Muddy-Shelf Dispersal Systems in the Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway

这是一个研究的途径和过程的罚款- 白垩纪西部内陆的粒状沉积物分散 北美洲的海道。 该研究将集中在Tununk 曼科斯页岩的一部分，暴露于犹他州中部和南部。 本研究的具体目标是：1）记录 沿着图南克海海岸线的河口位置， 和相关的细粒的方向和面积范围， 沉积物扩散系统，和2）重建的过程 古大陆架上的沉积物搬运。 实地观察和 实验室研究将涉及时间等效分析 在Tununk成员的地平线上，暴露在位于 与古代建筑垂直和平行的不同位置 海岸线 对古代传播系统的重建 运用从现代， 泥泞的货架，并将包括横向趋势的文件 在粒度、沉积宏观和微观组构以及有机 碳同位素比值 关于进程的解释 古大陆架也将依赖于详细的实地观察， 作为定量的，沉积物运输模型的使用。 的 这项研究的总体目标是有助于准确 古地理、古构造和古海洋 白垩纪海道的重建和开发 重建其他古代建筑的技术 细粒沉积物沉积的环境。 工作将有助于 开发用于能源勘探的模型。

This is an investigation of pathways and processes of fine- grained sediment dispersal in the Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway of North America. The study will focus on the Tununk Member of the Mancos Shale, exposed in central and southern Utah. The specific objectives of this study are 1) to document the location of river mouths along the coastline of the Tununk Sea, and the orientation and areal extent of associated fine-grained- sediment dispersal systems, and 2) to reconstruct processes of sediment transport on the ancient shelf. Field observations and laboratory studies will involve analyses of time-equivalent horizons in the Tununk Member, exposed at localities situated at various positions perpendicular and parallel to the ancient shoreline. Reconstructions of the ancient dispersal systems will employ concepts and techniques derived from study of modern, muddy shelves, and will include documentation of lateral trends in grain size, sedimentary macro- and microfabric, and organic carbon isotopic ratios. Interpretations of processes on the ancient shelf will rely on detailed field observations, as well as the use of quantitative, sediment-transport models. The overall goals of this study are to contribute to accurate paleogeographic, paleotectonic, and paleoceanographic reconstruction of the Cretaceous Seaway, and to the development of techniques for the reconstruction of other ancient environments of fine-grained sediment deposition. Work will help to develop models used in exploration for energy resources.