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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 75 (1991)

Issue: 1. (January)

First Page: 46

Last Page: 61

Title: Late Quaternary Sedimentation on the North Aegean Continental Margin, Greece (1)

Author(s): DAVID J. W. PIPER (2) AND C. PERISSORATIS (3)

Abstract:

The late Quaternary seismic stratigraphy of the North Aegean continental shelf and adjacent basins has been interpreted from boomer and 3.5-kHz seismic profiles. Ages derived from shallow cores and offshore wells, and relative offsets on small synsedimentary faults, provide chronological control. Sea level history inferred from seismic stratigraphy correlates with the global eustatic sea level record based on oxygen isotopic curves. Outer shelf progradation correlates with lowstands of sea level in isotopic stages 2, 3, and 6, whereas shelf-wide transgression surfaces correspond to the stage 6/5 and 2/1 transitions, when rapid deglaciation occurred.

The present depth of the delta plain formed on the outer shelf during the late stage 6 lowstand provides a dated and originally horizontal marker for estimating rates of tectonic subsidence. Gross distribution of sediment facies is similar in both tectonically stable and active areas. The shelf break formed by delta progradation, but is marked by faults in most places because of the accommodation provided by graben subsidence rates of 0.3-1.5 mm/yr.

Standard sequence stratigraphic analysis can be applied to these sediments deposited during high-amplitude Quaternary sea level oscillations. High rates of subsidence result in the preservation of an unusually complete record of sea level change. Major lowstand progradation is dependent on the duration, rather than the magnitude, of sea level lowstand. The long glaciations in isotopic stages 6, 12, 16, and 22 resulted in the most prominent seaward progradation on the margin. Sandy lowstand turbidite deposits formed only when there was rapid fall in sea level; otherwise sand was trapped on delta tops and silty muds were deposited in deep water.

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