The origin of water‐borne diamictons and their relation to turbidites

Abstract

Summary The term “diamicton” has recently been proposed as a non‐genetic name for any non‐calcareous terrigenous sediment containing a wide variety of grain sizes; the lithified equivalent is a “diamictite.” The present paper deals with the origin and classification of water‐borne diamictons. The latter have been divided by the writer into three groups: Group I. Diamictons with the coarse and fine fractions deposited simultaneously. Group II. Diamictons with the coarse and fine fractions deposited separately. Group III. Diamictons with the fine fraction derived from the coarse fraction by diagenetic alteration in place. Group I diamictons have been divided into the following types: (i) P‐diamictons, in which the fine fraction was deposited from true suspension (the coarser material being transported by suspension, saltation, or traction), (ii) M—diamictons, in which the fine (and coarse) fractions were deposited from mudflows. (iii) K‐diamictons, in which the fine fractions were deposited in the form of d...