bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depositional controls on Lower Carboniferous microbial buildups, eastern Midland Valley of Scotland
Authors: PICKARD NEIL A. H.
Published: June 2006

In the eastern Midland Valley of Scotland non‐skeletal carbonate buildup complexes are present in the Charlestown Main Limestone (Brigantian), a thin marine carbonate unit within a lower Carboniferous basin fill otherwise dominated by fluvio‐deltaic sediments and volcanics. The buildups are restricted geographically to West Lothian and Central Fife and correspond to an area of reduced subsidence, the Burntisland High. Buildup geometry and local facies mosaics reflect the relative water depth and position on the Burntisland High that, because of its slight topographical relief and more distal position with respect to the location of fluvio‐deltaic systems, became an area of increased carbonate productivity and hence a locus for buildup development. Away from the Burntisland High, in the Fife‐Midlothian Low, more monotonous argillaceous limestone facies, of low energy and somewhat deeper water aspect, accumulated.

Buildup facies contain a diverse marine fauna and are characterized by peloidal, clotted and homogeneous micrites interpreted as predominantly microbial in origin. Two types of buildup complex occur. At Charlestown, vertically stacked, tabular banks (up to 2 m thick and 100 m wide) form the western margin of an asymmetric buildup accumulation. East of this margin a complex mosaic of isolated low relief buildups and inter‐buildup sediments was deposited. Skeletal sand shoals present within these inter‐buildup sediments indicate that high energy conditions prevailed during buildup growth. In contrast, at Roscobie, inter‐buildup sediments are of low energy aspect and buildup geometry is domical rather than tabular. Initiated in slightly deeper and calmer water on the flank of the Burntisland High, the Roscobie buildups (up to 15 m thick and 46 m wide) accreted vertically, rather than laterally as at Charlestown, and coalesced to form an elongate ridge‐shaped buildup complex.
Subaqueous sediment gravity flow deposits: practical criteria for their field description and classification
Authors: GHIBAUDO GUIDO
Published: June 2006

A new method for the description and classification of subaqueous sediment gravity flow deposits is proposed. The classification scheme employs a convenient letter code and divides deposits (individual beds) into descriptive categories of two hierarchical levels: facies and subfacies. Facies, as the higher rank categories, are distinguished chiefly on the basis of sediment type (i.e. bed grain size/texture). A total of 13 facies have been distinguished: G= gravel; GS = gravel‐sand couplet; GyS = gravelly sand; S = sand; SM = sand—mud couplet; MS = mud—sand couplet; TM = silt—mud couplet; MT = mud—silt couplet; M = mud; MyS = muddy sand; SyM = sandy mud; MyG = muddy gravel; GyM = gravelly mud. Subfacies, as the lower rank categories, are distinguished within the individual facies on the basis of the bed's internal structures. The number of subfacies is unlimited, and their labelling code includes particular facies symbols (see above) preceded by lower—case letters denoting specific sedimentary structures and their vertical arrangement. Subfacies thus refer to the bed's intervals, or divisions, which are labelled as follows: m = massive (unstratified and ungraded); g = graded (unstratified and graded); s = plane‐stratified; x=cross‐stratified; 1 = parallel– and/or cross‐laminated; q = liquefied. For example, subfacies gsG (graded to plane‐stratified gravel) are gravel beds that have a lower graded interval and an upper plane‐stratified interval; subfacies xG (cross‐stratified gravel) are gravel beds that are cross‐stratified throughout; subfacies slS (plane‐stratified to laminated sand) are sand beds that have a lower plane‐stratified interval and an upper laminated (parallel‐ and/or cross‐laminated) interval.
Alluvial response to differential subsidence: sedimentological analysis aided by remote sensing, Willwood Formation (Eocene), Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, USA
Authors: KRAUS MARY J.
Published: June 2006

A colour Landsat Thematic Mapper image was used to identify and to map on a regional scale alluvial facies in the lower Eocene Willwood Formation. Each facies covers a distinct geographical area of several hundred square kilometres in the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming, USA. Comparison of the image with laboratory spectra from Willwood Formation rocks and field exposures shows that the image provides information regarding the colour of mudstones, their relative abundances, and the relative abundance of sandstones. Facies were further characterized from field study and published descriptions on the basis of sandbody geometry, the types of nodules present in the mudstones, and the abundance and geometry of carbonaceous mudstones. This information helps to interpret the fluvial environments represented and types of alluvial palaeosols found in the Willwood Formation.

Four facies have been distinguished. The first facies is dominated by sheet sandbodies associated with immature palaeosols. The sheets mark the locations of major channels, which tend to occur in topographic lows. The second facies is characterized by more mature, moderately drained soils that required relatively lengthy periods of non‐deposition. Facies three and four dominantly consist of drab mudstones and abundant carbonaceous units, both formed in poorly drained areas. Although minor red mudstones demonstrate that drainage conditions periodically improved in facies three, facies four underwent prolonged saturation.

The geographical facies distribution suggests that east‐west faults previously mapped in the Bighorn Mountains, extend westward into the Bighorn Basin and were active during early Eocene time. The lithological heterogeneity of the Willwood Formation rocks is attributed to warping associated with movement along these basement‐controlled faults. Fault activity created topographic gradients which influenced the position of major channel systems and helped produce variable drainage conditions that affected Eocene soil development.
Fusain in Carboniferous shallow marine sediments, Donegal, Ireland: the sedimentological effects of wildfire
Authors: NICHOLS GARY , JONES TIM
Published: June 2006

Evidence from fusain deposits in Lower Carboniferous rocks of western Ireland indicates that a catastrophic wildfire destroyed thousands of square kilometres of Carboniferous ‘forest’. In addition to yielding large quantities of charcoal, this wildfire event resulted in increased surface water runoff which affected sedimentation in an adjacent estuarine environment where the fusain is now preserved. This is the oldest documented evidence for a catastrophic palaeowildfire and a clear example of the sedimentological effects of large‐scale fires.

The Lower Carboniferous (Visean) rocks in the Largymore Syncline of western Donegal, Ireland, are shallow marine sandstones, mudstones and limestones. The Upper Shalwy Beds are mudstones and cross‐bedded sandstones which show bi‐polar cross‐stratification and mud drapes on cross‐bed foresets indicating deposition in a tidal environment, probably a large estuary. In three coastal exposures a bed containing up to 20% fusain is found at the same stratigraphic horizon. The fusain is interpreted as fossil charcoal produced by palaeowildfire in a land area to the north‐west. The volume of fusain present in the unit can be estimated and by comparison with charcoal production in modern wildfires it has been calculated that around 95 000 km2 (more than the present land area of Ireland) was burnt.

Along with the fusain, other effects of the wildfire can be seen in the deposits, which are poorly sorted compared to the rest of the Upper Shalwy Beds and are characterized by inclined heterolithic stratification produced by the draping of underlying bedforms. These features are considered to be due to a considerably increased sediment load in the estuary, resulting from enhanced surface runoff and soil erosion due to the wildfire.
Modern carbonate and terrigenous clastic sediments on a cool water, high energy, mid‐latitude shelf: Lacepede, southern Australia
Authors: JAMES NOEL P. , BONE YVONNE , VON DER BORCH CHRISTOPHER C. , GOSTIN VICTOR A.
Published: June 2006

The wide Lacepede Shelf and narrow Bonney Shelf are contiguous parts of the south‐eastern passive continental margin of Australia. The shelves are open, generally deeper than 40 m, covered by waters cooler than 18°C and swept by oceanic swells that move sediments to depths of 140 m. The Lacepede Shelf is proximal to the ‘delta’of the River Murray and the Coorong Lagoon. Shelf and upper slope sediments are a variable mixture of Holocene and late Pleistocene quartzose terrigenous clastic and bryozoa‐dominated carbonate particles.

Bryozoa grow in abundance to depths of 250 m and are conspicuous to depths of 350 m. They can be grouped into four depth‐related assemblages. Coralline algae, the only calcareous phototrophs, are important sediment producers to depths of 70 m. Active benthic carbonate sediment production occurs to depths of 350 m, but carbonate sediment accumulation is reduced on the open shelf by continuous high energy conditions.

The shelf is separated into five zones. The strandline is typified by accretionary sequences of steep shoreface, beach and dune carbonate/siliciclastic sediments. Similar shoreline facies of relict bivalve/limestone cobble ridges are stranded on the open shelf. The shallow shelf, c.40–70 m deep, is a wide, extremely flat plain with only subtle local relief. It is a mosaic of grainy, quartzose, palimpsest facies which reflect the complex interaction of modern bioclastic sediment production (dominated by bryozoa and molluscs), numerous highstands of sea level over the last 80 000 years, modern mixing of sediments from relatively recent highstands and local introduction of quartz‐rich sediments during lowstands. The middle shelf, c.70–140 m deep, is a gentle incline with subtle relief where Holocene carbonates veneer seaward‐dipping bedrock clinoforms and local lowstand beach complexes. Carbonates are mostly modern, uniform, clean, coarse grained sands dominated by a diverse suite of robust to delicate bryozoa particles produced primarily in situ but swept into subaqueous dunes. The deep shelf edge, c. 140–250 m deep, is a site of diverse and active bryozoa growth. Resulting accumulations are characteristically muddy and distinguished by large numbers of delicate, branching bryozoa. The upper slope, between 250 and 350 m depth, contains the deepest platform‐related sediments, which are very muddy and contain a low diversity suite of delicate, branching cyclostome bryozoa.

This study provides fundamental environmental information critical for the interpretation of Cenozoic cool water carbonates and the region is a good model for older mixed carbonate‐terrigenous clastic successions which were deposited on unrimmed shelves.
Morphology, internal structure and mechanics of small longitudinal (seif) dunes in an aeolian horizon of the Proterozoic Dhandraul Quartzite, India
Authors: CHAKRABORTY CHANDAN
Published: June 2006

The excellently preserved metre‐scale, linear bedforms in an aeolian horizon of the Proterozoic Dhandraul Quartzite, India, show oppositely dipping strata arranged in a zigzag pattern. The strata are dominantly of translatent type, deposited by along‐crest migrating ripples preserved on the flanks of dunes. The bedforms thus may be interpreted in a morphodynamic sense as longitudinal (seif) dunes.

In order to determine the regional palaeoflow pattern, the migration directions of ripples preserved at the top of sheet sandstones that are associated with the dune cross‐strata and internally show subhorizontal translatent strata were measured. A directionally varying flow with a mean direction nearly parallel to the mean axial trend of the dunes is indicated. The kinematics of the dunes were thus largely the result of alternate operation of two oblique flow components, each of which was deflected at a dune crest into an along‐crest flow on the downwind flank of the dune. The deflected flow formed along‐crest migrating ripples, which in turn deposited climbing ripple strata. Alternate deposition on the two opposite flanks resulted in near vertical accretion of the dunes, as is indicated by the zigzag pattern of stratal arrangement.
Evolution of an early Proterozoic foreland basin carbonate platform, lower Pethei Group, Great Slave Lake, north‐west Canada
Authors: SAMI TERRY T. , JAMES NOEL. P.
Published: June 2006

The Taltheilei, Utsingi, McLean and Blanchet formations form a 175–390 m thick carbonate platform‐to‐basin succession in the lower part of the PaleoProterozoic Pethei Group, preserved in the eastern arm of Great Slave Lake. Carbonates accumulated along the south‐east margin of the Slave Craton within a foredeep formed during the collision of the Slave and Churchill Cratons. The rocks include eight, predominantly microbial, carbonate facies that comprise five facies associations representing (1) shallow‐water rimmed shelf, (2) shallow‐water open shelf, (3) shallow‐water ramp, (4) upper slope and deep ramp, and (5) lower slope and basin plain environments. Microbialite facies grew by organically mediated precipitation of spar and micritic cement and trapping and binding of lime mud.

These wholly subtidal facies typically reflect progressive shallowing and changing geometry of the lower Pethei sea floor, from ramp, to open shelf, to shallow rimmed shelf, with associated slope and basin plain deposition. Repeated relative sea‐level changes influenced platform growth. This resulted in five shallowing upward packages; each separated by an incipient drowning event of varying magnitude. Antecedent topography and the size of the preceding drowning event strongly influenced the initial growth of each interval. This repeated pattern is attributed to interaction between (a) the inherent tendency of microbial carbonates to aggrade vertically, (b) changing sedimentation rates and (c) readjustments of relative base level.

The lower Pethei succession is one of few PaleoProterozoic examples of carbonate platform growth within a foreland basin. It has (1) a low gradient profile, (2) extensive slope and basin plain carbonate production and sedimentation, (3) no ooids, (4) minor terrigenous clastic sediments, and (4) a mobile, submergent shelf rim lacking substantial carbonate sand shoals.
Variability of deltaic processes in terms of sediment supply, with particular emphasis on grain size
Authors: ORTON G. J. , READING H. G.
Published: June 2006

Short term variability in delta form and process can be partly explained by the relative strength of hydraulic parameters such as river discharge, discharge variability, wave energy flux and tidal range. However, the calibre or grain size is also important. The amount, mode of transport and grain size of the sediment load delivered to a delta front have a considerable effect on the facies, formative physical processes, related depositional environments and morphology of the deltaic depositional system. The available grain size influences (1) the gradient and channel pattern of the fluvial system on the delta plain; (2) the mixing behaviour of sediment as it discharges into the ambient basin waters at the river mouth; (3) the type of shoreline, whether reflective or dissipative, and its response to both wave energy and tidal regime; and (4) the deformation and resedimentation processes on the subaqueous delta front. Long term aspects of deltaic sedimentation, including a few generalized relationships between sediment supply and physiographic setting, are briefly introduced. The need for further detailed research on modern and ancient deltaic dispersal systems is emphasized, and specific suggestions are given for future research.
The geometry and organization of fluviodeltaic channel sandstones in the Jurassic Saltwick Formation, Yorkshire, England
Authors: MJØS RUNE , PRESTHOLM EDWARD
Published: June 2006

Within the Middle Jurassic Saltwick Formation of Yorkshire, England, 65% of the fluvial channel sandstones (n= 22) have width to thickness ratios in the range 17–30. More than 90% lie in the range 17–67 and are classified as narrow sheet channel sandstones. A broad sheet channel sandstone (c. 15 m thick, 3 km wide, width to thickness ratio of 200) occurs at the base of the formation in the proximal part of the studied depositional system. The thicknesses of the channel sandstones are in the range 4 m to more than 22 m, with 90% in the range 4–12 m. The widths of the channel sandstone sections are in the range 100–800 m, with 80% between 100 and 400 m. In plan view the channel sandstones display relatively constant thicknesses across the main part (80%) of the channel body.

Channel sandstones are usually multistorey. The storeys are separated by major scour surfaces, with depths of scour ranging from 2 m to 8–10 m. The individual storeys are 4–13 m thick, and transverse and oblique storey sections have lateral extents of 60–480 m. Vertical stacking of storeys is accompanied by a decrease in the width to thickness ratio of the channel sandstones, whereas lateral stacking of storeys is accompanied by an increase. Mudstones and siltstones within channel sandstone bodies occur at the top of storeys and were in most cases deposited during channel abandonment.

The Saltwick Formation was deposited during increasing accommodation forming a transgressive systems tract. The channel sandstone to interchannel sediment ratio is highest in the lower parts of the transgressive systems tract. The quantitative geometry and architecture data from the Saltwick Formation may be useful for describing and modelling humid delta plain hydrocarbon reservoirs of transgressive systems tracts.
Facies associations and evolution of pelagic carbonate platform/basin systems: examples from the Italian Jurassic
Authors: SANTANTONIO MASSIMO
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT During the structural and sedimentological evolution of rifted continental margins in carbonate dominated settings, a characteristic stage is commonly reached when pelagic carbonate sedimentation occurs in association with complex fault block systems. An integrated study of the ammonite biostratigraphy and sedimentology of Jurassic pelagic rocks in the Umbria‐Marche Apennines (central Italy) and in the Sila Mountains (north‐east Calabria, southern Italy) has revealed three distinctive facies associations which can be related to specific structural and depositional settings. The condensed pelagic facies association is the constituent of condensed, usually discontinuous sequences, with numerous hiatal surfaces. The normal and resedimented pelagic facies association is typical of thicker sequences, comprising gravity flow and rockfall deposits. The composite pelagic facies association is one in which rockfall deposits are found associated with condensed sequences containing minor or no gravity flow deposits. Palaeotopographical highs are dominated by the condensed pelagic facies association and constitute the pelagic carbonate platform (PCP). Structurally, the PCP can be coincident with the top of a horst (or ‘central high’) block or the crestal area of a tilted block. In the latter case, the sediment surface of the PCP slopes gently (maximum of 1–3°) in this, the shallowest area of a pelagic carbonate ramp. PCPs can have erosional, bypass (rare) and depositional margins. Stepped margins also exist as subparallel rows of erosional and bypass margins. Trends from erosional to depositional margins are usually seen as a response to basin filling and burial of submarine tectonic escarpments by pelagic deposits in late synrift or early post‐rift times. This is apparent from ‘progradation’ of PCP facies deposits beyond the structural boundaries of the PCP. Palaeoenvironmental analysis in pelagic carbonate platform deposits of the Umbria‐Marche Apennines suggests that drowning of ancestral peritidal carbonate platforms in Pliensbachian time was followed first by a moderate deepening and then by shallowing in the Tithonian.
The statistics of counting clasts in rudites: a review, with examples from the upper Palaeogene of southern California, USA
Authors: HOWARD JEFFREY L.
Published: June 2006

The relative proportions of gravel sized particles of different lithology in rudaceous sedimentary rocks are generally determined in the field by clast counting. Clast counts are usually carried out qualitatively in order to assess sedimentary provenance. However, a review of the statistical aspects of clast counting suggests that this technique also can be applied quantitatively, and to investigate a variety of other objectives during basin analysis. Geographical and stratigraphical changes in the relative proportions of clasts can be quantified statistically and used to characterize sediment dispersal patterns in space and time, respectively. Statistical comparisons between clast assemblages can be used as a tool to match up rock units. This approach may help to constrain tectonic or suspect‐terrane models, or to document sediment recycling. Both counting and sampling errors contribute to the total probable error of a clast count. Sampling error results from the uneven distribution of clasts in outcrop, perhaps caused by selective sorting. Counting error arises from a count of some number less than the total number of clasts in the population. Sampling and counting errors can be minimized by counting in closely spaced subsets, and by counting a total of at least 400 clasts, respectively. Thus, a useful procedure is to count four closely spaced subsets of 100 each, and combine the results for a total of 400. Point counting should not be used because differences in particle size produce biased results. A better method is to count all clasts above some minimum size within a specified area of outcrop. Analysis of upper Palaeogene non‐marine conglomerates composing part of the Sespe Formation in California, using confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, ratio analysis and varietal studies, demonstrates that useful statistics can be derived by counting clasts.
Grain scale simulations of loose sedimentary beds: the example of grain‐bed impacts in aeolian saltation
Authors: HAFF PETER K. , ANDERSON ROBERT S.
Published: June 2006

Sediment transport by wind is one of many processes of interest to the geomorphologist in which grain to grain contacts play an important role. In order to illustrate the modelling of collections of frictional, inelastic sedimentary grains with the particle dynamics method (PDM), we use the grain impact process in aeolian saltation as a specific example. In PDM, all the forces on each particle are evaluated at a sequence of small time‐steps, and the Newtonian equations of motion are integrated forward in time. Interparticle forces at grain contacts are treated as springs with prescribed stiffness (normal force) and by a Coulomb friction law (tangential force); particle inelasticity is represented by spring damping. The granular splash resulting from saltation impacts is assessed for sensitivity to the choice of grain properties, and the integration time‐step. We find that for the range of impact speeds and impactor masses relevant to aeolian settings, grain splashes are relatively insensitive to grain stiffness, grain inelasticity and grain friction, and that the pattern of ejection from the bed is largely controlled by bed microtopography. A large set of impact realizations involving a variety of impact points on a small set of target beds is used to collect the appropriate statistics for describing the stochastic splash process. The splash function representing these statistics is then available for use in calculations over longer time‐scales, such as the evolution of the saltation curtain. The details given here will enable the interested reader to adapt PDM modelling to other types of clastic sedimentary systems.
Geometry and kinematics of dunes during steady and unsteady flows in the Calamus River, Nebraska, USA
Authors: GABEL SHARON L.
Published: June 2006

The geometry and kinematics of river dunes were studied in a reach of the Calamus River, Nebraska. During day‐long surveys, dune height, length, steepness, migration rate, creation and destruction were measured concurrently with bedload transport rate, flow depth, flow velocity and bed shear stress. Within a survey, individual dune heights, lengths and migration rates were highly variable, associated with their three‐dimensional geometry and changes in their shape through time. Notwithstanding this variability, there were discernible changes in mean dune height, length and migration rate in response to changing discharge over several days. Changes in mean dune height and length lagged only slightly behind changes in discharge. Therefore, during periods of both steady and unsteady flow, mean dune lengths were quite close to equilibrium values predicted by theoretical models. Mean dune steepnesses were also similar to predicted equilibrium values, except during high, falling flows when the steepness was above that predicted.

Variations in mean dune height and length with discharge are similar to those predicted by theory under conditions of low mean dune excursion and discharge variation with a short high water period and long low water period. However, the calculated rates of change of height of individual dunes vary considerably from those measured. Rates of dune creation and destruction were unrelated to discharge variations, contrary to previous results. Instead, creations and destructions were apparently the result of local variations in bed shear stress and sediment transport rate.

Observed changes in dune height during unsteady flows agree with theory fairly well at low bed shear stresses, but not at higher bed shear stresses when suspended sediment transport is significant.
Experimental studies of the fluidization of layered sediments and the formation of fluid escape structures
Authors: NICHOLS R. J. , SPARKS R. S. J. , WILSON C. J. N.
Published: June 2006

Experiments demonstrate that fluid escape structures can be produced as a result of unstable fluidization behaviour where a lower base layer of granular material is inhibited from fluidizing by the presence of an overlying non‐fluidizing top layer. Before the base layer can fluidize the weight of the overlying material must be balanced, and this is accomplished by base layer material pressing against the bottom surface of the confining top layer forming a static layer. This static layer allows the top layer to lift away from the base layer which is then free to fluidize. A water‐filled crack forms below the static layer and, as this grows, instability causes the static layer and top layer to bend and conical voids to form below the antiformal sections. Rupture occurs at the apex of the water void, allowing the underlying water and fluidizing material to burst out through the top layer. The fluidized base layer material then flows through the rupture until all of this material, except that in the static layer, is deposited above the previously overlying layer and a stable fluidization system results. The top layer material is bent upwards around the rupture, and the resulting pillar‐type escape structure is preserved if flow then ceases. The vigour of the burst‐out is greatest when the base layer material has a grain size 15% of the top layer material. If the base layer grain size is less than 8% of the top layer then base layer material will pass through the top layer pore spaces, without forming an escape structure. If cohesive material is present, escape structures form when a layer of fine grained cohesive material overlies a layer of cohesionless material. At low flow rates small pipes with scattered angular bends pierce the top layer, and base layer material passes through them. The base layer material is ejected on to the top layer and builds up around the mouth of each pipe to form constructional structures, sand volcanoes. This is in contrast to the cohesionless experiments, where the weight of material being deposited on the top layer caused an ejecta‐filled depression to form around the rupture. If flow then ceases both the pipes and the sand volcanoes are preserved. At high flow rates, where the base layer fluidizes, the top cohesive layer becomes fragmented. Small fragments circulate within the fluidizing base layer and are preserved as floating clasts. Large fragments sink to the bottom of the fluidizing base layer. Erosion of the bottom surface of these larger fragments causes this surface to become convex downward. The experimentally derived structures are similar to pillar‐type structures observed in the field and the processes described can be used to investigate the development of these structures. Fluidization experiments also demonstrate the genesis of dish structures, and the cohesive behaviour can be applied to the deformation of these structures after initial formation.
Determining fluid source and possible pathways during burial dolomitization of Maryville Limestone (Cambrian), Southern Appalachians, USA
Authors: SRINIVASAN KRISHNAN , WALKER KENNETH R. , GOLDBERG STEVEN A.
Published: June 2006

Detailed petrographic analyses along a depositional transect from a carbonate platform to shale basin reveals that dolomite is the principal burial diagenctic mineral in the Maryville Limestone. This study examines the role of burial dolomitization of subtidal carbonates. Dolomite occurs as a replacement of precursor carbonate and as inter‐ and intraparticle cements. Four different types of dolomite are identified based on detailed petrographic and gcochemical analyses.

Type I dolomite occurs as small, irregular disseminations typically within mud‐rich facies.Type II dolomite typically occurs as inclusions of planar euhedral rhombs (ferroan), 5–300 μm in size, in blocky clear ferroan calcite (meteoric) spar. Type II dolomite is non‐luminescent. Type I and II dolomite formed during shallow to intermediate burial diagenesis. Type III dolomite consists of subhedral to anhedral crystals 10–150 μm in size occurring as thin seams along stylolites and as thick bands a few millimetres in width. This dolomite consists of dominantly non‐luminescent rhombs and, less commonly, orange luminescent and zoned rhombs. Type IV dolomite consists of baroque or saddle‐shaped, 100–1500 μm crystals, and is non‐luminescent. Type IV dolomite formed during the period of maximum burial.

Types III and IV dolomite increase in abundance downslope. Type III dolomite contains 1.2–2.6 wt% Fe and a maximum of 1000 ppm Mn. The distribution of these elements displays no distinct vertical or lateral trends. In contrast, Fe and Mn distributions in Type IV dolomite exhibit distinct spatial trends, decreasing from 3.5–4.5 wl% Fe and 0.1–0.3 wt% Mn in the west (slope/basin) to 1.5–2.5 wt% Fe and less than 600 ppm Mn in the east (shelf margin), a distance of approximately 60 km. Spatial trends in Fe and Mn distributions in Type IV saddle dolomite, suggest a west‐east fluid flow during late burial diagenesis. Types III and IV dolomite have a mean δ18O value of ‐ 7.8%00 and a mean δ13C value of + 1.1%00 (relative to the PDB standard). Based on a range of assumed basinal water composition of 2.8%00 SMOW, temperatures calculated from δ18O values of Types III and IV dolomite range between 75 and 160°C. 87Sr/86Sr data for Types III and IV dolomite range from 0.7111 to 0.7139. These values are radiogenic when compared to Cambrian marine values and are consistent with the presence of a diagenetic fluid that interacted with siliciclastic sediments.

The distribution of Palaeozoic facies in the southern Appalachians indicates a Cambrian shale source for the fluids, whilst burial curves suggest a Middle Ordovician age for burial fluid movement.
Aerodynamic entrainment threshold: effects of boundary layer flow conditions
Authors: WILLIAMS JON J. , BUTTERFIELD GRAEME R. , CLARK DAVID G.
Published: June 2006

Experimental data are presented demonstrating the influence of boundary layer flow conditions on aerodynamic entrainment of grains in the absence of intersaltation collisions. New methods are proposed for (1) the unambiguous determination of aerodynamic threshold for any grain population and (2) approximation of the probability density function (PDF) distributions of threshold shear velocity for aerodynamic entrainment.

In wind tunnel experiments, the orderly spatial development of flow conditions within a developing boundary layer over the roughened surface of a flat plate constrains the aerodynamic threshold condition in terms of both mean and fluctuating values. Initial grain dislodgements and subsequent erosion from narrow strips of loose, finely fractionated ballotini were recorded photographically as wind speed was increased. Boundary layer parameters, including average threshold shear velocity (U*t), were calculated using the momentum integral method.

Direct observations show that sporadic oscillation of grains preceded dislodgement. At slightly higher velocities most grains rolled over their neighbours before entering saltation. Initial entrainment in spatially semi‐organized flurries of 50 or more grains was followed by quiescent periods at airflow velocities close to threshold. These observations provide strong circumstantial evidence linking both the nature and spatial pattern of initial grain motions to sweep events during the fluid bursting process.

For each grain fraction, values of U*t were found to span an unexpectedly wide range and to decrease downwind from the leading edge of the plate as turbulence intensity increased. A probabilistic entrainment model is applied to the aerodynamic threshold condition so as to incorporate the effects of changing turbulent flow regimes over the plate. Analysis of strip erosion curves gives both an objective definition of the threshold condition and usable approximations of the PDF for U*t required by the model and for future stochastic treatment of the threshold condition.
The effect of surface slope on saltation threshold
Authors: IVERSEN JAMES D. , RASMUSSEN KELD RØMER
Published: June 2006

A new wind tunnel has been constructed to study the mass transport properties of wind‐blown sand. This report on the first set of experiments in the new wind tunnel concerns the effect of slope on threshold friction speed. The results of this series of static threshold experiments (and one dynamic threshold experiment) for a range of particle diameters and bed slope angles show that, provided the effects of Reynolds number variation and interparticle cohesive force are accounted for, the static friction angle α is independent of slope and close in value to the measured static angle of response.
Synchronous detachment folds and coeval sedimentation in the Prepyrenean External Sierras (Spain): a case study for a tectonic origin of sequences and systems tracts
Authors: MILLAN H. , AURELL M. , MELENDEZ A.
Published: June 2006

This paper reports on the structural and sedimentary evolution of the middle to late Eocene of the Prepyrenean External Sierras (southern Pyrenees, Spain). The initiation, duration and kinematics of a set of growth structures that developed in a shallow marine depositional setting is documented. The detailed analysis of the syntectonic marine sediments not only confirms the already known east to west progression of deformation, but also reveals the continued growth of the early formed structures as later ones propagate towards the foreland. The sedimentary units coevally deposited with these growth structures are arranged in four depositional sequences. Their boundaries correspond to flooding surfaces which grade basinwards into correlative conformities. They are also indicated by the presence of both angular unconformities and onlap geometries. Each depositional sequence generally consists of two systems tracts. The lower one, or transgressive systems tract, is formed by up to 400 m of azoic marls deposited in outer ramp areas. The upper one, or highstand systems tract, mainly consists of shallow siliciclastic and carbonate facies, up to 200 m thick, deposited in middle to inner ramp areas. These depositional sequences are interpreted to be controlled by regional tectonic pulses. An increase of tectonic activity resulted in the flooding of the basin and in the subsequent deposition of a thick succession of nearly azoic blue marls (i.e. transgressive systems tract). The overlying highstand systems tract developed following periods of diminished tectonism, with the consequent growth and progradation of shallow carbonate platform facies.
Late Quaternary sediment, sediment mass flow processes and slope stability on the Scotian Slope, Canada
Authors: MOSHER DAVID C. , MORAN KATHRYN , HISCOTT RICHARD N.
Published: June 2006

The study area, just to the west of the Verrill Canyon on the Scotian Slope, eastern Canada, exhibits both large and small scale sediment mass movement features. Study of high resolution seismic reflection and sidescan sonar data shows that a large portion (approximately 70%) of the near surface sediment (<20 m) in the area has undergone erosion, rotational slumping and internal deformation. Remoulded sediment observed in physical properties profiles of piston cores and sediment deformation structures are further evidence of slumping. Small scale mass flow events are recorded by abundant turbidites and debris flow deposits noted in piston cores. Sediment physical properties are highly dependent on sediment type (lithofacies). Frequent facies changes, both temporally and spatially, make correlation between cores difficult.

Although the small scale mass movement events correlate with glacial recession on the continental shelf and lower relative sea levels, the triggering mechanisms for the large scale events are less obvious. Slope stability analyses indicate that, at present, the seabed is stable. The most plausible explanation for large scale slope failures in this region are ground accelerations related to earthquake shock. Our analyses demonstrate that it is unlikely that large magnitude, distant earthquakes, such as those previously proposed in the Laurentian Slope Seismic Zone (LSP) model, could initiate failure of sediment in the study region. Our data support the interpretation that more frequent, lower magnitude earthquakes, closer to the study region, as previously proposed in the Eastern Slope Experimental Source Zone (ESX) model, are the likely causes of large scale slope failures. Furthermore, excess pore pressures resulting from shallow gas and/or high sedimentation rates during deglaciation contribute to slope failure.
The influence of particle size variations on the magnetic properties of sediments from the north‐eastern Irish Sea
Authors: OLDFIELD FRANK , YU LIZHONG
Published: June 2006

This paper considers the magnetic properties of a range of recent and contemporary sediments from the north eastern part of the Irish Sea. Principal component ordinations of the results show a close link between magnetic property variations and particle size. The magnetic properties of a subset of samples, particles sized by a combination of sieving and pipette analysis, confirm that variations in ferrimagnetic (‘magnetite’) grain size parallel those in particle size, despite the fact that the magnetic grains in the fine grades have diameters 1–2 orders of magnitude smaller than those of the particle size fraction in which they occur. This is best explained by postulating that the fine magnetic grains occur in the clay fraction but are present in declining concentrations in the coarser grades up to 4ø as an artefact of the pipette method. Most samples have a biomodal distribution of magnetic minerals, with a coarse mode associated with heavy minerals in the sands or coarse silts, and a fine mode in the clays. Magnetic susceptibility (x) and saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM) largely pick out the coarse mode where present; anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM) largely picks out the fine mode. The results open up the possibility of normalizing samples from these environments for particle size and, more specifically, clay content, by means of ARM or ARM/x values. The most likely source for the uniform and almost exclusive stable single domain magnetite, which dominates the magnetic properties of the clays, is thought to be bacterial magnetosomes. The measurements as a whole do not appear to hold much promise for discriminating sediment source types.
Clay fabrics in relation to the burial history of shales
Authors: SINTUBIN MANUEL
Published: June 2006

Quantitative appraisal of compaction strain is essential for the study of the burial history of shales in sedimentary basins. The results of a preliminary fabric analysis of Westphalian and Zechstein shales in the Campine Basin (Belgium) show that clay fabric analysis, using an X‐ray pole figure goniometer, is suitable for this purpose.

Clay fabrics, in the range studied, are independent of depth and therefore cannot be used as depth indicators. This suggests that in the early stages of the burial history a stable clay fabric has to develop, which will basically remain unchanged during the subsequent burial history.

The degree of clay particle preferred orientation not only reflects the compaction strain, but is also determined by mineralogical parameters: the presence of non‐platy particles and the relative concentrations of the different clay minerals. This degree of preferred orientation furthermore determines the degree of fissility of the shales.

These mineralogical factors limit the use of clay fabrics as truly quantitative strain markers. Their use as semi‐quantitative strain markers remains advantageous, mainly because of the common occurrence of clay fabrics in the geological record. Moreover, the relative ease of measurement and the possibility of distinguishing compaction from tectonic strains favour the use of clay fabrics in the quantitative strain analysis of argillaceous rocks.
Crystal fabrics and microbiota in large pisoliths from Laguna Pastos Grandes, Bolivia
Authors: JONES BRIAN , RENAUT ROBIN W.
Published: June 2006

Large pisoliths from the Laguna Pastos Grandes playa in the Bolivian Altiplano have a wide diversity of cortical fabrics and variable mineralogical composition. The cortical laminae are composed of radial calcite bundles, spar calcite, micrite, amorphous silica, mixed micrite‐amorphous silica, quartz, gypsum and halite. Diatoms are common in the outer parts of some radial calcite laminae and amorphous silica laminae, but cyanobacterial filaments are rare. Although the organization of the cortical laminae is highly variable, some repetitive sequences of different laminae are present. Cavities in and between pisoliths contain micrite, detrital grains, calcite bundles and peloids morphologically similar to those found in marine reefs.

The pisoliths grow in shallow ephemeral pools fed by hot springs. Radial bundles of calcite precipitate rapidly by degassing and photosynthetic removal of CO2 following spring snowmelt. Conditions for micrite precipitation are unclear, but there is evidence to suggest formation in partially stagnant waters, some of elevated salinity. Amorphous silica laminae precipitate mainly by evaporative concentration; quartz may precipitate from warm silica‐rich spring waters that remain below amorphous silica saturation. The evaporite minerals form during desiccation of the pools or from spray. The peloids in cavities are probably primary precipitates. Different types of laminae may form simultaneously in different pools because of the highly variable conditions across the playa.

Lateral migration of spring locations through time has created a complex carbonate‐silica pavement. Large spherical pisoliths form in outflow channels near spring orifices and across discharge aprons where waters are several decimetres deep. With mineral precipitation, channels are filled and become shallow, producing discoid pisoliths and crusts. In shallow waters and on distal aprons only small pisolith gravels form. As spring pools fill with deposits, their locations shift laterally; new pisoliths form elsewhere or precipitation may recommence on older abandoned pisoliths.
Structural diversity of biogenic carbonate particles in microbial mats
Authors: GERDES G. , DUNAJTSCHIK‐PIEWAK K. , RIEGE H. , TAHER A. G. , KRUMBEIN W. E. , REINECK H.‐E.
Published: June 2006

Non‐skeletal carbonate particles in microbial mats were studied using thin sections and scanning electron microscopy. The microbial mats form biolaminated units (so‐called potential stromatolites) in salterns. This study emphasizes the coexistence of different particle forms and makes a genetic connection between the heterogeneity of the organic substrate built by bacteria and diatoms and their extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Whereas allochthonous particles are scarce, Lanzarote microbial mats provide various autochthonous surfaces for the attachment of cells and EPS, including sheaths and capsules of cyanobacteria, frustules of diatoms, metabolic products such as gas bubbles, liquid globules and faecal pellets, as well as the carbonate precipitates themselves. Morphologically different carbonate precipitates are: (i) calcified organic clumps (peloids), (ii) particles composed of concentric aragonite and biofilm laminae (ooids and oncoids), (hi) isolated particles floating in gel‐supported mats and coated by rims of fibrous cement (cortoids), (iv) particles bound by cryptocrystalline matrices or cement, resulting in aggregate grains and (v) lobate cement which fills out spaces and pores and fixes the particles. Peloids are suggested to represent faecal pellets although microbial systems also generate cell clumps by non‐faecal processes. Ooid and oncoid constructions clearly record alternating processes of biofilm accumulation and aragonite encrustation. Further characteristic features of carbonate particles generated within a microbial mat are: (i) an irregular distribution ranging from isolated particles floating within the gel‐like matrix to closely packed particles, (ii) the amalgamation of different particle types (e.g. peloids and ooids) in aggregate grains, (iii) the heterogeneous nature of nuclei comprising bacterial clumps, intraclasts, individual cells, cell colonies and bubbles, (iv) the enrichment of remains, casts and imprints of cells within precipitates and (v) deformation (e.g. truncated cortices) of particles.
On experimental reflected density currents and the interpretation of certain turbidites
Authors: EDWARDS D. A. , LEEDER M. R. , BEST J. L. , PANTIN H. M.
Published: June 2006

Experimental results are reported concerning the nature of reflected flows generated when density currents are incident upon ramp‐type flow obstructions. The reflected flows are bores (moving hydraulic jumps that transport mass) with flow characteristics in common with either a group of solitary waves (weak Type A bores) or the original density current (strong Type C bores). Alternatively, the bore may have attributes in common with both of these end‐member forms (intermediate Type B bores). Bore strength is positively correlated with the ratio of reverse flow thickness to that of the residual tail of the forward flow. The largest values of this ratio occur when ‘proximal’reflections arrive at the steeper ramps. Measured particle paths in the bores indicate that natural examples will have the potential to transport and deposit sediment. Strong bores have velocity characteristics very similar to the original current and thus in nature the generated sequence of sedimentary structures will resemble those of the original depositing current. The train of solitary waves that make up a weak bore sequence exhibits a pulsating velocity profile at a point. Such flows may thus generate repeated sequences of structures separated by fine ‘drapes’that are distinguishable from the deposits of the original turbidity current. These conclusions are applied to examples of reflected turbidites described from the Palaeozoic to Quaternary sedimentary record.