--> ABSTRACT: Determination of Fan Processes and Architecture from Turbidite Thickness Distributions, by J. Carlson and J. Grotzinger; #91021 (2010)
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Determination of Fan Processes and Architecture from Turbidite Thickness Distributions

CARLSON, J., and J. GROTZINGER

Previous HitPowerNext Hit law cumulative distributions of turbidite bed thicknesses have been noted, suggesting absence of characteristic bed thickness for some turbidites, but further research has revealed the presence of other statistical distributions. We suggest that different distributions are characteristic of fan environments 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 erosion and amalgamation on the Previous HitpowerNext Hit law distribution for sediment volume. Fan environments may be characterized based on the degree to which fan processes have affected the ideal Previous HitpowerNext Hit law distribution. We suggest the Previous HitpowerNext Hit law distribution is characteristic lower fan environments, in contrast to distributions markedly underrepresented in thinner beds relative to the ideal Previous HitpowerNext Hit law in mid and upper fan environments. This contrast is characterized by the transition from of outer fan minimally channelized sheet flow to increasing degrees of channelization. A model of the effect of fan processes on the Previous HitpowerTop law distribution is compared to field data from several areas.

This study also addresses discrimination of facies in ancient turbidites. Traditionally, analysis has rested on how predictions of widely used models are expressed in vertical bed sequences. It is important to quantify the degree to which such observations are manifested by random chance, versus deterministic processes. A variety of statistical and time series tests are used to analyze the presence of local bedding thickness trends in turbidite formations. 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91021©1997 AAPG Annual Convention, Dallas, Texas.