Sandy Bedforms Research Articles

Architectural-element analysis: A new method of facies analysis applied to fluvial deposits

Existing methods of facies analysis for fluvial deposits rely extensively on vertical profile analysis and comparisons with a limited array of fixed “end member” facies models. However, vertical profiles are not sufficiently diagnostic for this purpose because they cannot adequately represent three-dimensional variations in composition and geometry. A new method of analysis is proposed which subdivides fluvial deposits into local suites consisting of one or more of a set of eight basic three-dimensional architectural elements. These are channels, gravel bars and bedforms, sandy bedforms, foreset macroforms, lateral accretion deposits, sediment gravity flow deposits, laminated sand sheets and overbank fines. Twelve fluvial styles are selected to illustrate possible combinations of these elements. It is suggested that the same methodology could be used for other clastic facies. The better documentation of three-dimensional facies variability that can be obtained should be of considerable use in interpreting sedimentary controls and in carrying out petroleum field development, reservoir engineering or ore grade studies.

Ergs

Ergs (areas of aeolian sand deposits) invariably have bed forms usually with a 3-order hierarchy of ripples, dunes and draas (large sandy bed forms). Ergs may occur in any relatively vegetation-free area with an adequate sand supply. The virtual absence of ergs from highland areas is attributed largely to acceleration and divergence of the winds which makes the sandflow undersaturated. Ergs with thick sand deposits and draa development in the Sahara, Arabia and Asia are contrasted with thinner dune ergs in Australia which lack draa development. Sand thickness, proportion of sand-cover, bed-form height, spacing and orientation vary in a significant way with position within the Algerian ergs. This may partly be due to regional variations in the wind regime but more probably to regional grain-size variations which, because they determine the threshold velocity of sand movement, control the effective wind regime in an area. Grain-size variations can be interpreted from aerial photographs to a large extent because of their effect on the size and shape of the bed form. A study of the northern Algerian ergs shows that regional patterns of sandflow may vary according to the grain size considered and that there is no simple relation between wind directions and the draa trends in any area even although the latter are maintained consistently for large distances.