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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

GCAGS Transactions

Abstract


Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions
Vol. 4 (1954), Pages 75-107

Dynamic Environments: Reconnaissance Mapping, Geologic and Geomorphic, of Continental Shelf of Gulf of Mexico

W. Armstrong Price

ABSTRACT

A combination of oceanographic and dynamic geological approaches yields a new method of mapping a continental shelf. Mapping of the environments develops, and permits organization of, many basic geological data. The results form a starting point for detailed shelf surveys. Results of areal and regional surveys in the Gulf by the writer and those reported by others agree well with environments mapped. Many of the latter have been recognized on other coasts.

Analysis of the shelf is based on the degree of development of the equilibrium bottom profile. Characteristic sectors of profile are based on slope. The slopes vary geographically. These variations are related to variations in energy of wave attack and correlate with the distribution of (a) geomorphic features, (b) sediment types and (c) erosional exposures of older strata. Marine forces are regrading submerged deltas on the shelf, but show little Previous HiteffectNext Hit on drowned limestone karst bottoms.

Submarine canyons Previous HitheadTop in the clay-floored shelf shoulder (camber). Canyons occur mostly on the broad, rapidly out-built, deltaic, medium energy, northern shelf and are absent on the slowly building, eastern limestone shelves. Few, if any, occur on the moderately widened western deltaic shelf.


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