--> Abstract: Depositional Architecture and Hydrocarbon Productivity of Autochthonous Slope Systems, by W. E. Galloway; #90928 (1999).

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GALLOWAY, WILLIAM E.
Department of Geological Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin

Abstract: Depositional Architecture and Hydrocarbon Productivity of Autochthonous Slope Systems

Summary

Siliciclastic slope and base-of-slope depositional systems include a much greater variety of facies associations and geometries than reflected in most classification systems. Siliclastic slope systems can be grouped as either primarily constructional or destructional types. Constructional systems are dominated by deposition of allochthonous sediment and include delta-fed aprons, fans, and contourite drifts. Offlap and highly aggradational onlap or uplap architectures dominate. Destructional systems are characterized by local to subregional shelf margin and upper slope retreat with consequent development of a significant bounding surface (e.g., slide plane, canyon-cut surface, or regional mass-wasting surface) and redeposition of onlapping autochthonous debris at the base of the slope. This significant subset of slope systems, composed of autochthonous sediment recycled from older deposits of the shelf margin and upper slope, are the subject of this discussion. End-member systems include autochthonous aprons, submarine canyons, and megaslides. Each type differs in temporal or spatial extent; however, each shares stratigraphic and lithofacies elements common to autochthonous slope systems.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90928©1999 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas