--> ABSTRACT: New Insights into Fan Architecture from Turbidite Thickness Distributions, by J. Carlson, J. Grotzinger, and D. Rothman; #91019 (1996)

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New Insights into Fan Architecture from Turbidite Thickness Distributions

J. Carlson, J. Grotzinger, and D. Rothman

A power law cumulative distribution of turbidite bed thicknesses recently has been noted, suggesting absence of a characteristic bed thickness for some turbidites, and further research has revealed the presence of other statistical distributions. We suggest that different distributions are characteristic of fan sub-environments and/or system types and that they may be used as a new tool to classify environments, including those devoid of sequential patterns.

One dimensional stratigraphic analysis allows qualitative-quantitative characterization of the effects of different fan processes, such as erosion and amalgamation, on the power law distribution. Fan sub-environments may be characterized based on the degree to which fan processes have affected the power law distribution. A model of the effect of fan processes on the power law distribution is compared to field data from several areas.

AAPG Search and Discover Article #91019©1996 AAPG Convention and Exhibition 19-22 May 1996, San Diego, California