Petrology and Diagenesis of Early Miocene Deep-Sea Fan Deposits near Point Arena, California: ABSTRACT

Abstract

Early Miocene deep-sea fan deposits of the Skooner Gulch and Gallaway Formations near Point Arena, California, were examined to determine which factors influence or control diagenesis in fine-grained turbidite deposits. Well-preserved sedimentary structures (including complete Bouma Ta-e beds) are nearly continuously exposed in a vertical sequence along the coast. This sequence is interpreted to represent outer fan depositional lobes, lobe fringe, and basin plain deposits. Four representative stratigraphic sections were sampled and analyzed using the scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, electron microprobe, and thin section analysis. Rock types examined include medium to very fine-grained arkoses, lithic arkoses, mudstones, siltstones, and hemipelagites. Diagenesis of a turbidite sequence is complex and does not involve uniform changes in detrital and authigenic minerals. Factors affecting diagenesis include variations in the original depositional environment, sediment composition, texture, stratification, frequency of interbedded shale beds, bioturbation, degree of compaction, and original porosity and permeability. Diagenetic changes recognized were: (1) alteration and resorption of unstable detrital grains, such as feldspar, rock fragments and detrital clay; (2) formation of authigenic quartz, potassium feldspar, and clay cements which reduced porosity and permeability; (3) formation of iron oxide and pyrite; and (4) incorporation of detrital and authigenic minerals in late-stage carbonate cement. All of the observed diagenetic cha ges can occur at relatively low temperatures and shallow to moderate burial depths. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1007------------