Sediment distribution and evolution of sedimentary processes in a small sandy turbidite system (Golo system, Mediterranean Sea): implications for various geometries based on core framework

Type Article
Date 2006-12
Language English
Author(s) Gervais A1, Mulder T1, Savoye Bruno2, Gonthier E1
Affiliation(s) 1 : Univ Bordeaux 1, UMR 5805, EPOC, Dept Geol & Oceanog, F-33405 Talence, France.
2 : IFREMER, DRO GM, F-29280 Plouzane, France.
Source Geo-Marine Letters (0276-0460) (Springer), 2006-12 , Vol. 26 , N. 6 , P. 373-395
DOI 10.1007/s00367-006-0045-z
WOS© Times Cited 40
Abstract The Golo Margin in eastern Corsica is dissected by four canyons and two gullies which fed turbidite systems. Study of the dispersal of surficial sediments and flow dynamic in the Golo system is based on Kullenberg and interface cores interpreted in relation to a previously published seismic dataset. Cores were described in detail and interpreted within a sedimentary and stratigraphic framework. During the last 42,000 years, gravity processes which occurred in the large systems with a canyon source were mainly slide-induced, differentiated turbulent surges and hyperpycnal flows. Processes occurring in the small system with a gully source are mainly hyperconcentrated and concentrated flows. Deposits from the Corsican Margin can intercalate with products of processes triggered on the Pianosa Ridge located in the eastern part of the basin. During relative sea-level lowstands or during periods of rapid or high-amplitude sea-level fall, only large canyons (South and North Golo) are supplied by carbonate-rich hyperconcentrated and concentrated flows which are channelled in incised valleys on the shelf. During periods of slow or low-amplitude sea-level fall and during sea-level rise, sediments are trapped on a shelf delta and intensely winnowed by shelf hydrodynamic processes. Sand-rich hyperconcentrated and concentrated flows occur. All the systems fed by a canyon are active simultaneously. Gullies form and are active only during periods of sea-level rise. During relative highstands of sea level (Holocene), all the system is draped by hemipelagic sediments. Relative sea-level changes and canyon location relative to river mouths have a strong influence on the nature of sediment input, and the initiation and type of gravity flows which, in turn, control morphology and geometry.
Full Text
File Pages Size Access
publication-3594.pdf 42 3 MB Open access
Top of the page

How to cite 

Gervais A, Mulder T, Savoye Bruno, Gonthier E (2006). Sediment distribution and evolution of sedimentary processes in a small sandy turbidite system (Golo system, Mediterranean Sea): implications for various geometries based on core framework. Geo-Marine Letters, 26(6), 373-395. Publisher's official version : https://doi.org/10.1007/s00367-006-0045-z , Open Access version : https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/3594/