Intrachannel Architecture,
Channel-Margin Geometry and Evolution of a Deep-water Slope Channel-Levee
Complex: Isaac Channel 3, Neoproterozoic Windermere Supergroup,
Navarro, Lilian
L.1, Zishann A. Khan1, R.
William C. Arnott1 (1)
Deep-water slope channels of the
Windermere turbidite system were developed on a Neoproterozoic passive-margin basin during the break-up of
western
Based on the integration of outcrop data
from measured logs and mapping, IC3 was subdivided into four main
vertically-stacked channel units that show a lateral offset toward the
northwest. Channel units are separated by laterally-correlative, erosion
surfaces overlain by bypass-dominated, thin-bedded turbidites
or mudstone-clast breccia
associated with major incision/reincision periods.
Channel-fill deposits of the lower channel unit are dominated by amalgamated
conglomerate/sandstone, and channel fills in the middle and upper units consist
mostly of semi-amalgamated sandstone with fine sandstone/siltstone interbeds. From channel axis to margins a distinct lateral
trend is recognized over short distances (i.e. <100 m), in which coarse-grained
strata tend to thin and fine and become increasingly interstratified with
thin-bedded facies.
Vertical and lateral variations
recognized in IC3 indicate changes (i.e. increasing/decreasing sediment
caliber, flow size, sand/mud ratio) in flow or slope conditions through time.
IC3 provides new insights into the processes related to the inception,
migration and evolution of deep-water slope-channel systems.
AAPG Search and Discover Article #90063©2007 AAPG Annual Convention, Long Beach, California