3D seismic geomorphology and stratigraphy of the late Miocene to Pliocene Mississippi River Delta : fluvial systems and dynamics

Show simple item record


dc.contributor.advisor Steel , R . J .
dc.contributor.advisor Mohrig , David
dc.contributor.committeeMember Kim , Wonsuck
dc.creator Armstrong , Christopher Paul
dc.date.accessioned 2012 -07 -20T20 :08 :30Z
dc.date.accessioned 2012 -11 -29T20 :50 :44Z
dc.date.available 2012 -07 -20T20 :08 :30Z
dc.date.available 2012 -11 -29T20 :50 :44Z
dc.date.created 2012 -05
dc.date.issued 2012 -07 -20
dc.date.submitted May 2012
dc.identifier.uri http : / /hdl .handle .net /2152 /ETD -UT -2012 -05 -5646
dc.description.abstract This study uses a 1375 km2 3D seismic dataset located in the late Miocene to Pliocene Mississippi River Delta in order to investigate the external characteristics , lithology , and evolution of channelized deposits within the seismic survey . Fluvial thicknesses range from about 11 m to 90 m and widths range from about 100 m to 31 km . Channel fill can be generalized as sandy with low impedance and high porosity ( ~ 35 % ) , though heterogeneity can be high . Three distinct fluvial styles were recognized : incised valleys , channel -belts , and distributive channel networks . Fluvial styles were interpreted as a result of changes in sea -level and a speculative late Miocene to Pliocene Mississippi River Delta sea -level curve constructed using these relationships . Additionally , a characteristic interval between the major changes in fluvial style was found . These fluvial systems interact with and are affected by other elements in the landscape . Growth faults in particular are common within the survey area ; however , the dynamic between fluvial systems and growth fault related subsidence has been poorly understood and so was also a focus of this project . Previous work as well as this study found little evidence that growth faults are able to affect the course or geometry of the majority of small (with most < 500 m in width and < 20 m in depth ) channels . However , the relationship between growth faults and larger scale channel -belt systems (between 1 km and 5 km in width and > 25 m in depth ) has not been previously evaluated in this area . In contrast to the majority of small distributary channels found within the survey , channel -belts appear to be steered by growth faults . Fluvial response or insensitivity to fault induced subsidence is related to the relative timescales of avulsion and faulting . Channel -belts are longer lived features than more ephemeral small distributary channels . Channel -belts , due to their relatively low mobility compared to small channels , are more likely to experience punctuated faulting events which results in greater apparent sensitivity to faulting than seen in small channels .
dc.format.mimetype application /pdf
dc.language.iso eng
dc.subject Seismic geomorphology
dc.subject Fluvial
dc.subject Stratigraphy
dc.subject 3D seismic
dc.subject Faults
dc.subject Mississippi River Delta
dc.title 3D seismic geomorphology and stratigraphy of the late Miocene to Pliocene Mississippi River Delta : fluvial systems and dynamics
dc.description.department Geological Sciences
dc.type.genre thesis *
dc.type.material text *
thesis.degree.name Master of Science in Geological Sciences
thesis.degree.level Masters
thesis.degree.discipline Geological Sciences
thesis.degree.grantor University of Texas at Austin
thesis.degree.department Geological Sciences
dc.date.updated 2012 -07 -20T20 :09 :00Z
dc.identifier.slug 2152 /ETD -UT -2012 -05 -5646

Citation

3D seismic geomorphology and stratigraphy of the late Miocene to Pliocene Mississippi River Delta : fluvial systems and dynamics. Master's thesis, University of Texas at Austin. Available electronically from http : / /hdl .handle .net /2152 /ETD -UT -2012 -05 -5646 .

Files in this item

Files Size Format View

There are no files associated with this item.

This item appears in the following Collection(s)

Show simple item record

Search DSpace

Advanced Search

Browse