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Multiple slump scars in the Tortonian type area (Piedmont Basin, northwestern Italy)
Author(s) -
CLARI PIERANGELO,
GHIBAUDO GUIDO
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
sedimentology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.494
H-Index - 108
eISSN - 1365-3091
pISSN - 0037-0746
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3091.1979.tb00939.x
Subject(s) - geology , paleontology , slump , facies , structural basin , tectonics , geomorphology , archaeology , cement , history
Multiple intraformational discordances, recognized in the Tortonian (Upper Miocene) type area, occur at the top of a shelf sequence, directly overlain by slope sediments. The discordances display smooth, concave upward lower surfaces and are covered by sediments identical to the surrounding strata. Inferred lateral extent of single discordances is 500–700 m. Thickness of sediments overlying the discordances ranges from 5 to 25 m. The intraformational discordances are interpreted as scars formed by downslope sliding of whole packets of strata. The slumps may have been triggered by tectonic oversteepening of shelf sediments due to tilting of the sea floor. The slump scars appear comparable in position and size to some small scale modern examples recorded on margins near the shelf‐break.