Abstract
Deep-water fine-grained sediments are transported and deposited by a continuum of processes including pelagic settling, reworking by bottom currents, and resedimentation by mass transport (Gorsline, 1984; McCave, 1984; Stow and Piper, 1984). All of these processes are significant in deep-water environments but are particularly relevant in the abyssal plain environment that represents the ultimate sink for sediment deposition. Sediment facies models have been developed that incorporate the primary structural, textural, and compositional characteristics resulting from deep-water sedimentation (Piper, 1978; Stow and Bowen, 1980; Stow and Piper, 1984; Stow, 1985). These characteristics are reflected in the geotechnical properties of a sediment and may be evident in the clay fabric. The fine-grained turbidite sequences within the Nares Abyssal Plain, consisting of interbedded pelagic clays and turbidites, provide an opportunity to evaluate the clay fabric of these deep-water facies and to attempt to delineate interrelationships between the facies types and associated fabric characteristics.
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Shephard, L.E., Rutledge, A.K. (1991). Clay Fabric of Fine-Grained Turbidite Sequences from the Southern Nares Abyssal Plain. In: Bennett, R.H., et al. Microstructure of Fine-Grained Sediments. Frontiers in Sedimentary Geology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-4428-8_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-4428-8_6
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