Inner Shelf Facies Character & Stratal Signatures, Northern California
Abstract
LONG-TERM GOALS. The long-term objective of this research is to investigate processes influencing the emplacement and modification of strata on the continental shelf. It is part of a coordinated effort to study processes influencing strata on the Eel River continental shelf. A primary goal is to identify the modern processes that form strata and to track the modification and ultimate destruction or preservation of such layers into the geologic record. OBJECTIVES. The research objectives of this project include: 1) to investigate the formation of flood-deposits In 1995 and 1997, the Eel shelf experienced significant flood events. Close examination of the rates and locations of sediment deposition January and March of 1995 and January of 1997 suggest that similar processes controlled deposition during all three floods. Examination of the sedimentary structures and sediment textures in the deposits provides clues as to the physical processes that were most influential during sedimentation. A particularly interesting area is the landward edge of the deposits where the mid-shelf facies interfinger with inner shelf sands. The influence of waves should be most intense on the inner shelf and resulting modifications most apparent. 2) to investigate the inner-shelf stratigraphy Cores are used to document the sedimentary character of the dominantly sandy deposits, provide insight to the potential incorporation of muddy sediments in the inner shelf sands, and provide groundtruth for the side-scan sonar and swath mapping on the inner shelf.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA628899
Entities
People
- Jeffry C. Borgeld
Organizations
- California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt