Tidal signatures in an intracratonic playa lake

Abstract

Research Article| July 01, 2012 Tidal signatures in an intracratonic playa lake R. Bruce Ainsworth; R. Bruce Ainsworth 1Australian School of Petroleum, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Stephen T. Hasiotis; Stephen T. Hasiotis 2Department of Geology, The University of Kansas, 1475 Jayhawk Boulevard, Lindley Hall, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Kathryn J. Amos; Kathryn J. Amos 1Australian School of Petroleum, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Carmen B.E. Krapf; Carmen B.E. Krapf 1Australian School of Petroleum, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Tobias H.D. Payenberg; Tobias H.D. Payenberg 1Australian School of Petroleum, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Marianne L. Sandstrom; Marianne L. Sandstrom 1Australian School of Petroleum, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Boyan K. Vakarelov; Boyan K. Vakarelov 1Australian School of Petroleum, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Simon C. Lang Simon C. Lang 1Australian School of Petroleum, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (2012) 40 (7): 607–610. https://doi.org/10.1130/G32993.1 Article history received: 03 Nov 2011 rev-recd: 24 Jan 2012 accepted: 02 Feb 2012 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 R. Bruce Ainsworth, Stephen T. Hasiotis, Kathryn J. Amos, Carmen B.E. Krapf, Tobias H.D. Payenberg, Marianne L. Sandstrom, Boyan K. Vakarelov, Simon C. Lang; Tidal signatures in an intracratonic playa lake. Geology 2012;; 40 (7): 607–610. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G32993.1 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 Studies of modern sediments from tide-dominated marine coastal environments in the 1970s and 1980s led to the recognition of what were suggested to be unique sedimentary features formed by tidal currents. These features could be directly related to astronomical forcing by the Sun and Moon. Sedimentary structures formed by marine tidal processes are now frequently described in modern and ancient deposits. Here, we detail similar sedimentary features from shoreline deposits of Lake Eyre, Australia, a present-day, intracratonic playa lake setting, thus challenging the current paradigm that these structures are indicative of marine tidal influence. We attribute the formation of these features in Lake Eyre to meteorological tides generated by daily changes in wind direction and velocity, along with weekly to monthly discharge variations in the feeder river system. This is the first time such sedimentary features have been documented together in a continental setting. A key implication of this is that the classic “tidal” sedimentary structures recognized in ancient rock successions should not automatically be attributed to astronomical or marine tidal currents, since similar structures can be generated by meteorological processes in continental environments. Some interpretations of ancient marine tidal deposits without other lines of evidence supporting a marine depositional environment may therefore require reevaluation. Playa lakes and shallow perennial lacustrine settings should also be considered in the interpretation of strata containing what have formerly been considered classic marine tidal indicators. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.