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Evolution of Nile and other Mediterranean deltas during Holocene: depocenter architecture and eustatic sea level factor

Conference · · AAPG Bull.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5799012
Deposition of deltas along margins of the Mediterranean Sea resulted from the interplay of climatic effects, transport processes, and tectonics. Fluctuating eustatic sea level is one of the dominant controls. This conclusion is based on the finding that the beginning of deposition of Mediterranean deltas during the Holocene was amazingly consistent, although their geologic and geographic settings were diverse. The data base available for the modern deltas is uneven, with more information available for the Nile delta as a result of petrologic study of more than 100 drilled borings, radiocarbon dating of 210 core samples, systematic mapping of lithofacies, and close-grid correlation of core sections. Land-to-sea core traverses show that the Nile delta began to form 7000-8000 years ago. Published studies indicate that the Po, Rhone, and Ebro deltas also began to form about 7000 years ago. Moreover, geometry of the lithofacies sequences detailed in this study (basal transgressive sands overlain by marine, coastal, deltaic, and fluvial deposits) are generally comparable in the four deltas.
Research Organization:
Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC (USA)
OSTI ID:
5799012
Report Number(s):
CONF-890404-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: AAPG Bull.; (United States) Journal Volume: 73:3
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English