DEEP-WATER FACIES, PROCESSES AND MODELS: A REVIEW AND CLASSIFICATION SCHEME FOR MODERN AND ANCIENT SEDIMENTS

Abstract

A review of previous work on modern and ancient deep-water facies, processes and models is presented with a new classification scheme involving 40 distinct facies related to 15 conceptually distinct facies groups. These facies are fixed points in a spectrum of facies generated in a process continuum from resedimentation processes, through semi-permanent bottom-currents, to pelagic settling. In essence, the scheme is descriptive of the sedimentary attributes of sediments, although it is designed to aid interpretation of possible sediment transport/deposition processes. The classification scheme is three-tier with facies classes, groups and constituent facies, and is hierarchical to allow flexibility in its use.