Neogene Stratigraphic Development of the Arabian (Persian) Gulf
Abstract
LONG TERM GOALS. Neogene sediments in the Arabian (Persian) Gulf comprise a northeast-thickening wedge (0.1- 2.0 km) of clastics shed from the Zagros uplift in Iran. Our long-term goal is to understand how variations in source, tectonic subsidence, climate, and sea level affected sedimentary processes and stratigraphic development of an arid, shallow-marine environment. OBJECTIVES. Our objectives include mapping Quaternary channels, deltas, and sequence stratigraphy across the entire basin and correlating these to wells and surface sediment cores. These data will be used to test our hypothesis that wet-dry cycles in climate are as important to channel and sediment sequence development as sealevel change. APPROACH. In July-August 1998 aboard the USNS Bowditch, we collected sediment cores, CTDs and XBTs, 3.5 kHz subbottom profiles, and high-resolution 48-channel seismic profiles. This survey covered as much of the Gulf as possible given the restrictions that reefs, oil fields and territorial limits have on ship operations. The approach was to seismically map Neogene stratigraphy and tie this structure to dated surface sediment cores and industry wells where possible. The survey was a joint program between WHOI and NAVOCEANO.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA629849
Entities
People
- David A. Ross
- Stephen A. Swift
Organizations
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution