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Sink‐to‐source: Influence of offshore dynamics on upstream processes
Author(s) -
Abeyta Antoinette,
Foreman Brady Z.,
Swenson John B.,
Paola Chris,
Mohr Jeré
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
basin research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.522
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1365-2117
pISSN - 0950-091X
DOI - 10.1111/bre.12280
Subject(s) - geology , sedimentary depositional environment , facies , sedimentary rock , submarine pipeline , fluvial , tectonics , delta , bed load , geomorphology , alluvial plain , floodplain , sink (geography) , sediment transport , sediment , paleontology , oceanography , structural basin , ecology , cartography , aerospace engineering , geography , engineering , biology
When we model fluvial sedimentation and the resultant alluvial stratigraphy, we typically focus on the effects of local parameters (e.g., sediment flux, water discharge, grain size) and the effects of regional changes in boundary conditions applied in the source region (i.e., climate, tectonics) and at the shoreline (i.e., sea level). In recent years this viewpoint has been codified into the “source‐to‐sink” paradigm, wherein major shifts in sediment flux, grain‐size fining trends, channel‐stacking patterns, floodplain deposition and larger stratigraphic systems tracts are interpreted in terms of (1) tectonic and climatic signals originating in the hinterland that propagate downstream; and (2) eustatic fluctuation, which affects the position of the shoreline and dictates the generation of accommodation. Within this paradigm, eustasy represents the sole means by which downstream processes may affect terrestrial depositional systems. Here, we detail three experimental cases in which coastal rivers are strongly influenced by offshore and slope transport systems via the clinoform geometries typical of prograding sedimentary bodies. These examples illustrate an underdeveloped, but potentially important “sink‐to‐source” influence on the evolution of fluvial‐deltaic systems. The experiments illustrate the effects of (1) submarine hyperpycnal flows, (2) submarine delta front failure events, and (3) deformable substrates within prodelta and offshore settings. These submarine processes generate (1) erosional knickpoints in coastal rivers, (2) increased river channel occupancy times, (3) rapid rates of shoreline movement, and (4) localized zones of significant offshore sediment accumulation. Ramifications for coastal plain and deltaic stratigraphic patterns include changes in the hierarchy of scour surfaces, fluvial sand‐body geometries, reconstruction of sea‐level variability and large‐scale stratal geometries, all of which are linked to the identification and interpretation of sequences and systems tracts.