Abstract
Structures due to deformation contemporaneous with sedimentation continue to attract attention. Interest has focused on structures produced by those vertical or convective movements due to inverse density stratification and on those structures related to dewatering of sediments and momentary “liquification” and, also, on the largest deformational features — olistostromes — structures difficult to distinguish from true tectonic melanges. The relations between olistostromes, turbidites, and tectonics are explored by Abbate (1970b). The deformational structures generally have limited paleocurrent value except perhaps those produced by slump or other lateral movements which are presumed to define the paleoslope.
Much better understanding of the largest of all deformational structures — olistostromes — plus recognition of dewatering during compaction as an agent for much internal deformation of silts and sands.
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Annotated References of Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Anketell, J. M., J. Cegla and S. Dzulynski, 1969: Unconformable surfaces formed in the absence of current erosion. Geol. Romana 8, 4–46. Experiments showed that in stratified materials with inverted density gradient, rising diapirs, upon reaching the sediment-water interface, formed a thin layer deposited on upturned edges of the deformed strata-a false unconformity formed without current erosion.
Anketell, J. M., J. Cegla and S. Dzulynski, 1970: On the deformational structures in systems with reversed density gradients: Ann. Soc. Geol. Pol. 40, 3–30. Systems deforming by plastic or viscous flow take the form of ascending or descending columns (con vective cells). The deformation of the interface between two deforming layers takes one or the other of three configurations which depend on the ratio of their kinematic viscosities, Ka/Kb. This is perhaps the best paper on experimental deformation; many references; in English.
Dzulynski, S., and A. Radomski, 1966: Experiments on bedding disturbances produced by the impact of heavy suspensions upon horizontal sedimentary layers: Bull. Acad. Sci. PoL, Geol. Geog. Ser. 14, 227–230s. The moving suspension caused considerable deformation of the previously deposited turbidite layers. Features similar to “slump overfolds” and cc pseudonodules “were formed. The results are products of both shear and cc settling convection.”
Dzulynski, S., and E. K. Walton, 1963: Experimental production of sole markings: Trans. Edinburgh Geol. Soc. 19, 279–305. Experimental studies of a large variety of sole markings, but including some related to load structures and other deformation phenomena.
Einsele, G., R. Overbeck, H. U. Schwarz and G. Unsold, 1974: Mass physical properties, sliding and erodibility of experimentally deposited and differentially consolidated clayey muds. Sedimentology 21, 339–372. A fundamental background paper for understanding many, if not all, of the sole marks plus gravitational mass movements on slope. Key ideas: critical sedimentation rates, shallow sediment flow, creep, intrastratal flow and erodibility.
Mckee, E. D., and M. Goldberg, 1969: Experiments on formation of contorted structures in mud. Bull. Geol. Soc. Am. 80, 231–243. Fifteen experiments showing effects of differential loading of freshly deposited muds and sands; largely directed toward understanding of convolute and flame structures. Contains a review of what is known about convolute-type structures and ideas concerning their origin.
Mckee, E. D., M. A. Reynolds and C. H. Baker jr., 1962: Laboratory studies on deformation in unconsolidated sediment. U.S. Geol. Survey Prof. Paper 450-D, 151–155. Saturated mud layers alternating with sand were experimentally deformed by both vertical and progressive loading. Structures resembling convolute folds and the recumbent structure of cross-bedding were produced.
Ramberg, H., 1967: Gravity, deformation, and the earth’s crust. London-New York: Academic Press, 214 p. Most complete and comprehensive experimental studies of tt gravity tectonics , i.e., deformation related to vertical or convective transfer of materials owing to in verted density gradients. Although main focus is understanding of large-scale tectonic structures, the experiments are readily applicable to analysis of softsediment deformation.
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Potter, P.E., Pettijohn, F.J. (1977). Deformational Structures (1963–1976). In: Paleocurrents and Basin Analysis. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-61887-1_11
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