What is turbidite sequence?

What is turbidite sequence?

Turbidites are deposited in the deep ocean troughs below the continental shelf, or similar structures in deep lakes, by underwater avalanches which slide down the steep slopes of the continental shelf edge. It is this sequence of deposition that creates the Bouma sequences that characterize these rocks.

What is Contourite in geology?

A contourite is a sedimentary deposit commonly formed on continental rise to lower slope settings, although they may occur anywhere that is below storm wave base. The geomorphology of contourite deposits is mainly influenced by the deepwater bottom-current velocity, sediment supply, and seafloor topography.

What is the difference between turbidite and turbidity current?

Turbidity currents are underwater gravity flows triggered by the mobilization of sediments on a slope. The lithified product of a turbidity current is a turbidite, which is a graded layer that generally contains a coarse-grained base and a fine-grained top (conglomerate to coarse sandstone to mudrock).

Where do turbidites form?

Turbidites are sea-bottom deposits formed by massive slope failures. Rivers flowing into the ocean deposit sediments on the continenal shelf and slope.

How are Bouma sequences formed?

A characteristic sequence of sedimentary structures occurring in sedimentary rocks deposited in areas of deep water sedimentation by turbidity currents, which form deposits called turbidites.

What is Bouma sequence in sedimentology?

The Bouma sequence (named after Arnold H. Bouma, 1932–2011) is a characteristic set of sedimentary structures typically preserved within positively graded sand or silt-mud couplets. The Bouma sequence is the first model of sediment-laden gravity flows and represents the first predictive model in sedimentology.

What are Contourite drifts?

Contourite drifts are the large-scale morphological expression of contourite deposition, up to 106 km2 in area and >1 km in thickness. They are a common feature in some parts of the ocean basins and are found covering large areas of the present-day seafloor beneath modern bottom current systems.

What do turbidity currents produce?

Turbidity currents can change the physical shape of the seafloor by eroding large areas and creating underwater canyons. These currents also deposit huge amounts of sediment wherever they flow, usually in a gradient or fan pattern, with the largest particles at the bottom and the smallest ones on top.

What is the best definition of a turbidite?

Turbidite meaning Any sediment or rock deposited by a turbidity current. Turbidites usually consist of a sequence of sediments in which the bottom layers contain the coarsest grains and the upper layers the finest, such as a sequence of sand that is overlain by silt, which in turn is overlain by clay.

What is the best definition of a turbidite quizlet?

Turbidites: -the sediment that is deposited by a turbidity current is called a turbidite. -These are well-sorted and well-graded sediments (which means that as the current speed slows down progressively finer sediments are deposited. ) -Turbidites are found on continental slopes and rises.

Where do Bouma sequences occur?

What type of sediment are turbidites?

sedimentary rock
Turbidite is a fine-grained sediment (or sedimentary rock) that gradually changes from coarse- to fine-grained and that was deposited by turbidity currents.

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