2016/11/04 by Elisabeth Steel, James Buttles, Alexander R. Simms +2 · 1 citation
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Engineering · #Geological formations and processes #Hydrocarbon exploration and reservoir analysis #Hydraulic Fracturing and Reservoir Analysis
paper · doi:10.1130/g38446.1
openalex publication_date 2016/11/04 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/11
Abstract Although recent work has shown that changing interstitial fluid density within turbidity currents is a frequently overlooked factor affecting the texture and internal architecture of turbidites, little is known about its influence on submarine fan morphology. Here we present the results of three-dimensional flume experiments of turbidity currents that clearly demonstrate the role of low-density interstitial fluid, in combination with sediment concentration and basin gradient, on submarine fan geometry. The experiments show that turbidity currents with reversing buoyancy, and their resulting deposits, are narrower than those that remain ground hugging. Furthermore, wider deposits result from increases in sediment concentration and/or basin-floor gradient. We also propose that Taylor-Görtler vortices associated with currents traveling over a break in slope may lead to the deposition of wider lobes compared with those traveling over a constant gradient.