Turbidite Turbidite Streltsy Department Category="Physical oceanography"Category="Sedimentology"[image] Turbidite geological formations have their origins in Turbidity current deposits, deposits from a form of underwater avalanche that are responsible for distributing vast amounts of Clastic sediment into the deep ocean. Lithified accumulations of these deposits may, in time, become Hydrocarbon reservoirs and the Oil industry makes strenuous efforts to predict the location, overall shape and internal character of these sediment bodies. [image]Turbidite deposits typically occur in foreland basins. Best outcrop expositions are found in Apennines (Italy), Pyrenees (Spain), Occidental Alps (France). Turbidites are characterized by graded bedding, current ripple marks, alternating sequences with pelagic sediments, distinct Fauna changes between the turbidite and native pelagic sediments, sole markings, thick sequences, regular Bedding, and an absence of shallow-water features. [1]

Massive accumulations of turbidites and other deep water deposits may result in the formation of submarine fans. Sedimentary models of such fan systems typically are subdivided into upper, mid, and lower fan sequences each with distinct sand-body geometries, Sediment distributions, and lithologic characteristics. [2] [3] [4]

References

1. Rhodes W. Fairbridge, ed., The Encyclopedia of Oceanography, (New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1966), pp945-946.

2. Mutti, E. & Ricci Lucci, F. (1975): Turbidite facies and facies associations.- In: Examples of turbidite facies and associations from selected formations of the northern Apennines. IX Int. Congress of Sedimentology, Field TripA-11, 21-36.

3. Normark, W.R. (1978). Fan valleys, channels, and depositional lobes on modern submarine fans : Characters for recognition of sandy turbidite environments. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, Vol.62, p.912-931.

4. Walker, R.G. (1978): Deep-water sandstone facies and ancient submarine fans: model for exploration for stratigraphic traps.- Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geol. Bull., 62/6,932-966.