Analysis of sediment gravity flows with special view on turbidites

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Abstract

Sediment gravity flows are categorized based on combination of five parameters: sediment concentration, sediment-support mechanism, flow state (laminar or turbulent) and rheology (flow type and its deformation). Except for rheology, all of these parameters change gradationally from one member to another. Therefore, rheological classification of sediment gravity flows should be the most straightforward and the least controversial. These flows can be either Newtonian (i.e., turbidity currents), or non-Newtonian (i.e., debris flows). However, identification of flow rheology by examining the deposits may not be easy. Although we may confidently identify some rocks as turbidites and others as debrites, there are some transitional deposits, here called densites. Densites share both the characteristics of turbidites and debrites. Densites are the deposits of dense flows, which are rheologically stratified flows having a composite rheology of Newtonian fluids and non-Newtonian fluids. The term gravite is proposed for deposits of any kind of sediment gravity flow, irrespective of their depositional environment. Nowadays, turbidity currents only for sediment gravity flows with Newtonian rheology. These types of currents with Newtonian rheology, unlike other currents, should produce a diagnostic distribution grading (due to differential grain settling) from the bottom to the top of the deposits (i.e., Bouma sequence). Turbidite systems are classified based on grain size (mud-rich, mud/sand-rich, sand-rich and gravel-rich), sediment composition (calciturbidite and siliciclastic turbidite) and feeder system) submarine fan with point source, ramp with multiple source and slope apron with linear source).  Fine-grained, mud-rich turbidite systems mainly occur in basins with a large fluvial input. The calciturbidites and siliciclastic turbidites in Iran can be named Pabdeh and Sarvak Formations (Zagros Basin), terrigenous part of Amiran Formation and Miocene siliciclastic deposits, respectively.

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References

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  • Receive Date: 26 February 2019
  • Revise Date: 18 December 2019
  • Accept Date: 15 January 2020

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