Experimental autostratigraphy of fluvio-delatic systems on the basis of the theory of shoreline autoretreat

自生地层学（Autostratigraphy）是一种由大规模自生作用所形成的地层学，是本研究项目所倡导的内在非平衡响应的地层学。自动地层学的主要原理来自于自动后退理论和对冲积层坡度的新认识，它们来自于沉积体系的非平衡地层响应，即沉积体系普遍缺乏平衡构型。河流三角洲在稳定动力作用期间的非平衡行为导致地层响应的变化，这是沉积体系特有的长度（D）和时间（τ）缩放的必然结果，而不一定反映任何突然或不稳定的变化。地层记录中的某些突变并不一定与异源条件的变化有关，而可能是系统的纯粹自生过程造成的。当T等于或大于τ时，（1）沉积体系表现为非平衡的、大规模的自生响应;（2）自生和他生强迫分量的叠加表现为显著的非线性，因而（3）建立在平衡响应假设基础上的层序地层学模型是不正确的。自动地层分析通过量化D的大小随时间的变化，可以检测和识别地层记录中复杂的自生响应和不稳定的异源事件。因此，自动地层学作为成因地层学的“规范”。

Autostratigraphy, advocated in this research project in terms of the intrinsic non-equilibrium response is the stratigraphy generated by large-scale autogenic processes, and needs to be heeded because of a current over-reliance on allogenic controls in sequence stratigraphy. Key principles of autostratigraphy, emerging from the theory of autoretreat and a new understanding of alluvial grade, derive from the non-equilibrium stratigraphic response, i.e. the general lack of equilibrium configuration, of depositional systems. The non-equilibrium behavior of fluvial deltas during times (7) of steady dynamic forcing leads to variable stratigraphic response that is the inevitable result of length (D) and time (τ) scaling particular to the depositional system, rather than necessarily reflecting any sudden or unsteady change in the rate of allogenic forcing. Some abrupt breaks in the stratigraphic record are not necessarily associated with changes in allogenic conditions but can result from purely autogenic processes of the system. When Tis comparable to or longer than τ, (1) the depositional system takes the non-equilibrium, large-scale autogenic response, (2) the superposition of autogenic and allogenic components of the forcing is prominently nonlinear, and thus (3) sequence stratigraphic models that have been built on the assumption of equilibrium response are incorrect. Autostratigraphic analysis makes it possible to detect and identify complex autogenic responses and unsteady allogenic events in the stratigraphic record, by quantifying a temporal change in the magnitude of D. Autostratigraphy thus functions as a 'norm' for genetic stratigraphy.