--> Abstract: Lateral and Vertical Stacking Pattern of Quaternary Turbidite Systems in Respectively Confined and Unconfined Areas (Golo Fan, East Corsica Margin, Western Mediterranean Sea), by Caroline Labaune, Bruno Savoye, Anne Gervais, and David Piper; #90082 (2008)

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Lateral and Vertical Stacking Pattern of Quaternary Turbidite Systems in Respectively Confined and Unconfined Areas (Golo Fan, East Corsica Margin, Western Mediterranean Sea)

Caroline Labaune1, Bruno Savoye1, Anne Gervais2, and David Piper3
1GM/LES, IFREMER, Plouzané, France
2DGO, Bordeaux University, Talence, France
3AGC, Dartmouth, NS, Canada

The previous study on the upper South Golo fan described internal architecture of a confined turbidite system. It was deposited in a shallow basin (600 m water depth) and represents only a part of the Golo fan. The main objective is to correlate the horizons within the entire Golo fan to perform stratigraphical models for confined and unconfined systems. We describe the lateral evolution of each system and the vertical one, linked to 4th order sea-level cycles.

The study area gets a large seismic cover. The database comprises small 3D HR boxe, boomer, chirp and mainly single channel sparker seismic lines. The study is based on seismic stratigraphic analyses. The interpretation provides volume maps of the lobes and accurate organization models for entire turbidite systems.

The turbidites system linked to 4th order sea-level cycles are composed of a series of smaller systems through avulsion phenomenom. The stacking pattern inside the 4th order deposits and the internal organization of systems differ between North and South Golo. The main controlling factor is the preexisting morphology, particularly the confinement which highly contolled path and evolution of turbidity currents on slopes and in the basin.

The unconfined system, N.Golo, is marked by a high retrogradational stacking pattern whereas the confined S. Golo system shows a reduced retrogradational pattern and more lateral migration. The N. Golo dip lines show a high continuity of seismic reflectors whereas the continuity is less pronounced in the S. Golo area. The lateral organization also differs between North and South.

The East Corsica margin underlines complexity and variability of turbidite systems that could be deposited within the same basin in quite similar conditions. It clearly illustrates the great impact of preexisting morphology on turbidity currents and thus on associated deposits.

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