Seismic Stratigraphic Analysis Research Articles

Stratigraphic architecture of the Cenozoic succession in the McMurdo Sound region, Antarctica: An archive of polar palaeoenvironmental change in a failed rift setting

AbstractThe Victoria Land Basin forms part of the failed West Antarctic Rift, and preserves a Cenozoic succession up to 4 km thick that records the onset of Cenozoic glaciation, and the history of Antarctic glaciation over the past 34 Myr. This succession is relevant both to investigations of modern climate change and to studies of long‐term palaeoclimate change in general. This study provides a sedimentological and stratigraphic review of the Victoria Land Basin succession, based on analysis of several continuous drillcores acquired since the 1970s, and supported by seismic stratigraphic analysis of a large array of seismic reflection data. An array of fifteen lithofacies is recognized within the Victoria Land Basin Cenozoic succession, including fossiliferous and diversely bioturbated mudrocks and diatomites, texturally mature sandstones and conglomerates, mixed mudstones and sandstones with dispersed gravel with restricted bioturbation, and diamictites and associated lithologies. These facies record a variety of marine, glaciomarine, proglacial and subglacial environments. Locally, volcanic and volcaniclastic deposits are interbedded in the succession. Lithofacies are arranged in repetitive vertical stacking patterns (depositional sequences) that record glacial advance–retreat cycles with attendant relative sea‐level changes. Seven varieties of depositional sequences (stratigraphic motifs) are recognized within the succession as a whole, and interpreted to record a range of depositional settings from rifts unaffected by glacial ice (Motif 7), through varying degrees of glacial influence with abundant meltwater contributions (Motifs 6 to 3), to cold, polar glaciated environments such as that of today (Motifs 2 and 1). Overall, there is a gradual trend upward through the succession from Motif 7 at the base towards Motif 1 at the top, but the trend is not monotonic. A significant conclusion of this work is that a record of dynamic climate and glacial conditions is preserved through the entire 34 Myr period of the Cenozoic icehouse, at least in the Victoria Land Basin. Intervals characterized by consistent stratigraphic style (motifs) are recognized throughout the Victoria Land Basin succession. These intervals are of 1 to 6 Myr duration, each containing numerous depositional sequences; they are one to two orders of magnitude longer than glacial–interglacial cycles, and record periods during which environmental conditions varied in an internally consistent manner. These intervals are considered to reflect convolutions of orbital parameters that remained stable for periods of 106 a, and then switched to alternative configurations. Such intervals are directly analogous to 1 to 8 Myr intervals characterized by glaciogenic strata that are preserved within the late Palaeozoic of eastern Australia among other areas, and may be a recurring stratigraphic response to icehouse climate regimes through geological time.

Seismic stratigraphy of the Central Basin in northwestern Ross Sea slope and rise, Antarctica: Clues to the late Cenozoic ice-sheet dynamics and bottom-current activity

Sedimentation processes influenced by late Cenozoic ice-sheet dynamics and bottom-current activity can be extracted from the seismic stratigraphic record of the Ross Sea continental slope and rise, where more continuous sedimentary successions are preserved compared to the continental shelf. In this study, we present a seismic stratigraphic analysis of the Central Basin that lies in the northwestern Ross Sea, using newly acquired and existing legacy seismic reflection data that are correlated to adjacent scientific drill sites. The chronostratigraphy of Ross Sea seismic sequences lying above the mid-Miocene sequence boundary (RSU4, ca. 16.5–15.5Ma) is based on the former Antarctic Offshore Stratigraphy (ANTOSTRAT) project. Depth-contour and isopach maps of sedimentary sequences bounded by two major unconformities of RSU4 and RSU2 (the late Pliocene boundary, ca. 4.0–2.8Ma) and the present-day seafloor were produced to illustrate the evolution of paleo-seafloor morphology, distribution of sediments and depocenter migration in the western Ross Sea outer margin.The results of seismic stratigraphic analysis indicate that gravity sedimentation processes dominated the Central Basin infill up to the mid-Miocene, and then downslope sediment supply gradually diminished through the late Miocene and Quaternary, likely reflecting a shift toward a cooler, less erosive glacial regime change. Since the late Pliocene, a topset-truncated glacial prograding wedge developed in the upper continental slope at the mouth of the Joides Basin and the sediment depocenter was shifted from the basin floor to the upper slope, suggesting the more persistent occurrence of grounded ice sheets on the outer continental shelf. Meanwhile, persistent along-slope bottom-current processes formed contourites on the slope and over the crests of banks surrounding the Central Basin since the mid-Miocene. In the late Pliocene, the contourites that formed off the Joides Basin mouth were overlain by glaciogenic debris flows, while the growth of contourites continued over and along the flanks of banks, farther to the north. This suggests that along-slope bottom-current processes near the Joides Basin mouth were diminished or dominated by the glacial discharge to the continental shelf edge. The sediment stacking patterns differ between the Joides/Central Basins and the Drygalski/Adare Basins located on the westernmost Ross Sea margin, suggesting that distinctive glacial/interglacial behavior of the former grounded ice streams and sediment supplies in the troughs feeding these basins were largely controlled by the paleo-seafloor morphology of the western Ross Sea continental shelf.

Deepwater Fold‐and‐Thrust Belt Along New Caledonia's Western Margin: Relation to Post‐obduction Vertical Motions

AbstractClassically, deepwater fold‐and‐thrust belts are classified in two main types, depending if they result from near‐ or far‐field stresses and the understanding of their driving and triggering mechanism is poorly known. We present a geophysical data set off the western margin of New Caledonia (SW Pacific) that reveals deformed structures of a deepwater fold‐and‐thrust belt that we interpret as a near‐field gravity‐driven system, which is not located at a rifted passive margin. The main factor triggering deformation is inferred to be oversteepening of the margin slope by postobduction isostatic rebound. Onshore erosion of abnormally dense obducted material, combined with sediment loading in the adjacent basin, has induced vertical motions that have caused oversteepening of the margin. Detailed morphobathymetric, seismic stratigraphic, and structural analysis reveals that the fold‐and‐thrust belt extends 200 km along the margin, and 50 km into the New Caledonia Trough. Deformation is rooted at depths greater than 5 km beneath the seafloor, affects an area of 3,500 km2, and involves a sediment volume of approximately 13,000 km3. This deformed belt is organized into an imbricate fan system of faults, and one out‐of‐sequence thrust fault affects the seabed. The thrust faults are deeply rooted in the basin along a low‐angle floor thrust and connected to New Caledonia Island along a major detachment. This study not only provides a better knowledge of the New Caledonia margin but also provides new insight into the mechanisms that trigger deepwater fold‐and‐thrust belts.

Applying seismic stratigraphy analysis for assessing upper Oligocene stratigraphic traps in Southeastern Cuu Long Basin

As oil and gas production has been going on over a few decades, conventional plays such as pre-Tertiary fractured basement highs and Cenozoic structural traps become more and more exhausted, and the remaining targets of the same type do not have sufficient reserves for development and production. Exploration activities in Cuu Long basin, therefore, are shifting towards more complicating types of plays which are stratigraphic traps and combination traps. Several researches were conducted in southeastern marginal slope and indicated the possibility of stratigraphic pinch-out traps with insufficient petroleum system and low hydrocarbon potential. In spite of many researches, there are still difficulties in defining the distribution and in evaluating hydrocarbon potential of these traps, so seismic stratigraphy analysis in accompanied with interpretation of seismic attribute and well logs is very necessary to support this problem. Seismic stratigraphic analysis on seismic sections, in agreement with seismic attributes’ and log analysis’ findings, show that the stratigraphic/combination traps in Oligocene C and D were formed during lowstand system tract as sigmoid-oblique clinoforms downlapping onto underlying strata in distributary mouths/delta settings. The integration of seismic attribute analysis and well log interpretation has further defined the fan-shaped distribution of these traps. Thus, using various methods, the stratigraphic traps can be better revealed. Further studies, however, need to be carried out to fully evaluate hydrocarbon potential of these stratigraphic/ combination traps, and minimize risks in exploration drilling.

Neogene to Quaternary stratigraphic evolution of the Antarctic Peninsula, Pacific Margin offshore of Adelaide Island: Transitions from a non-glacial, through glacially-influenced to a fully glacial state

A detailed morphologic and seismic stratigraphic analysis of the continental margin offshore of Adelaide Island on the Pacific Margin of the Antarctic Peninsula (PMAP) is described based on the study of a regular network of reflection multichannel seismic profiles and swath bathymetry. We present an integrated study of the margin spanning the shelf to the continental rise, establish novel chronologic constraints and offer new interpretations on tectonic evolution and environmental changes affecting the PMAP. The stratigraphic stacking patterns record major shifts in the depositional style of the margin that outline three intervals in its evolution. The first non-glacial interval (Early Cretaceous to middle Miocene) encompasses a transition from an active to a passive margin (early Miocene). The second glacially-influenced interval (middle to late Miocene) is marked by pronounced aggradational sedimentary stacking and subsidence. Ice sheets advanced over the middle shelf of the margin at the end of this second interval, while the outer shelf experienced rare progradational events. The third, fully glaciated interval shows clear evidence of glacially dominated conditions on the margin. This interval divides into three minor stages. During the first stage (late Miocene to the beginning of the Pliocene), frequent grounded ice advances to the shelf break began, depositing an initial progradational unit. A major truncation surface marked the end of this stage, which coincided with extensive mass transport deposits at the base of the slope. During the second progradational glacial margin stage (early Pliocene to middle Pleistocene), stacking patterns record clearly prograding glacial sequences. The beginning of the third aggradational glacial margin stage (middle Pleistocene to present) corresponded to an important shift in global climate during the Mid-Pleistocene Transition. Morphosedimentary characteristics observed along the margin today began to develop during the latest Miocene but did not become fully established until sometime during the interval between the end of the Pliocene and middle Pleistocene. Between these two time intervals, the northeastward lateral migration of the Marguerite Trough also played a critical role in margin evolution, as it controlled ice sheet drainage pathways across the shelf, which in turn influenced development of slope and rise morphologies. Areas offshore from Adelaide Island differ from other areas of the PMAP due to changes in sedimentary processes that resulted from migration of the trough. This study confirms that the PMAP represents an exceptional locality for decoding, reconstructing and linking past tectonic and climatic changes. The study area specifically records not only the most relevant changes in depositional style, but also the relative importance of persistent along- and down-slope sedimentary processes. Our study approach can be extended to other areas and integrated with additional techniques to understand the evolution and the global linkages of the entire Antarctic continental margin and the ice sheets.

Geochemistry of late miocene-pleistocene basalts in the Phu Quy island area (East Vietnam Sea): Implication for mantle source feature and melt generation

Geochemistry of late miocene-pleistocene basalts in the Phu Quy island area (East Vietnam Sea): Implication for mantle source feature and melt generation

Introduction to special section: Seismic time-frequency analysis

Analyzing the time-frequency features of seismic traces plays an important role in seismic stratigraphy analysis and hydrocarbon detection. The spectral decomposition algorithms can be categorized into (1) simple projection methods and (2) computationally intensive least-squares approaches. This

Instantaneous frequency and phase without unwrapping

The instantaneous phase of a complex trace is normally computed as an inverse tangent function of the ratio between its imaginary and real parts. This algorithm often produces a discontinuous function in the range [[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]], as the principal value of the inverse tangent is assumed. The attempt of removing these discontinuities, called phase unwrapping, introduces uncertainties and some personal bias because it requires user-defined parameters. A new algorithm that does not require any of these parameters is presented with the related software code and some application examples. The results indicate a fair robustness of the estimates with respect to the noise, for the instantaneous phase and frequency. In addition, the median-averaged instantaneous frequency is a useful tool for the seismic stratigraphy analysis.

Geodynamic Evolution of Northeastern Tunisia During the Maastrichtian–Paleocene Time: Insights from Integrated Seismic Stratigraphic Analysis

The Maastrichtian–Paleocene El Haria formation was studied and defined in Tunisia on the basis of outcrops and borehole data; few studies were interested in its three-dimensional extent. In this paper, the El Haria formation is reviewed in the context of a tectono-stratigraphic interval using an integrated seismic stratigraphic analysis based on borehole lithology logs, electrical well logging, well shots, vertical seismic profiles and post-stack surface data. Seismic analysis benefits from appropriate calibration with borehole data, conventional interpretation, velocity mapping, seismic attributes and post-stack model-based inversion. The applied methodology proved to be powerful for charactering the marly Maastrichtian–Paleocene interval of the El Haria formation. Migrated seismic sections together with borehole measurements are used to detail the three-dimensional changes in thickness, facies and depositional environment in the Cap Bon and Gulf of Hammamet regions during the Maastrichtian–Paleocene time. Furthermore, dating based on their microfossil content divulges local and multiple internal hiatuses within the El Haria formation which are related to the geodynamic evolution of the depositional floor since the Campanian stage. Interpreted seismic sections display concordance, unconformities, pinchouts, sedimentary gaps, incised valleys and syn-sedimentary normal faulting. Based on the seismic reflection geometry and terminations, seven sequences are delineated. These sequences are related to base-level changes as the combination of depositional floor paleo-topography, tectonic forces, subsidence and the developed accommodation space. These factors controlled the occurrence of the various parts of the Maastrichtian–Paleocene interval. Detailed examinations of these deposits together with the analysis of the structural deformation at different time periods allowed us to obtain a better understanding of the sediment architecture in depth and the delineation of the geodynamic evolution of the region.

Acquisition, processing and interpretation of high-resolution seismic data using a small-scale multi-channel system: an example from the Korea Strait inner shelf, south-east Korea

A high-resolution seismic survey was designed to improve the quality of seismic data and study the evolution of inner shelf deposits off the southern coast of Korea. A 0.5 L air gun and 6- or 8-channel streamer cable with a 5 m group interval were used as a seismic source and receiver system, respectively. Data recording was digitally performed at a shot interval of 2 s and a sample interval of 0.1 ms using a personal computer (PC)-based recording system with an analogue to digital (A/D) converter. In the data processing, deconvolution and static corrections were very effective for improving the data resolution. The data resolution and signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio were improved by using multi-channel digital seismic systems as opposed to a single-channel analogue streamer. The results show that a small-scale multi-channel seismic system is an effective way to investigate late Quaternary deposits. Seismic stratigraphic analysis of the high-resolution seismic profiles revealed that inner shelf deposits, up to 30 m thick, consist of three sedimentary units, which comprise transgressive and highstand systems tracts deposited after the last glacial period. The transgressive systems tract includes two units (I and II) separated by a ravinement surface (RS). The lower Unit I, lying below the RS, consists of estuarine sediments left behind by shoreface erosion during transgression, and represents a paralic component. The upper Unit II, including two sub-units (IIa and IIb), lies above the RS and consists of sand produced by shoreface erosion during landward transgression, which corresponds to a marine component. The uppermost Unit III lies above the maximum flooding surface and consists of thick mud clinoforms of the modern Nakdong and Seomjin subaqueous deltas. This unit likely formed during the recent sea level highstand and represents the highstand systems tract.

Holocene hydrological changes in the Rhône River (NW Mediterranean) as recorded in the marine mud belt

Abstract. Expanded marine Holocene archives are relatively scarce in the Mediterranean Sea because most of the sediments were trapped in catchment areas during this period. Mud belts are the most suitable targets to access expanded Holocene records. These sedimentary bodies represent excellent archives for the study of sea–land interactions and notably the impact of the hydrological activity on sediment accumulation. We retrieved a 7.2 m long sediment core from the Rhône mud belt in the Gulf of Lions in an area where the average accumulation rate is ca. 0.70 m 1000 yr−1. This core thus provides a continuous and high-resolution record of the last 10 ka cal BP. A multiproxy dataset (XRF core scan, 14C dates, grain size and organic-matter analysis) combined with seismic stratigraphic analysis was used to document decadal to centennial changes in the Rhône hydrological activity. Our results show that (1) the early Holocene was characterized by high sediment delivery likely indicative of local intense (but short-duration) rainfall events, (2) important sediment delivery around 7 ka cal BP presumably related to increased river flux, (3) a progressive increase in continental/marine input during the mid-Holocene despite increased distance from river outlets due to sea-level rise possibly related to higher atmospheric humidity caused by the southward migration of the storm tracks in the North Atlantic, (4) multidecadal to centennial humid events took place in the late Holocene. Some of these events correspond to the cold periods identified in the North Atlantic (Little Ice Age, LIA; Dark Ages Cold Period) and also coincide with time intervals of major floods in the northern Alps. Other humid events are also observed during relatively warm periods (Roman Humid Period and Medieval Climate Anomaly).

Bi-modal deformation styles in confined mass-transport deposits: Examples from a salt minibasin in SE Brazil

High-quality 3D seismic data reveal bi-modal deformation styles in mass-transport deposits filling a salt minibasin in SE Brazil (Espírito Santo Basin). We analyse three mass-transport deposits within the same Miocene stratigraphic interval, and four others in Holocene strata. Our interpretation reveals that deformation in the mass-transport deposits relates to their long-axis orientation. As a result, they are divided into two types: a) Type 1 have long axes parallel to the direction of movement and show significant internal deformation; b) Type 2 have long axes perpendicular to the direction of movement, are highly heterogeneous and include large undeformed slabs. The long axes of Type 2 mass-transport deposits are parallel to the strike of bounding faults and salt structures. The majority of mass-transport deposits show intense deformation at their headwalls, and relative short remobilisation distances are inferred for both Types 1 and 2. In the study area, the timing of emplacement of mass-transport deposits was controlled by the growth of adjacent salt ridges. Earlier halokinesis in the northern axial areas of the minibasin shifted southwards in a second stage. Holocene mass-transport deposits suggest alternating growth of the eastern and western salt ridges. Our results show that detailed seismic-stratigraphic analyses are a key to understanding the timings and magnitude of deformation of mass-transport deposits in salt minibasins. The classification proposed can be applied to MTDs on continental margins and in lacustrine settings.

Evolução estratigráfica da Sequência Neocarbonífera-Eotriássica da Bacia do Parnaíba, Brasil

RESUMO: A Sequência Neocarbonífera-Eotriássica corresponde ao terceiro grande ciclo sedimentar da Bacia do Parnaíba e concerne litoestratigraficamente ao Grupo Balsas. Essa sequência é descrita como um conjunto de rochas cujos sedimentos foram depositados em um ambiente complexo, clástico/evaporítico de mar raso, gradando para um ambiente lacustre/desértico. O principal objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma análise estratigráfica da Sequência Neocarbonífera-Eotriássica, visando uma melhor compreensão da sua evolução. Tal análise teve por base dados de poços e algumas seções sísmicas. Para o intervalo estratigráfico em questão foram identificadas três sequências deposicionais. A Sequência 1 corresponde a rochas que foram depositadas inicialmente a partir de um sistema fluvial, que passa para um sistema marinho raso implantado durante uma fase transgressiva e, posteriormente, evolui para um sistema deltaico. A Sequência 2 corresponde a rochas que foram depositadas a partir de um sistema deposicional lacustre/desértico, representando uma fase regressiva importante que culmina com a implantação de um sistema desértico, o qual corresponde à Sequência 3. Na análise sismoestratigráfica foi possível reconhecer as superfícies cronoestratigráficas e os tratos de sistemas identificadas em poços e analisar a sua expressão lateral. De modo geral, as sismofácies reconhecidas nas seções sísmicas apresentam-se com configurações paralelas a subparalelas, com grande continuidade lateral, sugerindo uma homogeneidade nas taxas de sedimentação durante a deposição dessas sequências, nesse setor da bacia.

Paleoseismic potential of sublacustrine landslide records in a high-seismicity setting (south-central Alaska)

Sublacustrine landslide stratigraphy is considered useful for quantitative paleoseismology in low-seismicity settings. However, as the recharging of underwater slopes with sediments is one of the factors that governs the recurrence of slope failures, it is not clear if landslide deposits can provide continuous paleoseismic records in settings of frequent strong shaking. To test this, we selected three lakes in south-central Alaska that experienced a strong historical megathrust earthquake (the 1964 Mw9.2 Great Alaska Earthquake) and exhibit high sedimentation rates in their main basins (0.2cmyr−1–1.0cmyr−1). We present high-resolution reflection seismic data (3.5kHz) and radionuclide data from sediment cores in order to investigate factors that control the establishment of a reliable landslide record. Seismic stratigraphy analysis reveals the presence of several landslide deposits in the lacustrine sedimentary infill. Most of these landslide deposits can be attributed to specific landslide events, as multiple landslide deposits sourced from different lacustrine slopes occur on a single stratigraphic horizon. We identify numerous events in the lakes: Eklutna Lake proximal basin (14 events), Eklutna Lake distal basin (8 events), Skilak Lake (7 events) and Kenai Lake (7 events). The most recent event in each basin corresponds to the historic 1964 megathrust earthquake. All events are characterized by multiple landslide deposits, which hints at a regional trigger mechanism, such as an earthquake (the synchronicity criterion). This means that the landslide record in each basin represents a record of past seismic events. Based on extrapolation of sedimentation rates derived from radionuclide dating, we roughly estimate a mean recurrence interval in the Eklutna Lake proximal basin, Eklutna Lake distal basin, Skilak Lake and Kenai Lake, at ~250yrs., ~450yrs., ~900yrs. and ~450yrs., respectively. This distinct difference in recording can be explained by variations in preconditioning factors like slope angle, slope recharging (sedimentation rate) and the sediment source area: faster slope recharging and a predominance of delta and alluvial fan failures, increase the sensitivity and lower the intensity threshold for slope instability. Also, the seismotectonic setting of the lakes has to be taken into account. This study demonstrates that sublacustrine landslides in several Alaskan lakes can be used as reliable recorders of strong earthquake shaking, when a multi-lake approach is used, and can enhance the temporal and spatial resolution of the paleoseismic record of south-central Alaska.

Seismic time-frequency decomposition by using a hybrid basis-matching pursuit technique

Analyzing the time-frequency features of seismic traces plays an important role in seismic stratigraphy analysis and hydrocarbon detection. The current popular time-spectrum analysis methods include short-time Fourier transform, continuous wavelet transform, S-transform, and matching pursuit (MP), among which MP is the most tolerant of the window/scalar effect. However, current MP algorithms do not consider the interfering effects of seismic events on the estimation of optimal wavelets in each decomposition iteration. The interfered reflection seismic events may result in inaccurate estimation of optimal wavelets during the whole decomposition procedure. We have developed a hybrid basis MP workflow to minimize the effect of event interference on the estimation of optimal wavelets. Our algorithm assumes that the wavelet features remain constant in a user-defined small time window. The algorithm begins with identifying the strongest reflection waveform. Next, we estimate the optimal wavelet and the corresponding reflectivity model for the selected waveform by using a basis pursuit algorithm. Then, we subtract the seismic traces from the waveform computed from the optimal wavelet and estimated reflectivity model. We repeat this procedure until the total energy of seismic traces falls below a user-defined value. We have determined the effectiveness of our algorithm by first applying it to a synthetic model and then to a real seismic data set.

Late-Pleistocene evolution of the continental shelf of central Israel, a case study from Hadera

Sea-level fluctuations are a dominant mechanism that control coastal environmental changes through time. This is especially the case for the successive regressions and transgressions over the last interglacial cycle, which have shaped the deposition, preservation and erosion patterns of unconsolidated sediments currently submerged on continental shelves. The current study focuses on creating an integrated marine and terrestrial geophysical and litho-stratigraphic framework of the coastal zone of Hadera, north-central Israel. This research presents a case study, investigating the changing sedimentological units in the study area. Analysis suggest these represent various coastal environments and were deposited during times of lower than present sea level and during the later stages of the Holocene transgression.A multi-disciplinary approach was applied by compiling existing elevation raster grids, bathymetric charts, one hundred lithological borehole data-sets, and a 110km-long sub-bottom geophysical survey. Based on seismic stratigraphic analysis, observed geometries, and reflective appearances, six bounding surfaces and seven seismic units were identified and characterized. These seismic units have been correlated with the available borehole data to produce a chronologically constrained lithostratigraphy for the area. This approach allowed us to propose a relationship between the lithological units and sea-level change and thus enable the reconstruction of Hadera coastal evolution over the last ~100ka. This reconstruction suggests that the stratigraphy is dominated by lowstand aeolian and fluvial terrestrial environments, subsequently transgressed during the Holocene. The results of this study provide a valuable framework for future national strategic shallow-water infrastructure construction and also for the possible locations of past human settlements in relation to coastal evolution through time.

Postglacial sediment deposition along a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic margin: New constraints from the drowned shelf-edge reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

A seismic stratigraphy analysis was conducted at two sites, Hydrographers and Noggin passages, separated by about 540km on the shelf-edge of the central Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia. We used recently available seismic and bathymetry data and a new synthesis of downhole logs and lithological, petrophysical and radiometric data from cores recovered by the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 325 (Great Barrier Reef Environmental Changes). We compared the stratigraphy of both sites, identifying a full depositional sequence with deposits from at least 28ka BP to ~7ka BP, bounded by two marine flooding surfaces. Within this sequence, each systems tract is represented by unique depositional features characteristic of the shelf-edge systems. Despite the broad environmental and geomorphic similarities between the two sites, differences in postglacial reef development were remarkable. These contrasts can be explained as a result of: (1) local antecedent substrate variations and (2) the interplay of shelf physiography with Late Quaternary sea level fluctuations, which favoured changes in biological production and sediment flux as the palaeo-shoreline evolved from linear to complex during intermediate sea levels. During these intermediate sea levels, the northern estuarine coast and its steep substrate at shelf-edge locations contrasted strongly with the protected palaeo-lagoons and the extensive, gentle marginal terraces found at the southern central GBR. This setting enhanced the regional differences in sediment transport and reef development through the last transgression. The conceptual model presented here provides a broader depositional framework and improves the understanding of the main processes controlling the spatial and temporal depositional patterns on the shelf-edge of mixed siliciclastic-carbonate margins.

Latitudinal variation in glacial erosion rates from Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula (46°S–65°S)

We use extensive sedimentary and marine geophysical data to derive sediment volume−based millennial time-scale glacial erosion rates ( Ē ) from glacially influenced fjords and bays across a broad latitudinal transect, from central Patagonia (46°S) to the Antarctic Peninsula (65°S), and to determine how glacial erosion rates change with increasing latitude and decreasing atmospheric temperatures. We also calculate million-year time-scale erosion rates for the western Antarctic Peninsula cordillera and inner continental shelf from seismic stratigraphic analysis of the continental margin. These results are complemented by erosion rates derived from existing thermochronology data sets (apatite fission-track and apatite [U-Th]/He) for both Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula regions. Despite considerable regional variability, our results show a clear trend of decreasing Ē with increasing latitude. Millennial Ē values span two orders of magnitude, from 0.02 mm/yr for Illiad glacier on Anvers Island, Antarctica (∼64.5°S), to 0.83 mm/yr for San Rafael glacier in northern Patagonia (∼46.5°S). Regional averages are three times higher for the Patagonian areas than the Antarctic Peninsula areas. This trend is interpreted to result from a general decrease in temperature and water availability at the ice-bedrock interface. For the Antarctic Peninsula study sites, erosion rates are highly clustered around 0.1 mm/yr, with the exception of Maxwell Bay, for which the Ē value is 0.36 mm/yr. In Patagonia, erosion rates are more variable than in the Antarctic Peninsula, with Ē ranging between 0.14 mm/yr (Europa glacier area) and 0.83 mm/yr (San Rafael glacier area). This regional variability in Ē is interpreted as due to differences in hypsometry and bedrock resistance to erosion. Million-year time-scale Ē values derived from thermochronology ages also decrease with latitude, with maximum values decreasing from ∼0.9−1.1 mm/yr north of 46°S to ∼0.1−0.2 mm/yr south of 48°S in Patagonia, and reaching ∼0.2−0.3 mm/yr in the Antarctic Peninsula. The sediment-based million-year time-scale Ē estimates for the western Antarctic Peninsula cordillera indicate that glacial erosion rates increased by 25%−30% after 5.3 Ma, from ∼0.09 mm/yr (5.3−9.5 Ma) to ∼0.11−0.12 mm/yr (<5.3 Ma). For Patagonia, the decrease in long-term erosion rates south of ∼46°S is interpreted to result from relatively long periods of slow glacial erosion associated with the ice masses having been colder (subpolar) on the southern Patagonian cordillera, and having eroded at rates comparable to those we obtained for the Antarctic Peninsula. These long-term erosion rates are 1−2 orders of magnitude lower than estimates based on recent sediment yields, highlighting the transient nature of high-sediment-flux events. However, our sediment volume−derived millennial time-scale Ē closely approximates the maximum values of tectonic time-scale Ē values derived from thermochronology ages. Our combined millennial and million-year time-scale glacial erosion data quantify the significant decrease in rates of glacially driven denudation at geological (tectonic) and millennial time scales with increasing latitude from Patagonia to the Antarctic Peninsula, highlighting the influence of climate on mountain denudation.

Seismic geomorphological reconstructions of Plio-Pleistocene bottom current variability at Goban Spur

High-resolution single channel sparker reflection seismic data revealed the presence of large-scale sediment waves nearby DSDP Site 548, located on Goban Spur. They developed in a gentle terraced environment which contrasts with the canyon-incised Celtic margin, and the relatively smooth Porcupine Seabight to the north. Based upon the morphological characteristics of the observed seabed and buried sediment waves, energetic alongslope bottom currents are thought to be the driving mechanism for the sediment wave development. These currents are driven on their turn by an enhanced internal tide regime that could be attributed to the introduction of the Mediterranean Outflow Water. The DSDP Site 548 downhole geophysical data and the seismic stratigraphic analysis allowed the differentiation of three sequences that relate to evolutionary stages since the lower Pliocene. The sequences are bounded by local erosional events, associated with mass wasting events, which seem to occur roughly synchronously to major northern hemisphere glaciations, respectively during the Lower Pleistocene (~2.5 to 2.15Ma), and the Middle Pleistocene (~0.45Ma). The lower sequence (from ~4.5 to ~2.15Ma) shows no morphological evidence of bottom-current driven sedimentation. It is however settled over a smooth erosional surface which could indicate the introduction of the Mediterranean Outflow Water. The intermediate sequence is characterised by large-scale sediment waves that have gradually developed in close association with palaeo-seafloor irregularities. It is inferred that the sedimentation resumed with a relative bottom current energy increase. The youngest sequence recorded active sediment wave formation, similar to the previous sequence. Although the Goban Spur sediment waves cannot be regarded as contourite drifts as such, their stratigraphic evolution corresponds to other well-documented contourite depositional systems, influenced by the Mediterranean Outflow Water.

Seismic and Sequence Stratigraphic Analysis of Ewan and Oloye Fields (Middle Miocene), Northwestern Niger Delta: Implications for Deltaic Depositional Sequences

The main aim of this works is to define local sequence variability and its implications for deltaic depositional sequences within the studied area. This research work makes use of depth converted three dimensional seismic cube, well logs, core photography descriptions and biostratigraphic reports. Recognition and interpretation of stratal surfaces were based on facies shifts and stacking patterns and reflection terminations derived from the interpretation of seismic data and wireline logs integrated with core photography and biostratigraphic reports. Seismic stratigraphic analysis of well and seismic data suggests that middle Miocene- early Pliocene strata within the studied area were made of six depositional sequences. Sequences are made up aggradational to progradational HST that makes up about 50% of a sequence. TST are thin and widespread while LST are restricted to within WNWESE trending valley fills typically 4 km wide and an average 120 m deep. Outside the LST valleys, transgressive surfaces, maximum flooding surfaces and sequence boundaries are coincident on interfluves. This suggests that during LST times most of the area was periodically subaerially exposed and several incised valleys/canyons were developed. These incisions/canyons acted as a sand feeder that led to the deposition of high amplitude deposits (sandstones) on the slope and within the basin floor setting. Sequences mapped over the study area show local variation associated with growth faults. There is a strong local growth fault control on sequence variability. Further local controls on sequence geometry are shelf instability and slope scars which have a strong geomorphological impact on the area. The depth of incised valleys within the uppermost HST (up to 350 m) is difficult to explain in terms of sea level fall alone because eustatically-driven sea level variations during the Miocene are generally reported to be less than 100 m (330 ft). This suggests that the character of sequence development and depositional facies preserved within the study area depends on relative sea level changes, relative rates of regional structural collapse and sedimentation rate. The occurrence of several incisions in the middle Miocene succession is interpreted as evidence of significant relative sea level fluctuations, and the presence of type-1 sequence boundaries may be the stratigraphic signature of major drops in relative sea level during Miocene and Pliocene. Variability within the depositional sequences is said to be largely controlled by local growth faults, rapid relative sea level changes, basin physiography (shelf edge) and high rate of sediment influx.