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Depositional sequences in clastic continental slope deposits, Gulf of Mexico

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Abstract

Tertiary and Quaternary sediments, overlying diapiric older Tertiary shales and Louann Salt on the continental slope in the western Gulf of Mexico, show cyclicity based on seismic-reflection patterns. A set of indistinct parallel reflections or an acoustically semi-transparent zone, normally onlapping onto diapir flanks, alternates with a set of distinct parallel reflections that drape the sea bottom. The indistinct reflections represent deposits employed by bottom transport during a lowering of sea level. Sea level rise and hight stand are characterized by hemipelagic sediments that form blanket-type deposits. Differential sediment loading causes diapiric activity that may reach maximum upward velocities when sea level rises.

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  1. Arnold H. Bouma

    Present address: Gulf Research & Development Company, P.O. Drawer 2038, 15230, Pittsburgh, PA

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  1. U.S. Geological Survey, 78411, Corpus Christi, TX

    Arnold H. Bouma

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  1. Arnold H. Bouma
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Bouma, A.H. Depositional sequences in clastic continental slope deposits, Gulf of Mexico. Geo-Marine Letters 1, 115–121 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02463328

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02463328

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