--> A Quantitative Model of Dynamic Sediment Deposition and Erosion in Three Dimensions, by I. Lerche; #90986 (1994).

Datapages, Inc.Print this page

Abstract: A Quantitative Model of Dynamic Sediment Deposition and Erosion in Three Dimensions

Ian Lerche

Modeling of sediment deposition in three dimensions is tackled by taking quanta of sediments, released at different locations on a basinal slope, and allowing the sediments to flow constrained by the existing topography of basin slope and previously deposited sediment flows. Sediments released in each quanta are transported downslope and deposited when their flow energy drops below a critical value. The sediment flow can also cause erosion of the existing basin slope, and the total mass of sediments then follows the transport rules. Each quantum of sediment can be composed of variable fractions of up to ten lithologic types, ranging from very fine-grained material to extremely coarse-grained sediments. Deposition takes place dependent upon the parameter values assigned to each litholo ic types, default values are arranged so that coarse-grained material is deposited first and fine-grained material last.

The computer program, named MOSED3D (for Model of Sediment Deposition in 3-Dimensions), is written in C with an X-window system toolkit, which provides a user-friendly interface. Model results can be displayed in contour map form, as isopachs, and also as two-dimensional cross sections drawn in arbitrary, user-defined directions across the system. The code is extremely fast, requiring about 2 minutes of CPU time on a Sun Sparc 3 for a typical run, so that many different geological scenarios with multiple parameter assignments can be investigated quickly for accordance with either required behaviors or with observed patterns of deposition.

This paper describes the mathematical formulation, program structure, and some test cases designed to illuminate individual factors the code is capable of handling.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90986©1994 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado, June 12-15, 1994