Impact of sediment transport efficiency on large‐scale sequence architecture: results from stratigraphic computer simulation

Autor: Jan C. Rivenæs
Rok vydání: 1997
Předmět:
Zdroj: Basin Research. 9:91-105
ISSN: 1365-2117
0950-091X
DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2117.1997.00037.x
Popis: Our understanding of the formation of the wide range of sequence architectures we observe in the rock record is still somewhat limited. The sedimentary response to the complex interaction of various time-variable basin-scale processes such as subsidence, eustasy and sediment supply is difficult to understand without numerical models. The computer simulation model presented here, DEMOSTRAT, is a powerful tool to investigate the sequence development scenarios in a 2-D dip section. The model includes tectonic subsidence, eustasy, two-component (sand and mud) nonlinear diffusional sediment transport, compaction and isostasy. The transport coefficients in the diffusion equations express the system’s ability to transport sand and mud, and are mainly dependent on climate and subaquatic processes. Keeping other model input parameters constant, the magnitude of transport coefficients seems to have an important impact on sequence development. With high transport coefficients, extensive erosion during sea-level fall and lack of sediment buildup above sea-level during rise may reduce the preservation potential for nonmarine sediments. In addition, the former slope break will be eroded during transgression, forming sand-rich slope or basin floor sediments that may be misinterpreted as lowstand fans. Moreover, the magnitude of transport coefficients has an impact on unconformity timing and development (shown in Wheeler plots).
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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