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Megaturbidite: An acceptable term?

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Abstract

Terminology should facilitate communication; however, inaccuracies can lead to misunderstanding; new and revived terms normally add to the confusion. Megaturbidite is a rather common term in Europe used to identify a thick, extensive deposit from an exceptionally large mass flow. Their grain size can vary from large blocks to clay size.

If the term megaturbidite is used, is should be restricted to layers that: (1) are thick compared to the host rock; (2) are laterally extensive; (3) differ in composition from the host rock; and (4) lack submarine fan geometries. They are excellent markers for stratigraphic and seismic correlations, and useful in basin analyses.

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  1. Chevron Oil Field Research Company, P.O. Box 446, 90631, La Habra, CA

    Arnold H. Bouma

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  1. Arnold H. Bouma
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Bouma, A.H. Megaturbidite: An acceptable term?. Geo-Marine Letters 7, 63–67 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02237985

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02237985

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