Facies variability of transgressive and regressive systems of gravity deposits in deep-water carbonates (Mesozoic, French Alps)
- Univ. of Lyon (France)
From the several tens of depositional sequences that can be platform-to-basin traced in the Mesozoic of the Vocontian Trough and nearby platforms, the following rules may be set: (1) there are two basic systems of gravity deposits - a regressive one and a transgressive one - but unequally developed depending on sequences; (2) thick bundles of bioclastic turbidites, tied to parasequence channels and representing 'shingled turbidites,' are emplaced mainly at the basis of lowstand systems tracts, but may last the whole low stand; the complex organization of siliciclastic fans is not found; (3) debris-flow deposits, as a result of catastrophic margin collapses, are almost always within transgressive systems tracts; (4) slumps deposits are scattered throughout when frequent; when scarce, they are mainly within transgressive systems tracts, and replace debris flow deposits; (5) Upper Jurassic to Berriasian 'resedimentation breccias,' a peculiar type of gravity deposits, are emplaced at both rises and falls in relative sea level, and cannot be used as reliable markers of sequence boundaries; and (6) both transgressive and regressive gravity systems are more developed during second order lowstands in sea level marked by strong carbonate platform progradation. As a whole, third order transgressive gravity systems are often more developed than regressive ones. Comparisons with siliciclastic depositional systems suggest that sandstone turbidites could be transgressive systems, as a result of stronger parasequential ( glacio-eustatic) high-frequency oscillations during third order rises in relative sea level.
- OSTI ID:
- 5677712
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-910403-; CODEN: AABUD
- Journal Information:
- AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States), Vol. 75:3; Conference: Annual meeting of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), Dallas, TX (United States), 7-10 Apr 1991; ISSN 0149-1423
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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