Fan-delta Complex Research Articles

The Altınkaya fan-delta complex in Köprü Basin (south Türkiye): relative sea-level changes and basin margin dynamics

The Altınkaya fan-delta complex in Köprü Basin (south Türkiye): relative sea-level changes and basin margin dynamics

The Emu Bay Shale: A unique early Cambrian Lagerstätte from a tectonically active basin.

The Emu Bay Shale (EBS) of South Australia is anomalous among Cambrian Lagerstätten because it captures anatomical information that is rare in Burgess Shale-type fossils, and because of its inferred nearshore setting, the nature of which has remained controversial. Intensive study, combining outcrop and borehole data with a compilation of >25,000 fossil specimens, reveals that the EBS biota inhabited a fan delta complex within a tectonically active basin. Preservation of soft-bodied organisms in this setting is unexpected and further underscores differences between the EBS and other Cambrian Lagerstätten. Environmental conditions, including oxygen fluctuations, slope instability, high suspended sediment concentrations, and episodic high-energy events, inhibited colonization of the lower prodelta by all but a few specialist species but favored downslope transportation and preservation of other largely endemic, shallow-water benthos. The EBS provides extraordinary insight into early Cambrian animal diversity from Gondwana. These results demonstrate how environmental factors determined community composition and provide a framework for understanding this unique Konservat-Lagerstätte.

Facies architecture and depositional evolution of the Middle Eocene mass flow-dominated fan delta complex in the multifeeder areas: Elazığ Marine Basin (Eastern Türkiye)

Facies architecture and depositional evolution of the Middle Eocene mass flow-dominated fan delta complex in the multifeeder areas: Elazığ Marine Basin (Eastern Türkiye)

The Katırınemeği and Asar fan delta complexes in the Manavgat Basin (southern Türkiye): facies architecture of small shoal-water deltas recording forced and normal regressions

The Katırınemeği and Asar fan delta complexes in the Manavgat Basin (southern Türkiye): facies architecture of small shoal-water deltas recording forced and normal regressions

The Göktaş fan delta complex in Manavgat Basin, South Türkiye: a model for stratigraphic development of coarse-clastic littoral wedges and spatial-facies prediction

The Göktaş fan delta complex in Manavgat Basin, South Türkiye: a model for stratigraphic development of coarse-clastic littoral wedges and spatial-facies prediction

Variable Ophiomorpha ichnofabric: Improving the understanding of mouth bar environments in fan-delta complex depositional settings from the Upper Cretaceous of NW South America

Fan-delta deposits, an important sedimentary component of fan-delta complexes, are scarcely described in the ancient record because it is very difficult to distinguish them from other types of coarse-grained deposits (e.g., alluvial, fluvial, or deep marine deposits). This obstacle is overcome when a well-record of physical/biogenic sedimentary structures or fossils unambiguously marks the influence of the receiving basin. However, this is usually not the case. Here, we present the Ophiomorpha ichnofabric record as a key proxy of marine influence within a generally fluvial-dominated system for improving the paleoenvironmental understanding and reconstructing animal-substrate interplay during the evolution of a fan-delta complex. The ichnological record, together with detailed sedimentological analysis, allows us to define three ichnofabric types, distributed in four levels. The stratigraphic distribution of these features points to distal alluvial environments towards the base, dominated by debris and sheet flows deposits and locally shallow braided channels; they evolve upward into well-developed braided fluvial system whose facies arrangement is related to channel fills, locally influenced by debris flows. Subsequently, a basinward migration of the sedimentary system is recorded through the occurrence of the first level with Ophiomorpha ichnofabric A, and then ichnofabrics A and B in levels 2 and 3, respectively, suggesting marine-influenced mouth bar settings. Toward the top, another steep basinward migration is evidenced by Ophiomorpha ichnofabric C in level 4, indicating wave-dominated processes in distal mouth bars environments. The record of marine-influenced and dominated levels may indicate relative sea-level fluctuations related to local or autogenic processes at the basin scale. Furthermore, the present study demonstrates the ability of Ophiomorpha tracemaker to colonize challenging sedimentary environments.

Evaluating the sedimentological and diagenetic impacts on terrestrial lacustrine fan delta sandy conglomerates reservoir quality: Insights from the Triassic Baikouquan Formation in the Mahu sag, Junggar Basin, Western China

The terrestrial lacustrine fan delta conglomerate reservoirs in the Triassic Baikouquan Formation (BF) are the primary hydrocarbon exploration targets in the Mahu sag, Junggar Basin, Western China. However, the varying lithofacies and complex diagenesis controlling the reservoir quality remain poorly understood. For the sake of revealing how reservoir quality is associated with sedimentary processes and diagenetic alterations, we used integrated approaches like petrographical analysis, cores description, wireline, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mercury intrusion capillary pressure (MICP) and measured petrophysical properties. The results showed that sedimentary processes have considerable control over facies distribution, grain size, and clay content, causing spatial variation of reservoir quality within the fan delta deposits. The coarser grain and high clay content fraction at the base of gravity flow will first settle in the fan delta plain near provenance, whereas the finer grains at the top of flows progressively deposit in the fan delta front areas. From proximal to distal fan delta, a progressive conversion from cohesive muddy debris flow into traction current can be inferred from the variations of lithofacies associations. A total of 8 types of microfacies were identified where the conglomerates of the BF were deposited. The grayish-green fine-grained conglomerates concentrated in the subaqueous distributary channels provide the best reservoir performance, whereas debris flow deposits dominated primarily by muddy debrites occupy the worst reservoir quality because of their highest clay content and coarsest grain size.The dominant diagenetic events include mechanical compaction that continued throughout the entire burial, two phases of quartz cementation, dissolution of unstable components, early and late carbonate cementation, precipitation of authigenic clay minerals, and two phases of hydrocarbon charging. It is unveiled that compaction is the predominant mechanism negatively affecting reservoir quality in the fan delta complex, while the effect of cementation on pore reduction of the conglomerate reservoir is weaker than compaction. Simultaneously, a complex relationship exists between reservoir petrophysical properties within different clay minerals. Dissolution does not significantly improve the permeability of the reservoir because of the partial dissolution which primarily generated intragranular pores with strong heterogeneity and poor connectivity. The most favorable reservoirs occur primarily in the subaqueous distributary channels in the fan delta front, which comprise well-sorted fine-grained conglomerates with well-developed residual intergranular pores and secondary dissolution pores and have undergone two phases of oil charge. This work may provide a useful reference for hydrocarbon exploration of the fan delta systems and regions which have encountered similar sedimentary and diagenetic processes.

Subtle reservoirs and implications for hydrocarbon exploration in terrestrial lacustrine fan-delta deposits: Insights from the Triassic Baikouquan Formation, Mahu Sag, Junggar Basin, western China

Petroleum reserves are abundant in the large-scale lacustrine fan delta reservoirs containing mixed oil in the Baikouquan Formation (MA131 Block, Junggar Basin). However, detecting such subtle reservoirs in the lacustrine foreland basins is challenging. High-resolution sequence stratigraphy, sedimentary basin evolution, and reservoir models are established by integrating the results obtained via wireline log data, cores, thin sections, and seismic data. A fifth-order sequence stratigraphic framework for the Baikouquan Formation is established, which enables the reconstruction of the sedimentary basin evolution and further detailing of the reservoir model, such that the correlation to multistage progradation and retrogradation of the fan delta complex can be determined. The study of core samples led to the identification of eight microfacies, of which sandy debris flows and distributary channels dominate approximately 80% of the depositional system. Stratal slices enable the characterization of the northern Xiazijie and eastern Madong fan-delta systems. The northern Xiazijie fan delta is widely distributed throughout sequences SSQ1–SSQ6, whereas the Xiazijie fan delta underwent, in general, gradual retrogradation during the formation of sequences SSQ6 and SSQ7. The eastern Madong gravity flow fan-delta system only developed during the formation of sequences SSQ1–SSQ5 at the location of an abrupt slope break. There are nine categories of reservoir models in the study area based on the source rocks, faults, and reservoirs. Geomorphology and climate are crucial in controlling the sedimentary infill. Deep faults and an unconformity between the Permian and the Triassic of the Mahu Sag played a decisive role in controlling the hydrocarbon migration pathways. The faults, source rocks, and microfacies together exert considerable control on hydrocarbon accumulation. Within the nearshore fan-delta front, variable reservoir quality can be observed. Crucial factors in improving reservoir quality are fine-grain size and relatively low clay content. This study may facilitate subtle reservoir characterization in other basins.

New Geosite Candidates at the Western Termination of the Büyük Menderes Graben and their Importance on Science Education

The Buyuk Menderes Graben (BMG) is one of the best-known and the largest geological structure of the West Anatolian Extensional Province. It includes two nature conservation parks and twelve cultural heritage sites within and in its vicinity. Four geologically distinct features/locations within and in the vicinity of the BMG have been previously enlisted as geosite candidates in the provisional Geological Heritage Inventory of Turkey compiled in 2002 by the Turkish Association for the Conservation of the Geological Heritage (JEMIRKO): (1) the horst-graben structure of the Buyuk Menderes region itself, (2) the tafoni from the augen-gneiss from the east of Bafa Lake, (3) the zultanite crystals from the northeast of Ilbir Mountain, and (4) the tourmaline (dravite) crystals from the Camizagili, Cine. In the current study, we are introducing additional three new geosite candidates at the western termination of the BMG with three different main geological subjects. The first one is the Yavansu Fault. Located 2 km south of the Kusadasi village, it has a clearly exposed unique fault surface which is one of the best examples of structural indicators for the WAEP with respect to the normal faulting events. The second one is located in the Hisartepe Volcanics exposed between Kusadasi and Soke, and consists of basaltic lava flows with remarkable prismatic cooling joints and a gorgeous feeder dome reaching up to 150 m height. Final suggestion is the Karina marine fan-delta complex located at the south-eastern border of the Dilek Peninsula National Park. This fan-delta complex is the largest one in the Western Anatolian scale and has remarkable paragon outcrops up to 20 m high between Doganbey and Karina Lagoon.

Controls on reservoir quality in fan-deltaic conglomerates: Insight from the Lower Triassic Baikouquan Formation, Junggar Basin, China

Abstract Fan delta sandy conglomerates form important oil and gas reservoirs. Recently, a new giant oilfield was discovered in the Lower Triassic Baikouquan Formation (T1b) in the Mahu Sag of the Junggar Basin, northwestern China. However, the fan delta sandy conglomerate reservoirs are strongly heterogeneous. Most have poor permeability and host little hydrocarbons, while a subset at the delta front exhibit high porosity and permeability, forming high-quality reservoirs. To explain this disparity, the sedimentary facies, diagenesis, and reservoir quality of the sandy conglomerate strata, and their interactions, were studied. Detailed logging of 253m cores indicates that the T1b was deposited in a lacustrine fan delta complex, comprising ten lithofacies from coarse matrix-supported pebbly conglomerate (Gm) to fine massive mudstone (Fm) in four Facies Associations. Interpretation of optical microscope, backscattered and scanning electron microscope imaging show that these ten lithofacies underwent differential diagenesis, especially dissolution of minerals such as orthoclase. Dissolution was particularly prevalent in the subaqueous distributary channel deposits of sandstones (St), hyperpycnal-flow massive sandstones (Sm) and grain-flow deposits of sandy gravelly conglomerates (Gcs) at the delta-front, forming abundant secondary pores. These pores enhanced the reservoir performance and led to high porosity and permeability within these three lithofacies. For these reservoirs, continuous winnowing at the delta front led to relatively high primary porosities, and subsequent mineral dissolution during burial diagenesis, closely related to acidic Mn-rich hydrocarbon-bearing fluids, significantly improved the porosities further. Migration of hydrocarbon-bearing fluids was facilitated by faults cutting through the reservoir and underlying source rocks. This led to the development of belts of high-quality reservoir at the delta front near the fault conduits. This model for reservoir development and charge suggests that further reservoirs can be expected within the T1b of the Mahu Sag.

Reservoir quality variations within a conglomeratic fan-delta system in the Mahu sag, northwestern Junggar Basin: Characteristics and controlling factors

The conglomeratic reservoir in the Mahu depression, northwestern margin of the Junggar basin, Northwestern China has become an important exploration target. In this study, we use well and core data to investigate the characteristics and controlling factors of conglomeratic fan-delta reservoirs. The reservoir studied here developed in a retreating fan-delta complex that is dominated by conglomerate lithofacies and conglomeratic sandstone lithofacies. A petrological analysis shows that the reservoir exhibits poor compositional maturity and textural maturity. A physical property analysis shows that the reservoir exhibits extremely low porosity and extremely low permeability, as well as strong heterogeneity in the vertical and planar views. The depositional environment and compaction result in extremely low porosity and extremely low permeability in the reservoir. About 66% porosity was destroyed by the compaction. Fan-delta evolution and provenance control the macroscopic variations in reservoir quality. Muddy matrix content, grain size and dissolution control the microscopic variations in reservoir quality. About 52.5% porosity was induced by the dissolution. This reservoir study can be compared to fan-deltas that developed in marine-connected rift basins during early stages of extension and to nearshore subaqueous fans in East China. Additionally, the results of this study may provide a reference for such systems and provide a subsurface case for similar fan-delta outcrop studies and facies reservoir modelling.

Object-based 3D geomodel with multiple constraints for early Pliocene fan delta in the south of Lake Albert Basin, Uganda

The early Pliocene fan delta complex developed in the south of Lake Albert Basin which is located at the northern end of the western branch in the East African Rift System. The stratigraphy of this succession is composed of distributary channels, overbank, mouthbar and lacustrine shales. Limited by the poor seismic quality and few wells, it is full of challenge to delineate the distribution area and patterns of reservoir sands. Sedimentary forward simulation and basin analogue were applied to analyze the spatial distribution of facies configuration and then a conceptual sedimentary model was constructed by combining with core, heavy mineral and palynology evidences.A 3D geological model of a 120 m thick stratigraphic succession was built using well logs and seismic surfaces based on the established sedimentary model. The facies modeling followed a hierarchical object-based approach conditioned to multiple trend constraints like channel intensity, channel azimuth and channel width. Lacustrine shales were modeled as background facies and then in turn eroded by distribute channels, overbank and mouthbar respectively. At the same time a body facies parameter was created to indicate the connectivity of the reservoir sands. The resultant 3D facies distributions showed that the distributary channels flowed from east bounding fault to west flank and overbank was adhered to the fringe of channels while mouthbar located at the end of channels. Furthermore, porosity and permeability were modeled using sequential Gaussian simulation (SGS) honoring core observations and petrophysical interpretation results.Despite the poor seismic is not supported to give enough information for fan delta sand distribution, creating a truly representative 3D geomodel is still able to be achieved. This paper highlights the integration of various data and comprehensive steps of building a consistent representative 3D geocellular fan delta model used for numeral simulation studies and field development plan.

Early Permian conodont fauna and stratigraphy of the Garden Valley Formation, Eureka County, Nevada

The lower part of the Garden Valley Formation yields two distinct conodont faunas. One of late Asselian age dominated by Mesogondolella and Streptognathodus and one of Artinskian age dominated by Sweetognathus with Mesogondolella. The Asselian fauna contains the same species as those found in the type area of the Asselian in the southern Urals including Mesogondolella dentiseparata, described for the first time outside of the Urals. Apparatuses for Sweetognathus whitei, Diplognathodus stevensi, and Idioprioniodus sp. are described. The Garden Valley Formation represents a marine pro-delta basin and platform, and marine and shore fan delta complex deposition. The fan-delta complex was most likely deposited from late Artinskian to late Wordian. The Garden Valley Formation records tremendous swings in depositional setting from shallow-water to basin to shore.

Lithofacies Superimposition in a Shallow Basin - Interplay of Tectonics and Sedimentation: Evidences from Kolhan Basin, Eastern India

The 2.2-2.1 Ga pear shaped Kolhan basin show the development of a time transgressive group in a half-graben setting developed during the fragmentation of the Rodinia supercontinent. The overall style of sedimentation reflect a switchover from low-sinuous avulsed channels developed within a braided-fluvial-ephemeral streams to a lacustrine fan-delta complex during the later part of the sedimentation history. The fan-delta facies indicate sediment dispersal by hyperconcentrated flows in the form of sheetfloods and channelized flows. These different-scale cycles are interpreted as the sedimentary response to pulses of deformation of the basin margin at variable frequencies, related to the contemporary thrusts (ca. 20 km away from the basin). The episodes of tectonism downwarped the basin margin sediments and made the basin shift periodically toward the margin, and created progressive lithological changes in the sedimentary succession. The immediate effects of a tectonic pulse included lake transgression and accentuation of the structural hinge of the basin margin, causing a decline of sediment supply from the source rock. As the basin margin was subsequently reduced by denudation, the fans prograded and fan deltas were formed in normal conditions of graben subsidence. The sediment geometries and the climate exerted a major control on the processes of sediment transfer. Our results show that the fluvio-lacustrine strata show on lap-pinch out relationship at the centre of the basin but only on lap relationship along the lateral edges. This transition can be best explained by the fault growth models.

An outcrop-based comparison of facies modelling strategies in fan-delta reservoir analogues from the Eocene Sant Llorenç del Munt fan-delta (NE Spain)

ABSTRACT Sedimentary facies is a key control on petrophysical properties within subsurface reservoirs and facies modelling is a critical aspect of reservoir modelling. Several modelling methods exist and selecting the best approach for a specific case is challenging and time-consuming. Outcrop analogues provide detailed information on architecture, geometry and facies connectivity that is not directly available in the subsurface. By modelling outcrop data it is possible to test and compare different modelling strategies systematically in a case where the geology is well constrained. The Eocene aged, Sant Llorenc del Munt fan-delta complex (NE Spain) is a well exposed, transgressive–regressive fan-delta. Outcrop data were used to test a variety of modelling strategies in which the density of conditioning wells, stratigraphic subdivision, modelling algorithm and trends were all varied. The results of these modelling exercises were compared against themselves and against a close-to-deterministically built Base Case reconstruction using a series of static measures including the distribution of fan-delta front reservoir facies, directional connectivity and reservoir-to-well connectivity. The results highlight the following: (a) the impact of the conditioning well density on improving the stratigraphic architecture reproduction in the different modelling approaches; (b) that surface-based modelling subdivisions including the maximum flooding surface to separate independent grids for modelling the transgressive and regressive sequence sets can be detrimental when compared to using only the top and base of the composite sequence unless additional constraints are included; (c) that an algorithm combining a linear trend and a Gaussian field is the most suitable algorithm for reproducing this type of architecture, but requires defining a 3D trend; and (d) the need for using trends to reproduce the architecture when well data are sparse. These results provide guidelines for modelling analogue fan-delta reservoirs in the subsurface.

Modelling facies belt distribution in fan deltas coupling sequence stratigraphy and geostatistics: The Eocene Sant Llorenç del Munt example (Ebro foreland basin, NE Spain)

The Eocene Sant Llorenç del Munt fan-delta complex developed in the Ebro foreland basin. The stratigraphy of this succession, about 1000 m thick, has been described as made up of several transgressive–regressive composite sequences, each composed of a stack of fundamental sequences, in turn made up of a transgressive systems tract and an overlying regressive systems tract. Systems tracts are composed of several facies belts: proximal alluvial fan, distal alluvial fan, fan-delta front, carbonate platform, and fan-delta slope and prodelta. A 3D facies model of a 130 m thick stratigraphic succession was built using outcrop data from one of the composite sequences. The modelling followed a hierarchical approach. A deterministic method was used to reconstruct the surfaces bounding fundamental sequences and their constituent systems tracts. Data input was outcrop traces digitized on photorealistic terrain models. The stacking trend and interfingering of adjacent facies belts within each systems tract was added by means of a geostatistical algorithm and was conditioned to measured stratigraphic logs. The analysis of the resultant 3D facies distributions allows revising the architectural interpretation of the studied interval, leading to the conclusion that the observed arrangements are accommodation, not supply-driven. Furthermore, the 3D models were flow simulated in two injector-producer scenarios: up-depositional and down-depositional dip waterflooding. Flow simulation results show that the depositional architecture of the studied succession controls potential recovery efficiencies, in that a considerable proportion of moveable oil is trapped at the dead-ends in depositional pinch-outs of the main potential reservoir (fan-delta front deposits). Also that up-dip waterflooding predicts better recovery efficiencies than down-dip. The dataset, methods, and results herein make the Sant Llorenç del Munt complex a ready-for-application analogue for marine-transitional reservoirs.

Simulating the development of Martian highland landscapes through the interaction of impact cratering, fluvial erosion, and variable hydrologic forcing

On the highlands of Mars early in the history of the planet precipitation-driven fluvial erosion competed with ongoing impact cratering. This disruption, and the multiple enclosed basins produced by impacts, is partially responsible for a long debate concerning the processes and effectiveness of fluvial erosion. The role of fluvial erosion in sculpting the early Martian landscape is explored here using a simulation model that incorporates formation of impact craters, erosion by fluvial and slope processes, deposition in basins, and flow routing through depressions. Under assumed arid hydrologic conditions, enclosed basins created by cratering do not overflow, drainage networks are short, and fluvial bajadas infill crater basins with sediment supplied from erosion of interior crater slopes and, occasionally from adjacent steep slopes. Even under arid conditions adjacent crater basins can become integrated into larger basins through lateral erosion of crater rims or by rim burial by sediment infilling. Fluvial erosion on early Mars was sufficient to infill craters of 10 km or more in diameter with 500–1500 m of sediment. When the amount of runoff relative to evaporation is assumed to be larger, enclosed basins overflow and deeply incised valleys interconnect basins. Examples of such overflow and interconnection on the Martian highlands suggest an active hydrological cycle on early Mars, at least episodically. When fluvial erosion and cratering occur together, the drainage network is often disrupted and fragmented, but it reintegrates quickly from smaller impacts. Even when rates of impact are high, a subtle fluvial signature is retained on the landscape as broad, smooth intercrater plains that feature craters with variable amounts of infilling and rim erosion, including nearly buried “ghost” craters. The widespread occurrence of such intercrater plains on Mars suggests a strong fluvial imprint on the landscape despite the absence of deep, integrated valley networks. Indisputable deltas and alluvial fans are rare in the crater basins on Mars, in part because of subsequent destruction of surficial fluvial features by impact gardening and eolian processes. Simulations, however, suggest that temporally-varying lake levels and a high percentage of suspended to bedload supplied to the basins could also result in poor definition of fan–delta complexes.

A retreating fan-delta system in the Neoproterozoic Chattisgarh rift basin, central India: Major controls on its evolution

A thick wedge of immature siliciclastics characterizes the basal part of the basin-fill succession in the eastern part of the Neoproterozoic Chattisgarh Basin. It comprises a mosaic of mass-flow–deposited conglomerate and pebbly sandstone, coarse-grained sandy braided stream deposits, wave-lag pebble sheets, high-energy, wave-dominated foreshore and upper shoreface facies, and wave- and tide-dominated lower shoreface facies. The succession is characterized by strong lateral and vertical facies variation. The facies associations and stacking pattern point to the development of an alluvial-fan to fan-delta complex, with outbuilding of delta lobes onto a high-energy shallow-marine shelf via a high-gradient, narrow delta plain. The delta-front deposits of coarse-grained sand interfinger and grade into prodelta mud in the seaward direction. The dominance of coarse-grained sandy detritus with a high content of fresh feldspar grains points to mechanical weathering of granites and gneisses of the cratonic basement and a semiarid climate. The sediment caliber and the climate exerted a major control on the facies and on processes of sediment transfer from the fan to the shelf. A critical balance between progradation, aggradation, and retrogradation controlled the evolution of delta successions within an overall transgressive regime related to the extension of a cratonic rift basin. Repeated fault-controlled uplift of the source, followed by subsidence and transgression, generated multiple fining-upward cycles and a retreating fan-delta system. The marked variations in thickness of the delta succession and the stacking pattern in different measured profiles reflect the overriding tectonic controls on delta evolution. The accumulated fault displacement in active sectors created higher accommodation and thicker delta sequences. Intermittent uplift of fault blocks exposed fresh bedrock to mechanical weathering, generated a large amount of detritus, and resulted in forced regressions, repeatedly disrupting the fining-upward pattern. The controls of source rock lithology or climate were of secondary importance to tectonic effects. Retreating fan deltas are rarely reported and may be a stratigraphic response of marine-connected rift basins at the early stage of extension. The delta stratigraphy is analogous to the submarine fan stratigraphy. In the case where basin shales act as hydrocarbon sources, the fan deltas are potential hydrocarbon reservoirs. The coarse-grained lobes can be excellent reservoirs, with the enclosing prodelta muds acting as seals to vertical migration of hydrocarbon. The coarse-grained deposits of the delta plain and proximal delta front, occurring as laterally coalesced, large sand bodies blanketed by transgressive prodelta mud, might also form good reservoirs.

Gravelly Gilbert-type fan delta on the Conway Coast, New Zealand: Foreset depositional processes and clast imbrications

Quaternary Gilbert-style fan deltas of the Conway Coast, New Zealand, are formed and exposed by the continuing uplift and erosion of the Hawkswood Range due to transpression associated with the modern New Zealand plate boundary. The fan deltas are exposed in 50–70 m high cliffs and crop out for over 5 km along the coast and up to 2 km inland. Depositional processes on the foresets were dominated by sediment gravity flows originating from hyperpycnal river flow and gravity induced slumps. Slumps may originate at any depth on the fan delta foreset and are common in the deposits. Foreset beds are interpreted as the deposits of sediment gravity flows with preserved foreset beds that are preserving normally graded, inversely graded or massive, and change abruptly laterally and down slope. Gravity induced slumps are the dominant mode of deposition on the foresets along the Conway Coast and presumably all Gilbert-type fan deltas. This study concludes that the sediment gravity flows developed basal traction carpets as evidenced by the regular appearance of ∼ 25° imbricated clasts in nearly all foreset beds. Behind slump deposits, there is a strong zone of ‘backstacking’ clast fabrics that prograde upslope into backset beds. These clast fabrics provide information about downslope slumps. Excellent exposures of distal foreset and nearshore marine deposits show the dynamic interface within a fan delta complex.

Synrift stratigraphic geometry in a transfer zone coarse‐grained delta complex, Miocene Pohang Basin, SE Korea

AbstractThe Gojusan fan delta is a coarse‐grained delta complex on the western margin of the Miocene Pohang Basin, SE Korea. The deposits consist of five facies associations (FA): alluvial‐fan conglomerates (FA I), shallow‐marine mouth‐bar sandstones (FA II), fluvial and mouth‐bar conglomerates (FA III), Gilbert‐type foreset conglomerates (FA IV) and hemipelagic mudstones (FA V). Different facies associations characterize the northern, central and southern parts of the delta complex. To the north, FA IV is laterally juxtaposed with FA I or the basement, with scarp‐derived breccias along the contact. Centrally, and to the south, FA I is laterally juxtaposed with FA II, with an abrupt facies change and local inliers of basement rocks along the contact. Early alluvial fan and mouth‐bar deposits are overlain by the topset (FA III) and truncated by the foreset (FA IV) of a Gilbert‐type delta in the central part of the fan delta complex, whereas FA II passes transitionally upward into FA III in the south, with the latter extending basinward into a gently inclined shoal water delta front. Gilbert‐type and shoal‐water geometries are therefore developed in the same delta complex. The composite delta geometry is interpreted as reflecting (1) its development near an extensional transfer zone where the hangingwall relief was variable over short distances along strike, and (2) the operation of intrabasinal faults. This interpretation contrasts with previous studies that viewed the delta complex as having formed along a pull‐apart basin margin.