Pub Date : 2025-06-12DOI: 10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106913
Cong Lin , Chaodong Wu , Xutong Guan , Elias J. Rugen , Chufan Ren , Wei Zhang
Cenozoic sedimentary archives are of great importance for understanding the tectono-climatic evolution of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. Here, we integrate a detailed field investigation, microscopic observations, unmanned aerial vehicle 3D models, seismic profiles, and transgressive-regressive sequence (T-R sequence) stratigraphy to elucidate the sedimentary and sequence stratigraphy evolution of the SW Qaidam Basin. Three second-order sequences (SS1, SS2, and SS3) were identified based on the unmanned aerial vehicle 3D models and seismic profiles, along with their corresponding underfilled, balanced-filled, and overfilled lake basins. The infilling processes of SS1 and SS2 were significantly influenced by the uplift and strike-slip of the Altyn Tagh Range, paleoclimate variations, and fluctuations of the proto-Paratethys Sea, whereas SS3 was primarily controlled by the intensified uplift and strike-slip of the Altyn Tagh Range. The Altyn Tagh Range experienced multiple stages of uplift, with the incipient strike-slip motion occurring before the Oligocene epoch. Microbialites that formed during periods of relatively high lake level within regressive systems tract act as markers for the maximum regressive surface. Additionally, we propose that these microbialites demonstrate paleoclimate transitions, particularly the climatic shift towards wetter conditions in the Oligocene following their deposition. Newly identified Miocene eolian deposits in the SW Qaidam Basin not only indicate an increasing aridification but also present potential as lithological reservoirs for hydrocarbons.
{"title":"Sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy of strike-slip fault-controlled continental lakes: Insights from the SW Qaidam Basin, NE Tibetan Plateau","authors":"Cong Lin , Chaodong Wu , Xutong Guan , Elias J. Rugen , Chufan Ren , Wei Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106913","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106913","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cenozoic sedimentary archives are of great importance for understanding the tectono-climatic evolution of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. Here, we integrate a detailed field investigation, microscopic observations, unmanned aerial vehicle 3D models, seismic profiles, and transgressive-regressive sequence (T-R sequence) stratigraphy to elucidate the sedimentary and sequence stratigraphy evolution of the SW Qaidam Basin. Three second-order sequences (SS1, SS2, and SS3) were identified based on the unmanned aerial vehicle 3D models and seismic profiles, along with their corresponding underfilled, balanced-filled, and overfilled lake basins. The infilling processes of SS1 and SS2 were significantly influenced by the uplift and strike-slip of the Altyn Tagh Range, paleoclimate variations, and fluctuations of the proto-Paratethys Sea, whereas SS3 was primarily controlled by the intensified uplift and strike-slip of the Altyn Tagh Range. The Altyn Tagh Range experienced multiple stages of uplift, with the incipient strike-slip motion occurring before the Oligocene epoch. Microbialites that formed during periods of relatively high lake level within regressive systems tract act as markers for the maximum regressive surface. Additionally, we propose that these microbialites demonstrate paleoclimate transitions, particularly the climatic shift towards wetter conditions in the Oligocene following their deposition. Newly identified Miocene eolian deposits in the SW Qaidam Basin not only indicate an increasing aridification but also present potential as lithological reservoirs for hydrocarbons.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21575,"journal":{"name":"Sedimentary Geology","volume":"486 ","pages":"Article 106913"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144313019","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-02DOI: 10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106912
Stanislava Vodrážková , Magdalena Koubová , Axel Munnecke , Tomáš Kumpan , Radek Vodrážka , Ondřej Pour , Jiří Frýda
The formation of clay minerals in marine environments, referred to as reversed weathering, represents an important process significantly affecting seawater chemistry. In this study, we describe organomineralization represented by clay mineral authigenesis associated with remnants of carbonaceous microstructures, interpreted as extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), from Silurian, Devonian, and Carboniferous coated grains (ooids, oncoids, and cortoids) and peloids (micritized grains). Multiple lines of evidence support the authigenic origin of these clay minerals: (1) Systematic spatial relationships with organic templates demonstrated through BSE imaging and elemental mapping; (2) Consistent qualitative elemental compositions across samples of varying ages, depositional settings, and burial histories; (3) Systematic textural, morphological, and compositional differences from detrital clay minerals, including filamentous texture, diffuse irregular boundaries, and higher Mg/(Al + Mg) and Si/(Si + Al) ratios; (4) XRD identification of authigenic I/S R3 with a diagnostic 1Md polytype structure; and (5) Consistency with the well-documented association of authigenic clay minerals with microbial surfaces, as evidenced by numerous laboratory experiments.
The documentation of authigenic clays associated with microbial structures in these common constituents of carbonate rocks suggests a potentially significant impact on element sequestration at the sediment-water interface and in the pore-water environment. We conclude that when properly contextualized, authigenic clay minerals can serve as indicators of former microbial surfaces.
{"title":"Clay mineral authigenesis as an example of organomineralization in Paleozoic coated grains and peloids","authors":"Stanislava Vodrážková , Magdalena Koubová , Axel Munnecke , Tomáš Kumpan , Radek Vodrážka , Ondřej Pour , Jiří Frýda","doi":"10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106912","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106912","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The formation of clay minerals in marine environments, referred to as reversed weathering, represents an important process significantly affecting seawater chemistry. In this study, we describe organomineralization represented by clay mineral authigenesis associated with remnants of carbonaceous microstructures, interpreted as extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), from Silurian, Devonian, and Carboniferous coated grains (ooids, oncoids, and cortoids) and peloids (micritized grains). Multiple lines of evidence support the authigenic origin of these clay minerals: (1) Systematic spatial relationships with organic templates demonstrated through BSE imaging and elemental mapping; (2) Consistent qualitative elemental compositions across samples of varying ages, depositional settings, and burial histories; (3) Systematic textural, morphological, and compositional differences from detrital clay minerals, including filamentous texture, diffuse irregular boundaries, and higher Mg/(Al + Mg) and Si/(Si + Al) ratios; (4) XRD identification of authigenic I/S R3 with a diagnostic 1Md polytype structure; and (5) Consistency with the well-documented association of authigenic clay minerals with microbial surfaces, as evidenced by numerous laboratory experiments.</div><div>The documentation of authigenic clays associated with microbial structures in these common constituents of carbonate rocks suggests a potentially significant impact on element sequestration at the sediment-water interface and in the pore-water environment. We conclude that when properly contextualized, authigenic clay minerals can serve as indicators of former microbial surfaces.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21575,"journal":{"name":"Sedimentary Geology","volume":"484 ","pages":"Article 106912"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144243448","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-31DOI: 10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106903
Jinlin Chen , Junhui Wang , Guofeng Yin , Yang Wu , Zhengming Dai , Yonglin Li , Jinhao Ma , Zaixing Jiang , Jie Xu
Paleowind is an important paleoclimate parameter, but its study has been limited due to the lack of research methods. Recently, some researchers have proposed a method combining wind fields, waves, and the scale of ancient bar sand bodies to indirectly reconstruct paleowind. However, this method can only be used in lacustrine environments since in existing reconstruction methods, the fetch—a necessary parameter approximating the distance that wind blows—is difficult to obtain in marine environments. This study introduces the concept of “fully developed waves”, eliminating the need of fetch, which improves the current method of reconstructing paleowind using bars and extends its application to marine environments. The method is easy to operate and it only needs two parameters: the thickness of longshore bars and the seabed slope. This study further focuses on the bars of the Pinghu Formation in the Pingbei slope zone of the Xihu Sag within the East China Sea Shelf Basin. Using the proposed method, the paleowind variations during the depositional period (37.2–35.5 Ma) were reconstructed. The results show that the Xihu Sag was primarily influenced by easterly winds during this time, with wind speeds ranging from 8.76 to 19.71 m/s. This method removes the limitation of using bars for quantitative paleowind reconstruction exclusively in lacustrine settings, thereby enhancing its application potential and contributing to providing more data for paleoclimate reconstruction.
{"title":"Quantitative reconstruction of paleowind strength based on ancient marine longshore bars: A case study of the Pinghu Formation in Pingbei slope zone, Xihu Sag","authors":"Jinlin Chen , Junhui Wang , Guofeng Yin , Yang Wu , Zhengming Dai , Yonglin Li , Jinhao Ma , Zaixing Jiang , Jie Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106903","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106903","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Paleowind is an important paleoclimate parameter, but its study has been limited due to the lack of research methods. Recently, some researchers have proposed a method combining wind fields, waves, and the scale of ancient bar sand bodies to indirectly reconstruct paleowind. However, this method can only be used in lacustrine environments since in existing reconstruction methods, the fetch—a necessary parameter approximating the distance that wind blows—is difficult to obtain in marine environments. This study introduces the concept of “fully developed waves”, eliminating the need of fetch, which improves the current method of reconstructing paleowind using bars and extends its application to marine environments. The method is easy to operate and it only needs two parameters: the thickness of longshore bars and the seabed slope. This study further focuses on the bars of the Pinghu Formation in the Pingbei slope zone of the Xihu Sag within the East China Sea Shelf Basin. Using the proposed method, the paleowind variations during the depositional period (37.2–35.5 Ma) were reconstructed. The results show that the Xihu Sag was primarily influenced by easterly winds during this time, with wind speeds ranging from 8.76 to 19.71 m/s. This method removes the limitation of using bars for quantitative paleowind reconstruction exclusively in lacustrine settings, thereby enhancing its application potential and contributing to providing more data for paleoclimate reconstruction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21575,"journal":{"name":"Sedimentary Geology","volume":"484 ","pages":"Article 106903"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144221429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study focuses on the extensive development of soft-sediment deformation structures (SSDS) within the Holocene fluvial-lacustrine strata in the central and southern Qingshuihe Basin, located on the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. Through basin-wide sedimentological analysis, the study systematically examines the development characteristics, formation mechanisms, and triggering factors of SSDS across various sedimentary facies, while also exploring their relationship with regional seismic events.
The results reveal that a wide variety of SSDS are present in the basin, including small-scale faults, pseudofaults, load structures, water-escape structures, clastic dikes, deformed laminations, tension veins, and mixed accumulations. Most SSDS occur alongside syn-sedimentary faults (small-scale faults or pseudofaults) and exhibit significant directional features. SSDS in fluvial facies are more prominent than those in lacustrine facies, with the former displaying clear stratification, while the latter shows multi-phase deformation. Both fluvial and lacustrine SSDS are closely correlated in stratigraphic position and formation age with tension veins observed in loess deposits on the western side of the basin. Furthermore, the intensity of deformation exhibits a significant negative correlation with the distance from boundary faults. Most SSDS display characteristics of liquefaction, fluidization, and brittle deformation, consistent with seismic shaking.
Radiocarbon dating of 35 samples and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of 7 samples indicate that the SSDS in the southern part of the basin (6220 ± 95 a BP to 717 ± 24 a BP) are strongly associated with three major seismic events along the Haiyuan-Liupan Mountain Fault (a paleo-earthquake from 6600 ± 500 a BP to 5640 ± 540 a BP, the 1219 Guyuan M7 earthquake, and the 1306 Guyuan M7 earthquake). Meanwhile, SSDS in the central basin (11,270 ± 1100 a BP to 7728 ± 36 a BP) likely reflect three significant seismic events along the southeastern segment of the Xiangshan-Tianjingshan fault (XS-TJSF). These earthquakes are estimated to have magnitudes ranging from 6.5 to 7.3, with epicenters located in the central region of the southeastern segment of the XS-TJSF.
This study refines the criteria for identifying earthquake-induced SSDS and provides critical evidence for reconstructing the regional paleo-seismic history, thereby enhancing the understanding of the complex tectonic activity in the area.
本文研究了青藏高原东北缘清水河盆地中南部全新世河湖地层中广泛发育的软沉积变形构造(SSDS)。通过全盆地的沉积学分析,系统探讨了不同沉积相下SSDS的发育特征、形成机制、触发因素,并探讨了其与区域地震事件的关系。研究结果表明,盆地内存在多种类型的断裂构造,包括小尺度断裂、假断裂、负荷构造、泄水构造、碎屑岩脉、变形层状、张拉脉和混合堆积等。大多数SSDS发生在同沉积断层(小断层或假断层)附近,并具有明显的方向性特征。河流相的SSDS比湖相的SSDS更为突出,河流相的SSDS表现为明显的分层作用,而湖相的SSDS表现为多期变形。盆地西侧黄土沉积中所发现的张拉脉与河流和湖泊的SSDS在地层位置和形成年代上具有密切的相关性。变形强度与离边界断层的距离呈显著负相关。大多数固态岩石表现出液化、流态化和脆性变形的特征,与地震震动相一致。35个样品的放射性碳定年和7个样品的光学激发发光(OSL)定年表明,盆地南部(6220±95 a BP ~ 717±24 a BP)的SSDS与海原-六盘山断裂带的3次大地震(6600±500 a BP ~ 5640±540 a BP的古地震、1219年固原7级地震和1306年固原7级地震)密切相关。同时,盆地中部(11,270±1100 a BP ~ 7728±36 a BP)的SSDS可能反映了香山-天景山断裂东南段(ks - tsf)的3次重大地震事件。据估计,这些地震的震级在6.5到7.3级之间,震中位于xs - tsf东南段的中部地区。该研究完善了地震诱发SSDS的识别标准,为重建区域古地震历史提供了重要依据,从而增强了对该区复杂构造活动的认识。
{"title":"Holocene seismically induced soft-sediment deformation structures in the Qingshuihe Basin, northeastern Tibetan Plateau","authors":"Ting Huang , Zhenhong Li , Xiaopeng Dong , Zhonghai Wu , Linlin Kou , Fang Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106902","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106902","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study focuses on the extensive development of soft-sediment deformation structures (SSDS) within the Holocene fluvial-lacustrine strata in the central and southern Qingshuihe Basin, located on the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. Through basin-wide sedimentological analysis, the study systematically examines the development characteristics, formation mechanisms, and triggering factors of SSDS across various sedimentary facies, while also exploring their relationship with regional seismic events.</div><div>The results reveal that a wide variety of SSDS are present in the basin, including small-scale faults, pseudofaults, load structures, water-escape structures, clastic dikes, deformed laminations, tension veins, and mixed accumulations. Most SSDS occur alongside syn-sedimentary faults (small-scale faults or pseudofaults) and exhibit significant directional features. SSDS in fluvial facies are more prominent than those in lacustrine facies, with the former displaying clear stratification, while the latter shows multi-phase deformation. Both fluvial and lacustrine SSDS are closely correlated in stratigraphic position and formation age with tension veins observed in loess deposits on the western side of the basin. Furthermore, the intensity of deformation exhibits a significant negative correlation with the distance from boundary faults. Most SSDS display characteristics of liquefaction, fluidization, and brittle deformation, consistent with seismic shaking.</div><div>Radiocarbon dating of 35 samples and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of 7 samples indicate that the SSDS in the southern part of the basin (6220 ± 95 a BP to 717 ± 24 a BP) are strongly associated with three major seismic events along the Haiyuan-Liupan Mountain Fault (a paleo-earthquake from 6600 ± 500 a BP to 5640 ± 540 a BP, the 1219 Guyuan M7 earthquake, and the 1306 Guyuan M7 earthquake). Meanwhile, SSDS in the central basin (11,270 ± 1100 a BP to 7728 ± 36 a BP) likely reflect three significant seismic events along the southeastern segment of the Xiangshan-Tianjingshan fault (XS-TJSF). These earthquakes are estimated to have magnitudes ranging from 6.5 to 7.3, with epicenters located in the central region of the southeastern segment of the XS-TJSF.</div><div>This study refines the criteria for identifying earthquake-induced SSDS and provides critical evidence for reconstructing the regional paleo-seismic history, thereby enhancing the understanding of the complex tectonic activity in the area.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21575,"journal":{"name":"Sedimentary Geology","volume":"484 ","pages":"Article 106902"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144169788","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-21DOI: 10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106901
Mengqing Ye , Bolin Zhang , Peng Zhu , Xia Wang , Xianguo Lang , Fengcun Xing , Jingjing Liu
The Early Triassic was a crucial period for biotic recovery immediately after the end-Permian mass extinction, with widespread development of ooid deposits around the world. However, two competing hypotheses regarding the inorganic or organic origins of ooids remain under debate. Here, we focus on the Lower Triassic Yelang Formation in the Yunfeng section of Guizhou Province and conduct sedimentological and geochemical analyses, combined with statistical analysis of ooid size and morphology, to reveal the origin of ooids and explore their formation in relation to extreme environmental changes. Our results show that hydrodynamic conditions and microbial activities are key factors influencing ooid formation. The evolution of sedimentary facies, changes in ooid size and types, and variations in ooid morphology and sorting all suggest that stronger hydrodynamic conditions favor ooid formation, leading to more abundant and larger ooid deposits. Low δ15N values (average +1.51 ‰) suggest flourishing microbes dominated by photoautotrophic nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria, while the C/N vs. Δ13Ccarb-org crossplot indicates a significant contribution from eukaryotic algae. Furthermore, microstructural evidence of microbial remains and borings in ooids indicates both constructive and destructive roles of these microbes in their formation. Abundant filamentous microbial fossils and nanograin aggregates observed in ooids also provide direct evidence of biogenic signatures intrinsically related to organomineralization. A comprehensive biochemical model of ooid formation is proposed here, involving microbial-induced mineralization and biomediated carbonate precipitation. In addition, we suggest that the combined effects of exacerbated marine anoxia and extreme hyperthermal climates contributed to the widespread development of ooids during the Early Triassic.
{"title":"Origin and paleoenvironmental significance of ooids in South China during the Early Triassic hyperthermal climates","authors":"Mengqing Ye , Bolin Zhang , Peng Zhu , Xia Wang , Xianguo Lang , Fengcun Xing , Jingjing Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106901","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106901","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Early Triassic was a crucial period for biotic recovery immediately after the end-Permian mass extinction, with widespread development of ooid deposits around the world. However, two competing hypotheses regarding the inorganic or organic origins of ooids remain under debate. Here, we focus on the Lower Triassic Yelang Formation in the Yunfeng section of Guizhou Province and conduct sedimentological and geochemical analyses, combined with statistical analysis of ooid size and morphology, to reveal the origin of ooids and explore their formation in relation to extreme environmental changes. Our results show that hydrodynamic conditions and microbial activities are key factors influencing ooid formation. The evolution of sedimentary facies, changes in ooid size and types, and variations in ooid morphology and sorting all suggest that stronger hydrodynamic conditions favor ooid formation, leading to more abundant and larger ooid deposits. Low δ<sup>15</sup>N values (average +1.51 ‰) suggest flourishing microbes dominated by photoautotrophic nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria, while the C/N vs. Δ<sup>13</sup>C<sub>carb-org</sub> crossplot indicates a significant contribution from eukaryotic algae. Furthermore, microstructural evidence of microbial remains and borings in ooids indicates both constructive and destructive roles of these microbes in their formation. Abundant filamentous microbial fossils and nanograin aggregates observed in ooids also provide direct evidence of biogenic signatures intrinsically related to organomineralization. A comprehensive biochemical model of ooid formation is proposed here, involving microbial-induced mineralization and biomediated carbonate precipitation. In addition, we suggest that the combined effects of exacerbated marine anoxia and extreme hyperthermal climates contributed to the widespread development of ooids during the Early Triassic.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21575,"journal":{"name":"Sedimentary Geology","volume":"483 ","pages":"Article 106901"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144138759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-21DOI: 10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106900
Christina Antoniou, Alastair H.F. Robertson
The Pleistocene development of the Tremithos River exemplifies interacting controls of fluvial and shallow-marine sedimentation. The overall driver was domal uplift of southern Cyprus, focused on the ophiolitic Troodos Massif. Middle-Upper Pleistocene fluvial sediments accumulated under the dominant influences of glacio-eustatic and related climatic changes. Early-Middle Pleistocene is preserved as remnant surfaces and rounded erosional hills. Late Pleistocene-Holocene saw pulsed incision that deepened and narrowed the channel, mainly in the upper reaches. Meanders developed in the middle reaches. A broad, shallow channel formed in the lower reaches, passing into a coastal plain and a broad delta, affected by cyclical marine transgressions and regressions. Following incision events, coarse, poorly sorted conglomerates accumulated under high-energy stream flow in a cool, wet climate, generally correlated with glacial periods. Channel fill was mainly achieved by more persistent, lower energy stream flow in semi-braided channels, coupled with overbank deposition. Common well-rounding of highly resistant lithologies (e.g. chert) within a c. 30 km-long river suggests some recycling from older terrace deposits. Chalky colluvium formed by slope wasting of nearby chalk and marl, mainly during cool, humid periods. Reddish terra rossa paleosols mainly record relatively warm, stable, humid periods. Bedrock lithologies (e.g. diabase, chert) exerted a strong influence on clast lithology and shape. Younger fluvial deposits are coeval with Holocene shallow-marine terrigenous sediments and carbonates (including solitary coral) in coastal areas. Some previously reported shallow-marine sands are reinterpreted as aeolianites. Locally, deposition was influenced by surface uplift along a near-coastal strike-slip fault, related to oblique convergence of the Africa-Eurasia plates.
{"title":"Middle-Late Pleistocene to Holocene sediments of the Tremithos River and related shallow-marine to non-marine coastal deposits in SE Cyprus: Products of inter-related surface uplift and glacio-eustatic controlled sea-level change","authors":"Christina Antoniou, Alastair H.F. Robertson","doi":"10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106900","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106900","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Pleistocene development of the Tremithos River exemplifies interacting controls of fluvial and shallow-marine sedimentation. The overall driver was domal uplift of southern Cyprus, focused on the ophiolitic Troodos Massif. Middle-Upper Pleistocene fluvial sediments accumulated under the dominant influences of glacio-eustatic and related climatic changes. Early-Middle Pleistocene is preserved as remnant surfaces and rounded erosional hills. Late Pleistocene-Holocene saw pulsed incision that deepened and narrowed the channel, mainly in the upper reaches. Meanders developed in the middle reaches. A broad, shallow channel formed in the lower reaches, passing into a coastal plain and a broad delta, affected by cyclical marine transgressions and regressions. Following incision events, coarse, poorly sorted conglomerates accumulated under high-energy stream flow in a cool, wet climate, generally correlated with glacial periods. Channel fill was mainly achieved by more persistent, lower energy stream flow in semi-braided channels, coupled with overbank deposition. Common well-rounding of highly resistant lithologies (e.g. chert) within a c. 30 km-long river suggests some recycling from older terrace deposits. Chalky colluvium formed by slope wasting of nearby chalk and marl, mainly during cool, humid periods. Reddish terra rossa paleosols mainly record relatively warm, stable, humid periods. Bedrock lithologies (e.g. diabase, chert) exerted a strong influence on clast lithology and shape. Younger fluvial deposits are coeval with Holocene shallow-marine terrigenous sediments and carbonates (including solitary coral) in coastal areas. Some previously reported shallow-marine sands are reinterpreted as aeolianites. Locally, deposition was influenced by surface uplift along a near-coastal strike-slip fault, related to oblique convergence of the Africa-Eurasia plates.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21575,"journal":{"name":"Sedimentary Geology","volume":"486 ","pages":"Article 106900"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144562952","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-20DOI: 10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106899
Zuriñe Larena , Concha Arenas , Josep Sanjuan , Ana Pascual , Mariano Larraz , Xabier Murelaga , Juan Ignacio Baceta
The Tortonian Peña Adrian Formation represents the youngest depositional unit of the Miranda-Trebiño basin (Basque-Cantabrian Pyrenees), which developed on the Southern Basque-Cantabrian Pyrenees from late Eocene to Late Miocene times. The formation is a 50–160 m thick succession of alluvial detrital grading to lacustrine carbonates that contain rich and varied calcareous fossil biota (gastropods, ostracods and charophytes). The fossil association characterizes warm temperate, shallow lakes with vegetated bottoms and well‑oxygenated and alkaline fresh waters. Integration of stratigraphic, sedimentological, paleontological and CO stable isotopic data allows the differentiation of a wide range of sedimentary facies, the construction of a depositional model and the definition of distinct evolutionary phases and relation to allogenic processes. Up to 3 metre-thick facies sequences record repetitive water-level changes, likely reflecting short-term climate changes. Overall, the succession outlines an asymmetric cycle of gradual expansion and faster contraction of a shallow ramp-like lake system evolving under oscillating climatic conditions. C and O stable isotopes are consistent with decreasing salinity and increasing precipitation/evaporation balance trough time. Excellent preservation of aragonitic and bimineralic gastropods characterizes the open lacustrine deposits, whereas shell dissolution and neomorphism are distinct in the palustrine ones. This contrasting degree of preservation of calcareous biota clearly reflects changes in the physico-chemical conditions that prevailed during sedimentation and early burial. The findings add to the knowledge of carbonate lake basins, help discern the factors that controlled their evolution and highlight specific depositional and preservation conditions for gastropod-rich carbonate records.
{"title":"Gastropod-rich lacustrine carbonate deposits in N Iberia: a depositional, climatic and ecological record of the Late Miocene","authors":"Zuriñe Larena , Concha Arenas , Josep Sanjuan , Ana Pascual , Mariano Larraz , Xabier Murelaga , Juan Ignacio Baceta","doi":"10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106899","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106899","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Tortonian Peña Adrian Formation represents the youngest depositional unit of the Miranda-Trebiño basin (Basque-Cantabrian Pyrenees), which developed on the Southern Basque-Cantabrian Pyrenees from late Eocene to Late Miocene times. The formation is a 50–160 m thick succession of alluvial detrital grading to lacustrine carbonates that contain rich and varied calcareous fossil biota (gastropods, ostracods and charophytes). The fossil association characterizes warm temperate, shallow lakes with vegetated bottoms and well‑oxygenated and alkaline fresh waters. Integration of stratigraphic, sedimentological, paleontological and C<img>O stable isotopic data allows the differentiation of a wide range of sedimentary facies, the construction of a depositional model and the definition of distinct evolutionary phases and relation to allogenic processes. Up to 3 metre-thick facies sequences record repetitive water-level changes, likely reflecting short-term climate changes. Overall, the succession outlines an asymmetric cycle of gradual expansion and faster contraction of a shallow ramp-like lake system evolving under oscillating climatic conditions. C and O stable isotopes are consistent with decreasing salinity and increasing precipitation/evaporation balance trough time. Excellent preservation of aragonitic and bimineralic gastropods characterizes the open lacustrine deposits, whereas shell dissolution and neomorphism are distinct in the palustrine ones. This contrasting degree of preservation of calcareous biota clearly reflects changes in the physico-chemical conditions that prevailed during sedimentation and early burial. The findings add to the knowledge of carbonate lake basins, help discern the factors that controlled their evolution and highlight specific depositional and preservation conditions for gastropod-rich carbonate records.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21575,"journal":{"name":"Sedimentary Geology","volume":"483 ","pages":"Article 106899"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144167723","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-07DOI: 10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106892
Zixiao Peng , Jianhua Qu , En Xie , Chunqiang Chen , Bang Zeng , Dancheng Zhu , Zhenghong Zhang
Alluvial fans, typically characterized by a mixture of fine- and coarse-grained materials, high heterogeneity, and weakly structured organization, are formed through various depositional processes. Fan deposits are considered valuable reservoir exploration targets in the hydrocarbon field worldwide. A series of Quaternary fans in northwestern and northern China, subjected to secondary geomorphological processes of varying degrees, were analyzed. Primary geomorphic processes, characterized by lobe or sheet elements of debris flow, hyperconcentrated flow and sheet floods deposits, generally represent rapid fan aggradation and dominate the sedimentary succession of these fans. Deposition of secondary processes is mainly developed by streamflows reworking with identifiable features, such as sheet-like lag, braided/point bar, and channel elements. A lack of sediment input to the fan and the redistribution and remodification of the primary deposits characterize this process. Synsedimentary reservoir quality is significantly improved by reorganizing sorting, support styles, and bedding structures. The proportion of primary and secondary architectural elements is proposed to evaluate the relative intensity of secondary processes experienced by alluvial fans. The dominant drivers of strong secondary processes are attributed to frequent streamflow events in response to climate changes on millennial timescales. Physical properties and connectivity of alluvial fan reservoirs related to secondary processes are commonly improved compared to reservoirs directly originating from primary processes, as a deep-time example from the Karamay oilfield. The results of this study provide new insights into constructing alluvial fan models in deep-time terrestrial basins and contribute to predicting favorable reservoir distribution and adjusting development strategies for alluvial fan reservoirs worldwide.
{"title":"Impact of secondary geomorphic processes on sedimentary characteristics of alluvial fans: Implications for reservoir exploration and development","authors":"Zixiao Peng , Jianhua Qu , En Xie , Chunqiang Chen , Bang Zeng , Dancheng Zhu , Zhenghong Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106892","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106892","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Alluvial fans, typically characterized by a mixture of fine- and coarse-grained materials, high heterogeneity, and weakly structured organization, are formed through various depositional processes. Fan deposits are considered valuable reservoir exploration targets in the hydrocarbon field worldwide. A series of Quaternary fans in northwestern and northern China, subjected to secondary geomorphological processes of varying degrees, were analyzed. Primary geomorphic processes, characterized by lobe or sheet elements of debris flow, hyperconcentrated flow and sheet floods deposits, generally represent rapid fan aggradation and dominate the sedimentary succession of these fans. Deposition of secondary processes is mainly developed by streamflows reworking with identifiable features, such as sheet-like lag, braided/point bar, and channel elements. A lack of sediment input to the fan and the redistribution and remodification of the primary deposits characterize this process. Synsedimentary reservoir quality is significantly improved by reorganizing sorting, support styles, and bedding structures. The proportion of primary and secondary architectural elements is proposed to evaluate the relative intensity of secondary processes experienced by alluvial fans. The dominant drivers of strong secondary processes are attributed to frequent streamflow events in response to climate changes on millennial timescales. Physical properties and connectivity of alluvial fan reservoirs related to secondary processes are commonly improved compared to reservoirs directly originating from primary processes, as a deep-time example from the Karamay oilfield. The results of this study provide new insights into constructing alluvial fan models in deep-time terrestrial basins and contribute to predicting favorable reservoir distribution and adjusting development strategies for alluvial fan reservoirs worldwide.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21575,"journal":{"name":"Sedimentary Geology","volume":"483 ","pages":"Article 106892"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143931367","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-30DOI: 10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106885
Emilio Evo Magro Correa Urbano , Maria Elisa Preto Gomes , Carlos Augusto Pinto de Meireles , Paulo Roberto Gomes Brandão , João Pedro T.M. Hippertt , Ricardo Scholz , Cristiano Lana
Ironstones, as key archives of past marine environments, provide invaluable insights into Paleozoic history. Their mineralogy may reflect the physical-chemical conditions of the environment and the nature of available sediments. This study focuses on the Moncorvo Ironstone, a Lower-Middle Ordovician deposit formed during the opening of the Rheic Ocean. Here, we use an integrated approach combining sedimentology, petrology, and geochemistry to constrain the depositional settings and the redox landscape associated with the ironstone deposition. The Moncorvo Ironstone present some unusual characteristics, such as the lack of ooids, an uncommon mineralogy, and a stratigraphic thickness that can reach over >45 m, a remarkable feature for an ironstone. Our investigation reveals that this iron-rich sequence is distributed in two distinct marine environments: an inner shelf and a middle to distal shelf. Each environment has a unique mineral assemblage. Despite the influence of metamorphism and deformation, evidence suggests that much of the mineralogy and texture of this deposit still preserve characteristics of the original sediments. Finally, our findings, alongside a careful assessment of the mineralogy of other ironstones of similar age, suggest a strong stratification of the Rheic Ocean throughout the Early and Middle Ordovician.
{"title":"Depositional environment and redox conditions of the Moncorvo Ironstone – Unveiling the evolution of ironstones under Rheic Ocean influence","authors":"Emilio Evo Magro Correa Urbano , Maria Elisa Preto Gomes , Carlos Augusto Pinto de Meireles , Paulo Roberto Gomes Brandão , João Pedro T.M. Hippertt , Ricardo Scholz , Cristiano Lana","doi":"10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106885","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106885","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ironstones, as key archives of past marine environments, provide invaluable insights into Paleozoic history. Their mineralogy may reflect the physical-chemical conditions of the environment and the nature of available sediments. This study focuses on the Moncorvo Ironstone, a Lower-Middle Ordovician deposit formed during the opening of the Rheic Ocean. Here, we use an integrated approach combining sedimentology, petrology, and geochemistry to constrain the depositional settings and the redox landscape associated with the ironstone deposition. The Moncorvo Ironstone present some unusual characteristics, such as the lack of ooids, an uncommon mineralogy, and a stratigraphic thickness that can reach over >45 m, a remarkable feature for an ironstone. Our investigation reveals that this iron-rich sequence is distributed in two distinct marine environments: an inner shelf and a middle to distal shelf. Each environment has a unique mineral assemblage. Despite the influence of metamorphism and deformation, evidence suggests that much of the mineralogy and texture of this deposit still preserve characteristics of the original sediments. Finally, our findings, alongside a careful assessment of the mineralogy of other ironstones of similar age, suggest a strong stratification of the Rheic Ocean throughout the Early and Middle Ordovician.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21575,"journal":{"name":"Sedimentary Geology","volume":"482 ","pages":"Article 106885"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143922727","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-24DOI: 10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106884
Xuan Zhao , Wei Li , Christopher J. Stevenson , Qiang Zhang , Shuang Li , Lingyun Wu , Zhiyuan Cai , Xiting Liu , Wenhuan Zhan
Turbidites preserved within sedimentary sequences serve as valuable archives of sea-level and climate fluctuations that influence terrigenous sediment supply and depositional processes. However, a comprehensive understanding of how turbidite systems respond to the complex interplay of external forcing on millennial timescales remains limited. Using grain size, geochemical, and chronological data from two sediment cores in different geomorphic settings, we investigate how turbidite system growth responds to sea level, climate and tectonics along the northern South China Sea (SCS) margin. Core QDN-2, located on the northwestern SCS margin, records two turbidites deposited between 43 ka and 12 ka, followed by a cessation of activity during the Holocene. Conversely, core TXN-1 situated on the northeastern SCS margin, documents frequent turbidity currents since 12 ka. These contrasting records demonstrate that turbidite systems on the northern SCS margin can develop at any sea-level. Our findings reveal that while sea level and tectonics play a role, climate emerges as the dominant external forcing on turbidite system development in the northern SCS. Sufficient climate-induced sediment supply compensates for the influence of interception by the wide shelf and high sea level, providing the necessary material basis for the initiation of turbidity currents. The rapid delivery of terrigenous sediments through turbidity currents facilitates the preservation of these climatic signals within the turbidites. This study highlights the crucial role of climate forcing in turbidite depositional patterns, even on the wide continental shelves, and emphasizes the importance of incorporating climate variability into sequence stratigraphic interpretations.
{"title":"Climate forcing of turbidite system on the northern South China Sea margin during the Late Quaternary","authors":"Xuan Zhao , Wei Li , Christopher J. Stevenson , Qiang Zhang , Shuang Li , Lingyun Wu , Zhiyuan Cai , Xiting Liu , Wenhuan Zhan","doi":"10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106884","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sedgeo.2025.106884","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Turbidites preserved within sedimentary sequences serve as valuable archives of sea-level and climate fluctuations that influence terrigenous sediment supply and depositional processes. However, a comprehensive understanding of how turbidite systems respond to the complex interplay of external forcing on millennial timescales remains limited. Using grain size, geochemical, and chronological data from two sediment cores in different geomorphic settings, we investigate how turbidite system growth responds to sea level, climate and tectonics along the northern South China Sea (SCS) margin. Core QDN-2, located on the northwestern SCS margin, records two turbidites deposited between 43 ka and 12 ka, followed by a cessation of activity during the Holocene. Conversely, core TXN-1 situated on the northeastern SCS margin, documents frequent turbidity currents since 12 ka. These contrasting records demonstrate that turbidite systems on the northern SCS margin can develop at any sea-level. Our findings reveal that while sea level and tectonics play a role, climate emerges as the dominant external forcing on turbidite system development in the northern SCS. Sufficient climate-induced sediment supply compensates for the influence of interception by the wide shelf and high sea level, providing the necessary material basis for the initiation of turbidity currents. The rapid delivery of terrigenous sediments through turbidity currents facilitates the preservation of these climatic signals within the turbidites. This study highlights the crucial role of climate forcing in turbidite depositional patterns, even on the wide continental shelves, and emphasizes the importance of incorporating climate variability into sequence stratigraphic interpretations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21575,"journal":{"name":"Sedimentary Geology","volume":"482 ","pages":"Article 106884"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143916961","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}