Autocyclic switching processes and architecture of lobes in river-dominated lacustrine deltas

Abstract

River-dominated lacustrine deltas typically consist of multiple lobes due to autogenic lobe switching that occurs over short time scales. However, the switching patterns of multiple lobes in these deltas remain poorly understood, and the architectural features attributed to lobe switching are also lacking. By integrating Delft3D simulations, flume experiments, and modern deposit analysis, we proposed that autogenic lobe switching follows a cyclic pattern. Autocyclicity begins with the formation of an offshore lobe and concludes after a series of longshore lobe growth events, marked by longshore avulsions occurring along the sides of offshore distributary channels. Longshore avulsions follow a sequence that usually occurs earlier distally than proximally and subsequently occurs on one longshore side and then on the other side. Each lobe begins with rapid growth, which gradually slows and then stops once a channel avulsion is influenced by the backwater effect that triggers lobe switching. Three signals indicate lobe switching: a decrease in progradation rate, foreset slope steepening coupled with topset slope gentling, and the deposition of mud-dominated sediments. The number of autocyclic events never exceeds seven. The first two autocyclicities contribute to more than 55% of delta length and 70% of delta area. The lobes are separated by 1–6 stages of mud-dominated accretion beds that exhibit a downstream-inclined shape and convex-up or lateral overlapping pattern. This study conducts a coupled growth-geometric assessment to establish an architectural pattern for river-dominated lacustrine deltas. This architectural pattern offers valuable insights into predicting sandy lobe distribution in river-dominated lacustrine delta reservoirs, and the architecture of muddy accretion beds aids in predicting the rule of oil–water movement and distribution of remaining oil.