Open AccessSurficial geology and sedimentary processes, Skeena River delta, British Columbia
Author(s) -
K W Conway,
BD Bornhold,
J. Vaughn Barrie
Publication year - 1996
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.4095/207870
Subject(s) - delta , shoal , geology , river delta , intertidal zone , front (military) , sedimentary rock , channelized , sediment , bed load , geomorphology , hydrology (agriculture) , oceanography , geochemistry , sediment transport , geotechnical engineering , aerospace engineering , engineering , telecommunications , computer science
The delta of the Skeena River has developed within a constricted, subdivided coastal setting strongly influenced by tides. The delta progrades into deep water at several discrete depocentres, separated by islands and shoals. Delivery of sand to the delta front bytractive transport as bedload occurs to the north and south of Kennedy Island. Sediment moving as intertidal sand ridges and subtidal dunes is transported from river mouth bars to tidal flats and channels, and to the delta front proper. Slope failure of sediments from the delta front onto and downthe delta slope has resulted in the development of a 30-40 m thick, stacked sequence of channelized failure deposits. Interstitial gas is ubiquitous in both muddy prodelta and delta sediments and pockmarks are found in the southern part of the study area.