bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The falling stage systems tract: recognition and importance in sequence stratigraphic analysis
Authors: Plint A. Guy , Nummedal Dag 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Until recently, sequence stratigraphic models have attributed systems tracts to periods of relative sea-level rise, highstand and lowstand. Recognition of a discrete phase of deposition during relative sea-level fall has been limited to a few studies, both in clastic and carbonate systems. Our work in siliciclastic ramp settings suggests that deposition during relative sea-level fall produces a distinctive
falling stage systems tract
(FSST), and that this is the logical counterpart to the transgressive systems tract. The FSST lies above and basinward of the highstand systems tract, and is overlain by the lowstand systems tract. The FSST is characterized by stratal offlap, although this is likely to be difficult or impossible to recognize because of subsequent subaerial or transgressive ravinement erosion. The most practical diagnostic criteria of the FSST is the presence of erosive-based shoreface sandbodies in nearshore areas. The erosion results from wave scouring during relative sea-level fall, and the stratigraphically lowest surface defines the base of the FSST. Further offshore, shoaling-upward successions may be abruptly capped by gutter casts filled with HCS sandstone, reflecting increased wave scour on the shelf during both FSST and LST time. The top of the FSST is defined by a subaerial surface of erosion which corresponds to the sequence boundary. This surface becomes a correlative submarine conformity seaward of the shoreline, where it forms the base of the lowstand systems tract. Differentiation of the FSST and LST may be difficult, but the LST is expected to contain gradationally-based shoreface successions because it was deposited when relative sea level was rising. Internally, the FSST may be an undifferentiated body of sediment or it may be punctuated by internal regressive surfaces of marine erosion and ravinement surfaces which record higher-frequency sea-level falls and rises superimposed on a lower-frequency sea-level fall. The corresponding higher-order sequences are the building blocks of lower-order sequences. The addition of a falling stage systems tract results in a significant reduction in the proportion of strata within a sequence that are assigned to the classical highstand and lowstand systems tracts.

Many outcrop and subsurface cross-sections use an overlying ravinement, or maximum flooding surface as datum. Those surfaces might be flat, but they are not horizontal. Both dip seaward at slopes that generally are steeper than the fluvial system responsible for creating the sequence boundary. When a section is restored to such a datum, the falling stage systems tract will appear to record stratigraphic climb, whereas in fact it does not.
Aspects of the stratal architecture of forced regressive deposits
Authors: Posamentier Henry W. , Morris William R. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Forced regression refers to the process of seaward migration of a shoreline in direct response to relative sea-level fall. Recognition criteria for forced regressive deposits include: (1) presence of a significant zone of separation between successive shoreface deposits, (2) the presence of sharp-based shoreface/delta front deposits, (3) the presence of progressively shallower clinoforms going from proximal to distal, (4) the occurrence of long-distance regression, (5) the absence of fluvial and/or coastal plain/delta plain capping the proximal portion of regressive deposits, (6) the presence of a seaward-dipping upper bounding surface at the top of the regressive succession, (7) the presence of increased average sediment grain size in regressive deposits going from proximal to distal and (8) the presence of ‘foreshortened’ stratigraphic successions.
The principal factors driving the stratal architecture of forced regressive deposits include: (1) the gradient of the sea floor progressively exposed by falling relative sea-level, (2) the ratio of the sediment flux to the rate of relative sea-level fall, (3) the ‘smoothness’ of relative sea-level fall, (4) the variability of sediment flux and (5) the changes of sedimentary process that occur as sea-level falls and progressively more of the shelf is subaerially exposed.
Forced regressive deposits are grouped into attached v. detached, and smooth-topped v. stepped-topped. Attached deposits are defined as successive downstepped stratigraphic units whose shoreface/delta front deposits are generally in contact with each other. In contrast, detached deposits are defined as successive downstepped stratigraphic units whose shoreface/delta front deposits are generally not in contact with each other. Rather, in this instance a zone of sedimentary bypass exists. Stepped-top forced regressive deposits are characterized by a succession of horizontally topped though downstepping stratigraphic units. In contrast, smooth-topped forced regressive deposits are characterized by a seaward-dipping, albeit smooth, upper bounding surface. The bounding surfaces of forced regressive deposits commonly are expressed as a ravinement surface at the top and an unconformity to correlative conformity at the base.
Carbonate megabreccias in a sequence stratigraphic context; evidence from the Cambrian of North Greenland
Authors: Ineson Jon R. , Surlyk Finn 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

In carbonate sequence stratigraphy, carbonate megabreccias have acquired particular significance, being deemed characteristic of the lowstand systems tract (LST) or the forced regressive systems tract (FRST). Large-scale mass-wastage can, however, result from factors other than sea-level change and it is rare that the sequence stratigraphic significance of megabreccias can be rigorously tested. In the Cambrian of North Greenland, erection of a robust sequence stratigraphic framework is facilitated by extensive fjord-wall exposures of the platform to deep shelf transect and by a well-developed carbonate-siliciclastic reciprocal sedimentation pattern within off-platform strata. On the basis of this independent framework, megabreccias are represented locally
within
the LST and the high-stand systems tract (HST), but occur systematically above the HST. These HST-capping megabreccias are composite sheets tens of metres thick that extend up to 50 km distally and flank the platform for up to 400 km along strike. They comprise debris derived from the highstand platform margin and slope and are directly overlain by mixed carbonate-siliciclastic sediments of the succeeding LST. The HST-capping megabreccias are assigned to the FRST; they record extensive failure of the platform margin and upper slope during relative fall of sea-level and prior to the onset of lowstand sedimentation. Although the LST megabreccias are compositionally distinctive, the sole example of an intra-HST megabreccia differs from those of the FRST only in terms of areal extent. In the absence of an independent framework, therefore, the sequence stratigraphic affinities of megabreccias may be ambiguous.
Sequence stratigraphy and architecture of the Late Pleistocene Lagniappe delta complex, northeast Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Kolla V. , Biondi P. , Long B. , Fillon R. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
During the last fourth-order glacial-interglacial cycle (e.g. post oxygen isotope stage 5) the Lagniappe Delta system located in the northeast Gulf of Mexico, prograded several tens of miles seaward along two main NE-SW and N-S trending fairways. The delta complex is underlain by a well-developed calcareous shale-rich condensed section that was deposited during isotope stage 5. The delta complex comprises many progradational lobes that were deposited during fifth-order sea-level falls and during the fourth-order maximum lowstand and early rise of sea level associated with isotope stages 4 to 2. Each significant fifth-order sea level fall developed a sequence boundary with an unconformity updip and a correlative conformity downdip on which a delta lobe was deposited. Autocyclic processes also lead to deposition of numerous lobes through lobe switching. During the maximum sea-level lowstand, deep erosion related to the development of an extensive incised valley system occurred across the top of the prograding wedges that were deposited during relative sea-level fall (the falling stage systems tract) and modified all of the previous updip unconformities. The base of the incised valley system, and its correlative downdip conformity, form the main fourth-order sequence boundary. It is on this surface that the last part of the delta complex was deposited during the maximum lowstand and early rise of sea-level. Thus, during the last fourth-order cycle, several fifth-order ‘initial’ sequence boundaries and one fourth-order ‘final’ sequence boundary were formed. Infilling of the incised valley system occurred mainly during the early and late rise of sea-level (isotope stages 2 and younger), prior to a major landward shift of deltaic sedimentation in response to the rapid eustatic rise in sea level during isotope stage 1.
Tethyan oceans
Authors: Stampfli Gérard M. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Diachronous subsidence patterns of Tethyan margins since the Early Palaeozoic provide constraints for paleocontinental reconstructions and the opening of disappeared oceans. Palaeotethys opening can be placed from Ordovician to Silurian times and corresponds to the detachment of a ribbon-like Hun Superterrane along the Gondwanan margin. Neotethys opening took place from Late Carboniferous to late Early Permian from Australia to the eastern Mediterranean area. This opening corresponds to the drifting of the Cimmerian superterrane and the final closing of Palaeotethys in Middle Triassic times. Northward subduction of Palaeotethys triggered the opening of back-arc oceans along the Eurasian margin from Austria to the Pamirs. The fate of these Permo-Triassic marginal basins is quite different from areas to area. Some closed during the Eocimmerian collisional event (Karakaya, Agh-Darband), others (Meliata) stayed open and their delayed subduction induced the opening of younger back-arc oceans (Vardar, Black Sea). The subduction of the Neotethys mid-ocean ridge was certainly responsible for a major change in the Jurassic plate tectonics. The Central Atlantic ocean opened in Early Jurassic time and extended eastwards into the Alpine Tethys in an attempt to link up with the Eurasian back-arc oceans. When these marginal basins started to close the Atlantic system had to find another way, and started to open southwards and northwards, slowly replacing the Tethyan ocean by mountain belts.
Was the Late Triassic orogeny in Turkey caused by the collision of an oceanic plateau?
Authors: Okay Aral İ. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

A belt of Late Triassic deformation and metamorphism (Cimmeride Orogeny) extends east-west for 1100 km in northern Turkey. It is proposed that this was caused by the collision and partial accretion of an Early-Middle Triassic oceanic plateau with the southern continental margin of Laurasia. The upper part of this oceanic plateau is recognized as a thick Lower-Middle Triassic metabasite-marble-phyllite complex, named the Nilüfer Unit, which covers an area of 120 000 km
2
with an estimated volume of mafic rocks of 2 × 10
5
km
3
. The mafic sequence, which has thin stratigraphic intercalations of hemipelagic limestone and shale, shows consistent within-plate geochemical signatures. The Nilüfer Unit has undergone a high-pressure greenschist facies metamorphism, but also includes tectonic slices of eclogite and blueschist with latest Triassic isotopic ages, produced during the attempted subduction of the plateau. The short period for the orogeny (< 15 Ma; Norian-Hettangian) is further evidence for the oceanic plateau origin of the Cimmeride Orogeny. The accretion of the Nilüfer Plateau produced strong uplift and compressional deformation in the hanging wall. A large and thick clastic wedge, fed from the granitic basement of the Laurasia, represented by a thick Upper Triassic arkosic sandstone sequence in northwest Turkey, engulfed the subduction zone and the Nilüfer Plateau.
Aspects of Jurassic Radiolarite Sedimentation in a Ramp Setting Following the ‘Mid-Late Jurassic Discontinuity’, Barla Dağ Area, Western Taurus, Turkey
Authors: Farinacci Anna , Fiorentino Andrea , Ridolfi Valerio 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The Barla Dağ area of southwestern Turkey and its surroundings represent one of the most characteristic Tethyan regions in which the unique characteristics of the Jurassic radiolarite deposits permit detailed study of this enigmatic facies. Hitherto, radiolarites of Western Tethys have not been studied in sufficient detail to yield the information required for unequivocal interpretation of this siliceous sedimentary event. Moreover, few of the occurrences of Tethyan radiolarites during the Jurassic have been adequately explained by palaeoenvironmental causes deduced from facies analysis. In the Barla Dağ area, the main radiolarite episode began after the ‘main gap’ or mid-Late Jurassic discontinuity, a 25 Ma hiatus extending from the Early Bajocian to the Kimmeridgian. These radiolarites are interbedded with biocalcarenites characterized by shallow-water shells. They formed in a ramp environment subject to strong storm oscillatory movements and were deposited within, or just below, wave base.

Pre-existing platforms were converted into ramp settings by a widespread drowning episode, mainly following postulated regional warping that led to creation of the ‘main gap’. Coincident with this event, the differentiation of rimmed platform lagoonal organisms and typical ramp inhabitants, such as
Tubiphytes
, took place. Furthermore, nearby platforms, unaffected by the extensional faulting (e.g. the Davras Dağ), were sites of carbonate accumulation receiving only a few radiolarians. On the other hand, displaced shallow-water organisms of the same age (typical of the restricted lagoons flanking the rimmed platforms such as pfenderinas, kurnubias and
Clypeina jurassica
) are absent from the sequences of calcarenites interbedded with radiolarian cherts. Replacement of deep basins by ramps is indicated by the changing depositional bathymetry of some radiolarites. It is tentatively attributed to the extension of shallow seas and narrowing of the oceanic realm between Eurasian and African Plates in Western Tethys.
Geochemical Character and Tectonic Environment of Neotethyan Ophiolitic Fragments and Metabasites in the Central Anatolian Crystalline Complex, Turkey
Authors: Floyd Peter A. , Göncüoğlu M. Cemal , Winchester John A. , Yaliniz M. Kenan 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The Central Anatolian Crystalline Complex (CACC) or Kırşehir Block is part of the metamorphosed leading edge of the Tauride-Anatolide Carbonate Platform. It contains oceanic remnants derived from the Neotethys Ocean (İzmir-Ankara-Erzincan branch) which separate it from the Sakarya microcontinent. Two tectonic units are distinguished: an amphibolite facies Mesozoic ‘basement’, dominated by platform marbles, over which is thrust a younger fragmented Upper Cretaceous ophiolite sequence. Three metabasite horizons were sampled to reconstruct the development of the oceanic components: (1) fragmented Upper Cretaceous (90-85 Ma) stratiform ophiolitic members comprising gabbros, sheeted dykes, basalt lavas and pelagic sediments thrust over all other units; (2) a tectonised admixture of basite, ultramafic and felsic blocks in an ophiolitic mélange (Upper Cretaceous matrix) thrust over the basement metamorphic rocks; and (3) amphibolites concordant with ‘basement’ marbles and minor pelagics of the largely (?)Triassic Kaleboynu Formation in the lower part of the carbonate platform.
Metabasalts and metagabbros from isolated fragments of the stratiform ophiolites form geochemically coherent groups and indicate the influence of a subduction component during their development. It is considered that the suprasubduction zone ophiolites record the association of a tholeiitic arc and an adjacent back-arc basin with more mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB)-like compositions.
Metabasite blocks within the tectonised ophiolitic mélange slice are MORB like, together with minor ocean island basalt (OIB) and island arc basalts, and may be tectonically related to ophiolitic units within the accretionary wedge of the Ankara Mélange.
Concordant amphibolites of the Kaleboynu Formation are largely OIB types and reflect an early ensialic rifting stage of the Tauride-Anatolide Carbonate Platform. Small ocean basins also developed at this time, as recorded by the presence of MORB and associated pelagics.
The CACC block, together with parts of the Ankara Mélange, are considered to represent oceanic lithosphere (comprising both early spreading centre and latter subduction-influenced crust) and continental carbonate platform that were subsequently ejected from an accretionary-subduction complex on collision with the Sakarya microcontinent.
Geochemistry of Volcanic Rocks from the Çiçekdağ, Ophiolite, Central Anatolia, Turkey, and Their Inferred Tectonic Setting within the Northern Branch of the Neotethyan Ocean
Authors: Yaliniz Kenan M. , Floyd Peter A. , Göncüoğlu M. Cemal 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The Central Anatolian Ophiolites (CAO) comprise a number of little studied Upper Cretaceous ophiolitic bodies that originally represented part of the northern branch of the Neotethyan ocean. The Çiçekdağ Ophiolite (CO) is an dismembered example of this ophiolite group that still retains a partially preserved magmatic pseudostratigraphy. The following units (bottom to top) can be recognized: (1) layered gabbro; (2) isotropic gabbro: (3) plagiogranite; (4) dolerite dyke complex; (5) basaltic volcanic sequence; and (6) a Turonian-Santonian epi-ophiolitic sedimentary cover. The magmatic rock units (gabbro, dolerite and basalt) form part of a dominant comagmatic series of differentiated tholeiites, together with a minor group of primitive unfractionated basalts. The basaltic volcanics mainly consist of pillow lavas with a subordinate amount of massive lavas and rare basaltic breccias. Petrographic data from the least altered pillow lavas indicate that they were originally olivine-poor, plagioclase-clinopyroxene phyric tholeiites. Immobile trace element data from the basalt lavas and dolerite dykes show a strong subduction-related chemical signature. Relative to N-mid-ocean ridge basalt the Çiçekdağ basaltic rocks (allowing for the effects of alteration) have typical suprasubduction zone features with similarities to the Izu-Bonin Arc, i.e. enriched in most large-ion lithophile elements, depleted in high field strength elements and exhibiting depleted light rare earth element patterns. The geochemical characteristics are similar to other eastern Mediterranean Neotethyan SSZ-type ophiolites and suggest that the CO oceanic crust was generated by partial melting of already depleted oceanic lithosphere within the northern branch of the Neotethyan ocean. The Çiçekdağ body, along with the other fragmented CAO, is thus representative of the Late Cretaceous development of new oceanic lithosphere within an older oceanic realm.
Tectonosedimentary Evolution of the Miocene Manavgat Basin, Western Taurides, Turkey
Authors: Karabiyikoğlu Mustafa , Çiner Attila , Monod Olivier , Deynoux Max , Tuzcu Sevim , Örçen Sefer 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The Manavgat Basin is a northwest-southeast oriented basin that developed on the eastern side of the Isparta Angle, south of the Late Eocene thrust belt of the western Taurides. The Miocene fill of the basin lies unconformably on an imbricated basement, comprising a Mesozoic para-authocthonous carbonate platform overthrust by the Antalya Nappes and Alanya Massif metamorphics. The sedimentary fill is represented by clasticdominated deposits consisting of, in ascending order, a conglomeratic wedge, reefal shelf carbonates, limy mudstones, and calciturbidites with subordinate breccias and conglomerates.
Process-oriented facies analysis of the basin fill indicates a variety of depositional environments ranging from fluvial/alluvial fan and fan-delta complexes through reefal carbonate shelf and forereef slope to slope fan and basin floor. Fluvial/alluvial fan and fan-delta deposits are Burdigalian-Early Langhian in age and represent the initial conglomeratic valley-fill sedimentation during a relative sea-level rise balanced by important sediment supply from relief in the north-northeast hinterland. The continuous relative sea-level rise and a decreasing rate of sediment supply allowed the deposition of transgressive reefal shelf carbonates of Langhian age. Tectonic activity demonstrated by synsedimentary faults resulted in block faulting of the narrow carbonate shelf and foundering of the basin. The rest of the sedimentation consists of the fill of newly created accommodation space. The overall coarsening-upward succession consists of Upper Langhian-Serravallian limy mudstones-calciturbidites and debris flows, overlain by Tortonian coarse-grained fan-delta deposits. The gravity induced character of most of this progradational wedge implies a progressive uplift of the hinterland.
When Did the Western Anatolian Grabens Begin to Develop?
Authors: Yilmaz Yücel , Genç Ş. Can , Gürer Fevzi , Bozcu Mustafa , Yilmaz Kamil , Karacik Zekiye , Altunkaynak Şafak , Elmas Ali 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
To solve a long-lasting controversy on the timing and mechanism of generation of the western Anatolian graben system, new data have been collected from a mapping project in western Anatolia, which reveal that initially north-south trending graben basins were formed under an east-west extensional regime during Early Miocene times. The extensional openings associated with approximately north-south trending oblique slip faults provided access for calc-alkaline, hybrid magmas to reach the surface. A north-south extensional regime began during Late Miocene time. During this period a major breakaway fault was formed. Part of the lower plate was uplifted and cropped out later in the Bozdağ, Horst, and above the upper plate approximately north-south trending cross-grabens were developed. Along these fault systems, alkaline basalt lavas were extruded. The north-south extension was interrupted at the end of Late Miocene or Early Pliocene times, as evidenced by a regional horizontal erosional surface which developed across Neogene rocks, including Upper Miocene-Lower Pliocene strata. This erosion nearly obliterated the previously formed topographic irregularities, including the Bozdağ elevation. Later, the erosional surface was disrupted and the structures which controlled development of the Lower-Upper Miocene rocks were cut by approximately east-west trending normal faults formed by rejuvenated north-south extension. This has led to development of the present-day east-west trending grabens during Plio-Quaternary time.