Deep-Water Suites

Abstract

Under this heading are considered rocks that are generated in deeper waters beyond the continental shelf, commonly distant from active sources of terrigenous materials, and in the oceanic basins. Pelagic and bathyal accumulations, the deposits of oceanic floors and the continental slopes, are of this kind. The basins themselves may be extremely large, underlain by oceanic or intermediate crust; they may be broadly uniform throughout or interrupted by island arcs or deeper oceanic ridges and volcanic structures. While some were of great duration others have been short-lived, quickly filled by sediment or closed by diastrophism. All are of importance in earth history.