Significance of channel-belt clustering in alluvial basins

Abstract

Research Article| June 01, 2010 Significance of channel-belt clustering in alluvial basins Elizabeth A. Hajek; Elizabeth A. Hajek 1University of Wyoming Department of Geology and Geophysics, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, USA2Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota, 2 3rd Avenue SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Paul L. Heller; Paul L. Heller 1University of Wyoming Department of Geology and Geophysics, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Benjamin A. Sheets Benjamin A. Sheets 3University of Washington, School of Oceanography, 1503 Boat Street, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (2010) 38 (6): 535–538. https://doi.org/10.1130/G30783.1 Article history received: 15 Oct 2009 rev-recd: 12 Jan 2010 accepted: 20 Jan 2010 first online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Elizabeth A. Hajek, Paul L. Heller, Benjamin A. Sheets; Significance of channel-belt clustering in alluvial basins. Geology 2010;; 38 (6): 535–538. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G30783.1 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 The distribution of channel deposits in alluvial basins is commonly used to interpret past changes in climate, tectonics, and sea level. Here we present preliminary evidence that long-time scale (∼103–105 yr) self-organization in fluvial systems may generate structured stratigraphic patterns spontaneously, in the absence of, or independent from, changing basin boundary conditions. A physical experiment and an ancient alluvial succession (Ferris Formation, latest Cretaceous–Paleogene, south-central Wyoming) both show stratigraphy where clusters of many closely spaced channel deposits are separated from each other by extensive intervals of overbank mudstones. Analysis using spatial point process methods shows that channel deposits in both basins are statistically clustered over intermediate basin length scales. In the experiment, external controls (base level, subsidence rate, and sediment/water supplies) were not varied, and therefore not factors in cluster formation. Likewise, the ancient system lacks stratigraphic and sedimentologic evidence of external controls on channel clustering. We propose that channel clusters, as seen in this study, reflect a scale of fluvial self-organization that is not usually recognized in ancient deposits. This type of internally generated stratigraphy should be considered when reconstructing tectonic, climate, and sea-level changes from ancient basin fills and when correlating between outcrop belts or subsurface wells. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.