Fabric and Structure of Submarine Conglomerates

MILANA, J. P

Santa Bárbara, CA, USA

Workshop; Slopes Consortium annual meeting; 2009

UC Santa Bárbara - Slopes Consortium

Fabric and Structure of Submarine Conglomerates   CONCLUSIONS      1. Good correlation between "high angle" crossbeds and rolling type fabric suggest subcritical flow (dune stage) as indicated from modern studies   2. Variable correlation between low-angle and flat bedding to a determined  type of fabric suggesting changes from sub and supercritical flow   3. Dominat suspensive-type fabric suggest supercritical flow and antidune / standing waves related sedimentation, that might be responsible for channel element generation, which can be formed during high fallout events (base gradational) or low-fallout events (erosive base).   4. Dominant rolling type fabric at the upper parts of channel elements suggest postume reworking and/or deposition by lower energy, tractive flows, without the necessary depth of flow to generate gavel waves.   5. Single channels show dominant rolling type (without crossbeding) and sometimes suspensive fabric. Flows are interpreted as not very thick and less energetic than at Channel assemblages   6. All flows and samples suggest a well developed traction carpet with different concentration (not debris flows)   7. Many CHANNEL ELEMENTS could be actually isolated SCOURS related to the front of migrating DUNES. Thickness of Channel Elements would therefore correlate with flow thickness