-blocks, which has played one of the most important roles in the deltaic development. Basement faults that were developed or had reactivated during Quaternary cut the delta area into fault-blocks. These fault-blocks move in different directions with different rates, but vertically they are dominated by subsidence, which has created accommodation for Quaternary sediments. Distinct differences in distribution of fluvial gravels formed before and after the first transgression in the late Late Pleistocene suggests that the paleo-drainage pattern took a dramatic change, and this change was greatly attributed to fault activities. Since the Holocene, neotectonic influence on channel development turned to be less important as neotectonics became weaker.