Significance of Terrace Deposits in Fluvial Sequence Stratigraphy

Abstract

The terrace deposits in a river valley are key records to the research of fluvial sequence stratigraphy. Terrace deposits and the basal sequence boundary comprise the half-cycle of base level fall, and the fluvial infillings belong to the half-cycle of base level rise. Thus, terrace deposits and the basal sequence boundary are part of the regressive systems tract, and should be separated from the transgressive or lowstand systems tracts in previously published littoral fluvial sequence stratigraphic models. In addition, in the upstream portions of the fluvial system where sea level cannot reach, the fluvial sequence is influenced by tectonism and/or climate. The terrace deposits can provide specific information about the main controlling factor (e.g., tectonism or climate) and its varying pattern during the half-cycle of base level fall. Because the two half-cycles of base level fall and rise are at the same stratigraphic levels and belong to the same base level cycle, it is possible to research the controlling factor and its varying pattern during the rising half-cycle, which will be significant to an inland fluvial sequence stratigraphic model. Finally, the authors assert that seeking isochronous parasequence correlation based on 4-division models (4 different systems tracts), along with the blend of sedimentology and geomorphology and diversification of models based on different controlling factors will collectively produce more robust-interpretations of fluvial sequence stratigraphy in the future.