Biological Alteration of Sedimentary Event-layers on the Eel River Shelf
Abstract
The ultimate objective of this research program is to obtain a predictive understanding of the physical and biological processes responsible for the formation, alteration and preservation of marine sedimentary deposits. While present focus is on the biological alteration of sedimentary event layers, the physical processes leading to the deposition and erosion of marine sediment remains an area of interest. The general approach of this research program is the development and testing of theory mainly through field observations and measurements. The focus of this project, which is a component of the STRATAFORM program, is the documentation of the post-depositional biological alteration of sedimentary event layers (i.e., beds derived from wind-driven storms and river floods) on the Eel River shelf off northern California. Specifically, the spatial (along and across-isobath) and temporal variation of the small-scale geometry of event-bed contacts is quantified using digital x-radiography. Variations in geometry will be explicitly related to spatial and temporal patterns of independently measured forcings, such as bioturbation intensity, macrofaunal community structure, sediment accumulation rate and event bed thickness. The results of this research will be a more complete understanding of the factors affecting the biological alteration of sedimentary event beds and the formulation of the next generation of models regarding strata preservation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA618691
Entities
People
- Robert A. Wheatcroft
Organizations
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution