--> Hybrid Turbiditic-Contouritic System Characterization and Modeling: Insight From an Integrated Source-to-Sink Study of the Plio-Pleistocene Series in the Corinth Rift (Greece)

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Hybrid Turbiditic-Contouritic System Characterization and Modeling: Insight From an Integrated Source-to-Sink Study of the Plio-Pleistocene Series in the Corinth Rift (Greece)

Abstract

The distinction between contourites and turbidites is generally based on large-scale features and conversely detailed depositional model is still lacking, especially because the interaction of both processes is the norm rather than the exception. Only few outcrop examples were documented, and a studied case where both facies, intermediate (10’s m) and large scale features (10’s km) can be characterized and integrated into a sequence stratigraphic framework is the “Rosetta stone” for both industry and academia research. In this paper, we present the results of an integrated study based on conventional field study supplemented by a 3D Digital Outcrop Model using U.A.V. acquisition, seismic interpretations and numerical modeling. The Plio-Pleistocene outcrop example is compared to the present-day active system using seismic lines. The case study is the Corinth Rift where the outcropping hybrid turbiditic-contouritic system can be directly correlated upstream to the feeding Gilbert-type deltas. The same configuration can be recognized in the present day system, localized just offshore. The dataset has then been used to implement a new module in a stratigraphic modeling tool to restore the overall stratigraphic architecture and heterogeneities of hybrid turbiditic-contouritic system. The recent to present-day active system is dominated by the interaction between turbiditic (hyperpycnite-dominated) and contouritic processes in the western part of the gulf. Contouritic processes are preferentially recorded at 5-6 km away from the foreset-bottomset transition. Channels-moats are dominated by coarse-grained deposits. Bottom-current triggering contouritic processes are primarily recorded during highstand marine stages. The outcropping system is related to the Ilias Gilbert-type delta. It is dominated by the interaction between turbiditic (hyperpycnite-dominated) and contouritic processes. Two contemporaneous active channels-moats are documented, exporting coarse-grained deposits at more than 10 km away from the foreset-bottomset transition. The classic model with channels, levees and frontal splay lobes is reworked by bottom-current resulting in channels-moats, sand ribbons and sandwaves. Four major cycles (20 to 40m-thick) are organized in an overall backstepping trend, consistent with the feeding delta architecture. The concepts and workflows established in this study could be implemented into prospective areas such as the Brazilian marginal basins.