1 research outputs found
Diagnostic criteria using microfacies for calcareous contourites, turbidites and pelagites in the Eocene–Miocene slope succession, southern Cyprus
Interbedded contourites, turbidites and pelagites are commonplace in many
deep-water slope environments. However, the distinction between these different
facies remains a source of controversy. This detailed study of calcareous
contourites and associated deep-marine facies from an Eocene–Miocene
sedimentary succession on Cyprus clearly documents the diagnostic value of
microfacies in this debate. In particular, the variability of archetypical bi-gradational
contourite sequences and their internal subdivision (bedding, layering
and lamination) are explored. Contourites can be distinguished from
turbidites, pelagites and hemipelagites by means of carbonate microfacies in
combination with bed-scale characteristics. Particle composition provides
valuable information on sediment provenance. Depositional texture, determined
by the ratio between carbonate mud and bioclasts, is crucial for identifying
bi-gradational sequences in both muddy and sandy contourites, and
normally-graded sequences in turbidite beds. Equally important are the type
and preservation of traction structures, as well as the temporality and impact
of bioturbation. Shell fragmentation under conditions of increased hydrodynamic
agitation (textural inversion) is recognized as a carbonate-specific feature
of bioclastic sandy contourites.Spanish Ciencia y Tecnologias Marinas projects
CTM 2012-39599C03
CGL2016-80445-R
CTM2016-75129-C3-1-RSecretaria de Estado de I+D+I, Spain
CGL201566835-P
PID2019-104625RB-100PFEDER Andalucía
B-RNM-072-UGR18Junta de Andalucía
P18-RT-4074Universidad de Granada
UCE2016-05Projekt DEAL (University of Greifswald in the Alliance of German Science Organizations