Styles of interdistributary basin sedimentation: Mississippi delta plain, Louisiana

Conference · Mon Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986 · Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6887158

Tye, R S; Kosters, E C

Analyses of sedimentary processes in the Barataria and Atchafalaya basins of the Louisiana delta plain reveal two contrasting styles of sediment accumulation. The deposits are largely controlled by the relative rates of subsidence and the amount of sediment transported into the basins. Marine delta progradation and subsequent abandonment on approximately a 1000 to 1500-year cycle isolate extensive backswamp and marshy areas between major distributary channels. The resulting interdistributary basins areally occupy a large part of the lower alluvial valley and upper delta plain. Extensive well-drained and poorly drained backswamp environments occur at the apex of these basins and grade seaward into fresh, brackish, and saline marshes. Following delta-lobe abandonment, high subsidence rates combined with low sediment input lead to basin flooding, both by marine incursion and the enlargement of lakes.

• Research Organization: Louisiana State Univ., Baton Rouge
• OSTI ID: 6887158
• Report Number(s): CONF-8610199-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States) Journal Volume: 70:9
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
03 NATURAL GAS
030200 -- Natural Gas-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
ALLUVIAL DEPOSITS
DEPOSITION
FEDERAL REGION VI
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
LOUISIANA
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
NORTH AMERICA
RIVERS
SEDIMENTARY BASINS
SEDIMENTATION
STREAMS
SURFACE WATERS
USA