Quantitative analysis of variations in depositional sequence thickness from submarine channel levees

摘要: Abstract Thickness variations across-levee and downchannel in acoustically defined depositional sequences from six submarine channel-levee systems show consistent quantifiable patterns. The thickness of perpendicular to the channel trend, i.e. across levee, decreases exponentially, as characterized by a spatial decay constant, k. Similarly, sediment at levee crest exponentially down upper reaches channels can be second λ. inverse these constants has units length defines scales such that k−1 is measure width λ−1 length. Quantification architecture this way allowed investigation relationships between dimensions. It was found measures e-folding are directly related relief. dimensions levees thus intimately related, thereby limiting range potential morphologies, regardless allocyclic forcing. A simple budget model relates product through-channel volume discharge. classification system based on quantitative behaviour allows identification ‘mid-channel’ reach, where passively transferred flow an overspilling flow. Downstream gradually looses its control guiding turbidity currents, resulting considered unconfined or spreading