Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Architectural element analysis of turbidite systems, and selected topical problems for sand-prone deep-water systems

  • Chapter
Atlas of Deep Water Environments

Abstract

Deep-water deposits may be defined in terms of ‘architectural elements’ (cf. fluvial models of Miall 1985). In fluvial sedimentology, Miall’s (1985) ‘architectural elements’ are characterized by facies associations and three-dimensional geometry (including orientation). The identification of depositional geometry requires the classification of a hierarchy of bounding surfaces, an approach now widely accepted for fluvial and eolian deposits. Using a hierarchy of bounding surfaces, together with facies analysis and geometry, it is shown how ‘architectural element analysis’ may be used as an aid in the interpretation of deep-water systems and their depositional history.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 74.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Allen, J.R.L. 1982. Sedimentary structures: their character and physical basis. Developments in Sedimentology 30 (Parts I and II). Elsevier, Amsterdam, 593 and 663 pp., respectively.

    Google Scholar 

  • Allen, J.R.L. 1983. Studies in fluviatile sedimentation: bars, bar-complexes and sandstone sheets (low-sinuosity braided streams) in the Brownstones (L. Devonian), Welsh Borders. Sedimentary Geology, 33, 237–293.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Armentrout, J.M., Malecek, S.J., Fearn, L.B., Sheppard, C.E., Naylor, P.H., Miles, A.W., Desmarais, R.J. and Dunay, R.E. 1993. Log-motif analysis of Paleogene depositional systems tracts, Central and Northern North Sea: defined by sequence stratigraphic analysis. In: Parker, J.R. (ed.) Petroleum Geology of Northwest Europe: Proceedings of the 4th Conference. The Geological Society, London, pp. 45–57.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Brookfield, M.E. 1977. The origin of bounding surfaces in ancient aeolian sandstones. Sedimentology, 24, 303–332.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bridge, J.S. and Leeder, M.R. 1979. A simulation model of alluvial stratigraphy. International Association of Sedimentologists, 26, 617–644.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark, J.D., Kenyon, N.H. and Pickering, K.T. 1992. Quantitative analysis of the geometry of submarine channels: Implications for the classification of submarine fans. Geology, 20, 633–636.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clayton, C.J. 1992. Contrasting sediment gravity flow processes in the Late Llandovery, Rhuddnant Grits turbidite systems, Welsh Basin. Geological Magazine.

    Google Scholar 

  • Damuth, J.E. 1975. Echo-character of the Western Equatorial Atlantic floor and its relationship to the dispersal and distribution of terrigenous sediments. Marine Geology, 18, 17–45.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Damuth, J.E. 1980. Use of high-frequency (3.5–12 kHz) echograms in the study of deep-bottom sedimentation processes in the deep-sea: A review. Marine Geology, 38, 51–75.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Den Hartog Jager, D., Giles, M.R. and Griffiths, G.R. 1993. Evolution of Paleogene submarine fans of the North Sea in space and time. In: Parker, J.R. (ed.) Petroleum Geology of Northwest Europe: Proceedings of the 4th Conference. The Geological Society, London, pp. 59–71.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Droz, L. and Beilaiche, G. 1985. Rhone deep-sea fan: morphostructure and growth pattern. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 69, 460–479.

    Google Scholar 

  • Einsele, G. 1985. Responses of sediments to sea-level changes in differing subsiding storm-dominated marginal and epeiric basins. In: Bayer, U. and Seliacher, A. (eds) Sedimentary and Evolutionary Cycles. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, pp. 68–112.

    Google Scholar 

  • Einsele, G., Ricken, W. and Seilacher, A. (eds) 1991. Cycles and Events in Stratigraphy. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 955 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, R.V. 1983. Flow transformations in sediment gravity flows. Geology, 11, 273–274.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Friend, P.F. 1983. Towards the field classification of alluvial architecture or sequence. In: Collinson, J.D. and Lewin, J. (eds) Modern and Ancient Fluvial Systems. International Association of Sedimentologists Special Publication, 6, 345-354.

    Google Scholar 

  • Friend, P.F., Slater, M.J. and Williams, R.C. 1979. Vertical and lateral building of river sandstone bodies, Ebro Basin, Spain, Journal of the Geological Society, London, 136, 39–46.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Galloway, W.E. 1989a. Genetic stratigraphic sequences in basin analysis I: Architecture and genesis of flooding-surface bounded depositional units. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 73, 125–142.

    Google Scholar 

  • Galloway, W.E. 1989b. Genetic stratigraphic sequences in basin analysis II: Application to northwest Gulf of Mexico Cenozoic basin. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 73, 143–154.

    Google Scholar 

  • Galloway, W.E., Garber, J.L., Xijin Liu and Sloan, B.J. 1993. Sequence stratigraphic and depositional framework of the Cenozoic fill, Central and Northern North Sea Basin. In: Parker, J.R. (ed.) Petroleum Geology of Northwest Europe: Proceedings of the 4th Conference. The Geological Society, London, pp. 33–43.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Ghibaudo, G. 1992. Subaqueous sediment gravity flow deposits: Practical criteria for their field description and classification. Sedimentology, 39, 423–454.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haq, B.U., Hardenbol, J. and Vail, P.R. 1987. Chronology of fluctuating sea levels since the Triassic. Science, 235, 1156–1167.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haq, B.U., Hardenbol, J. and Vail, P.R. 1988. Mesozoic and Cenozoic chronostratigraphy and eustatic cycles. In: Wilgus, C.K. et al. (eds) Sea-level Research: An integrated approach. Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists Special Publication, 42, 71–108.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hiscott, R.N. 1979. Clastic sills and dikes associated with deep-water sandstones, Tourelle Formation, Ordovician, Quebec, Journal of Sedimentary Petrology, 49, 1–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jenssen, A.I., Bergslien, D., Rye-Larsen, M. and Lindholm, R.M. 1993. Origin of complex mound geometry of Paleocene submarine-fan reservoirs, Balder Field, Norway. In: Parker, J.R. (ed.) Petroleum Geology of Northwest Europe: Proceedings of the 4th Conference. The Geological Society, London, pp. 135–143.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Kolla, V. 1993. Lowstand deep-water siliciclastic depositional systems: characteristics and terminologies in sequence stratigraphy and sedimentology. Bulletin Centres Recherches Exploration-Production Elf Aquitaine, 17, 67–78.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kolla, V. and Macurda, D.B. Jr. 1988. Sea-level changes and timing of turbidity-current events in deep-sea fan systems. In: Wilgus, C.K., Hastings, B.S., Kendall, C.G. St. C., Posamentier, H.W., Ross, C.A. and Van Wagoner, J.C. (eds) Sea-Level Changes-An Integrated Approach. Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists Special Publication 42. Tulsa, Oklahoma: The Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists, pp. 381–392.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kolla, V. and Perlmutter, M.A. 1993. Timing of turbidite sedimentation on the Mississippi Fan. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 77, 1129–1141.

    Google Scholar 

  • McGregor, B.A., Stubblefield, W.L., Ryan, W.B.F. and Twichell, D.C. 1982. Wilmington submarine canyon: a marine fluvial-like system. Geology, 10, 27–30.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McKee, E.D. and Weir, G.W. 1953. Terminology of stratification and cross-stratification. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 64, 381–390.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miall, A.D. 1985. Architectural-element analysis: A new method of facies analysis applied to fluvial deposits. Earth Science Reviews, 22, 261–308.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miall, A.D. 1989. Architectural elements and bounding surfaces in channelized clastic deposits: notes on comparisons between fluvial and turbidite systems. In: Taira, A. and Masuda, F. (eds) Sedimentary Facies in the Active Plate Margin. Terra Scientific Publishing Company (TERRAPUB), Tokyo, pp. 3–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miall, A.D. 1992. Exxon global cycle chart: An event for every occasion? Geology, 20, 787–790.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mitchum, R.M. 1977. Seismic stratigraphy and global changes of sea level, Part 1: Glossary of terms used in seismic stratigraphy. In: Payton, C.E. (ed.) Seismic Stratigraphy-Applications to Hydrocarbon Exploration. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Memoir (Tulsa), 26, 205–212.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mitchum, R.M., Vail, P.R. and Thompson III, S. 1977. Seismic stratigraphy and global changes of sea level, Part 2: The depositional sequence as a basic unit for stratigraphic analysis. In: Payton, C.E. (ed.) Seismic Stratigraphy-Applications to Hydrocarbon Exploration. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Memoir (Tulsa), 26, 53–62.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mutti, E. 1977. Distinctive thin-bedded turbidite facies and related depositional environments in the Eocene Hecho Group (south-central Pyrenees, Spain). Sedimentology, 24, 107–131.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mutti, E. 1985. Turbidite systems and their relations to depositional sequences. In: Zuffa, G.G. (ed.) Provenance of Arenites. NATO Advanced Scientific Institute Series. D. Reidel, Holland, pp. 65–93.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Mutti, E. 1992. Turbidite Sandstones. Agip, Milan, 275 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mutti, E. and Ricci Lucchi, F. 1972. Le torbidit deH’Apennino settentrionale: introduzione all’analisi di facies. Memoir Society of Geology Italy, 11, 161–199. (English translation by Nilsen, T.H. 1978. International Geological Review, 20, 125-166).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mutti, E. and Ricci Lucchi, F. 1975. Turbidite facies and facies associations. In: Examples of Turbidite Facies and Facies Associations from Selected Formations of the Northern Apennines. Field trip guidebook A-11, IX International Congress Sedimentologists, Nice, France. International Association Sedimentologists, 21-36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mutti, E. and Normark, W.R. 1987. Comparing examples of modern and ancient turbidite systems: Problems and concepts. In: Leggett, J.K. and Zuffa, G.G. (eds) Marine Clastic Sedimentology. Graham and Trotman, London, pp. 1–38.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Mutti, E. and Normark, W.R. 1991. An integrated approach to the study of turbidite systems. In: Link, M.H. and Weimer, P. (eds) Seismic Facies and Sedimentary Processes of Submarine Fans and Turbidite Systems. Springer-Verlag, pp. 75-106.

    Google Scholar 

  • Newman, M. St. J., Reeder, M.L., Woodruff, A.H.W. and Hatton, I.R. 1993. The geology of the Gryphon Field. In: Parker, J.R. (ed.) Petroleum Geology of Northwest Europe: Proceedings of the 4th Conference. The Geological Society, London, pp. 123–133.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Newton, S.K. and Flanagan, K.P. 1993. The Alba Field: Evolution of the depositional model. In: Parker, J.R. (ed.) Petroleum Geology of Northwest Europe: Proceedings of the 4th Conference. The Geological Society, London, pp. 161–171.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Normark, W.R. 1970. Growth patterns of deep-sea fans. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 54, 2170–2195.

    Google Scholar 

  • Normark, W.R., Piper, D.W.J. and Hess, G.R. 1979. Distributary channels, sand lobes, and mesotopography of Navy Submarine Fan, California Borderland, with applications to ancient fan sediments. Sedimentology, 26, 749–774.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Phillips, S. 1987. Dipmeter interpretation of turbidite-channel reservoir sandstones, Indian Draw Field, New Mexico. In: Tillman, R.W. and Weber, K.J. (eds) Reservoir Sedimentology. Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists Special Publication, 40, 113–128.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pickering, K.T. 1981. The Kongsfjord Formation — a late Precambrian submarine fan in north-east Finnmark, north Norway. Norges Geologiske Unders0gelse, 367, 77–110.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pickering, K.T. 1982a. The shape of deep-water siliciclastic systems — a discussion. Geo-Marine letters, 2, 41–46.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pickering, K.T, 1982b. Middle-fan deposits from the late Precambrian Kongsfjord Formation Submarine Fan, northeast Finnmark, northern Norway. Sedimentary Geology, 33, 79–110.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pickering, K.T. 1983. Transitional submarine fan deposits from the late Precambrian Kongsfjord Formation submarine fan, NE Finnmark, N. Norway. Sedimentology, 30, 181–189.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pickering, K.T., Stow, D.A.V., Watson, M.P. and Hiscott, R.N. 1986a. Deep-water facies, processes and models: A review and classification scheme for modern and ancient sediments. Earth Science Reviews, 23, 75–174.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pickering, K.T., Coleman, J., Cremer, M., Droz, L., Kohl, B., Normark, W., O’Connell, S., Stow, D. and Meyer-Wright, A. 1986b. A high-sinuosity, laterally-migrating submarine fan channel-levee-overbank: results from DSDP Leg 96 on the Mississippi Fan, Gulf of Mexico. Marine Petroleum Geology, 3, 3–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pickering, K.T., Hiscott, R.N. and Hein, F.J. 1989. Deep Marine Environments. Harper-Collins, London, 416 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Postma, G., Nemec, W. and Kleinspehn, K.L. 1988. Large floating clasts in turbidites, a mechanism for their emplacement. Sedimentary Geology, 58, 47–61.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pratson, L.F. and Laine, E.P. 1989. The relative importance of gravity-induced versus current-controlled sedimentation during the Quaternary along the Mideast U.S. outer continental margin revealed by 3.5 kHz echo character. Marine Geology, 89, 87–126.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sgavetti, M. 1991. Photostratigraphy of Ancient Turbidite Systems. In: Link, M.H. and Weimer, P. (eds) Seismic Facies and Sedimentary Processes of Submarine Fans and Turbidite Systems. Springer-Verlag, New York, pp. 107–125.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Shanmugam, G. and Moiola, R.J. 1988. Submarine fans: Characteristics, models, classification and reservoir potential. Earth Science Reviews, 24, 383–428.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, R.D.A., Waters, R. and Davies, J. 1991. Upper Ordovician and Lower Silurian turbidite systems in the Welsh Basin. International Sedimentological Congress, Nottingham, Field Trip Guide No. 20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stow, D.A.V. 1986. Deep clastic seas. In: Reading, H.G. (ed.) Sedimentary Environments and Facies, 2nd edn. Blackwell Scientific, Oxford, pp. 399–444.

    Google Scholar 

  • Surlyk, F. 1987. Slope and deep shelf gully sandstones, Upper Jurassic, East Greenland. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 71, 464–475.

    Google Scholar 

  • Timbrell, G. 1993. Sandstone architecture of the Balder Formation depositional system, UK Quadrant 9 and adjacent areas. In: Parker, J.R. (ed.) Petroleum Geology of Northwest Europe: Proceedings of the 4th Conference. The Geological Society, London, pp. 107–121.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Twitchell, D.C. and Roberts, D.G. 1982. Morphology, distribution, and development of submarine canyons on the United States Atlantic continental slope between Hudson and Baltimore Canyons. Geology, 10, 408–412.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Wagoner, J.C., Posamentier, H.W., Mitchum, R.M., Vail, P.R., Sarg, J.F., Loutit, T.S. and Hardenbol, J. 1988. An overview of sequence stratigraphy and key definitions. In: Wilgus, C.W., Hastings, B.S., Kendall, C.G. St., Posamentier, H.W., Ross, C.A. and Van Wagoner, J.C. (eds). Sea level Changes: An integrated approach. Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists, Special Publication No. 42, pp. 39-45.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Wagoner, J.C, Mitchum, R.M., Campion, K.M. and Rahmanian, V.D. 1990. Siliciclastic Sequence Stratigraphy in Well Logs, Cores and Outcrops: Concepts for high-resolution correlation of time and facies. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Methods in Exploration Series, Tulsa, No. 7, 55 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vining, B.A., Ionnides, N.S. and Pickering, K.T. 1993. Stratigraphic relationships of some Tertiary lowstand depositional systems in the Central North Sea. In: Parker, J.R. (ed.) Petroleum Geology of Northwest Europe: Proceedings of the 4th Conference. The Geological Society, London, pp. 17–29.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Walker, R.G. 1975. Nested submarine-fan channels in the Capistrano Formation, San Clemente, California. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 86, 915–924.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walker, R.G. 1978. Deep water sandstone facies and ancient submarine fans: models for exploration for stratigraphic traps. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 62, 932–966.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geological Sciences, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK

    K. T. Pickering

  2. Department of Geology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LEI 7RH, UK

    J. D. Clark

  3. Koninklijke/Shell Exploratie en Produktie Laboratorium, Shell Research BV, Volmerlaan 6, 2288 GD, Rijswijk, ZH, Netherlands

    R. D. A. Smith

  4. Department of Earth Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada, A1B 3XS

    R. N. Hiscott

  5. Department of Geological Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Zamboni 67, 40127, Bologna, Italy

    F. Ricci Lucchi

  6. Deacon Laboratory, Institute of Oceanographic Sciences, Brook Road, Wormley, Godalming, Surrey, GU28 5UB, UK

    N. H. Kenyon

Authors
  1. K. T. Pickering
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. J. D. Clark
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. R. D. A. Smith
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. R. N. Hiscott
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. F. Ricci Lucchi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. N. H. Kenyon
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

K. T. Pickering R. N. Hiscott N. H. Kenyon F. Ricci Lucchi R. D. A. Smith

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1995 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Pickering, K.T., Clark, J.D., Smith, R.D.A., Hiscott, R.N., Ricci Lucchi, F., Kenyon, N.H. (1995). Architectural element analysis of turbidite systems, and selected topical problems for sand-prone deep-water systems. In: Pickering, K.T., Hiscott, R.N., Kenyon, N.H., Ricci Lucchi, F., Smith, R.D.A. (eds) Atlas of Deep Water Environments. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-1234-5_1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-1234-5_1

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-4539-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-011-1234-5

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation