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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Journal of Sedimentary Research (SEPM)

Abstract


Journal of Sedimentary Research
Vol. 91 (2021), No. 7. (July), Pages 710-734
DOI: 10.2110/jsr.2020.119

The qualitative and quantitative classification of modern clastic marginal-marine depositional systems, Trinidad

Saeed Khan, Hasley Vincent, Brent Wilson

Abstract

Trinidad's modern coastal depositional systems are for the first time documented by (traditional) descriptive and (modern) semiquantitative and quantitative classification methods. The processes controlling the morphology and distribution of these systems are also investigated. Google Earthâ„¢ satellite images, together with published basinal processes data (e.g., significant Previous HitwaveNext Hit height, surface littoral currents, and tidal cyclicity) are Previous HitusedNext Hit to describe system morphology, map depositional elements, and to determine the processes responsible for system distribution, respectively.

Coastal depositional systems along Trinidad's east, south, and west coasts comprise deltas, estuaries, tidal-inlet complexes, strandplains, and tidal flats. Their distribution is controlled by the Previous HitwaveNext Hit regime, although they are also influenced by tidal and fluvial processes. The Previous HitwaveNext Hit regime changes from Previous HitwaveNext Hit-dominated along the open east coast, to mixed-energy Previous HitwaveNext Hit-dominated along the semi-sheltered south coast, and to mixed-energy tide-dominated along the sheltered west coast. Distribution of depositional systems related to this regime are such that the Previous HitwaveNext Hit-dominated east coast sees the development of Previous HitwaveNext Hit-dominated estuaries. The south coast has a series of Previous HitwaveNext Hit-dominated, tide- and river-influenced deltas. The sheltered west coast is the most morphologically diverse with river- and Previous HitwaveTop-dominated deltas, strandplains, and tidal flats.

The application of semiquantitative and quantitative classification methods on modern systems has showed their competence in classifying mixed-influence systems from their morphology and sedimentary record. Quantitative classification using depositional elements lends an appreciation to the morphological signatures of mixed-influence systems. Quantitative classification for sedimentary sections gives an appreciation of the preservation of mixed-influence physical processes. The combination of both allows the correlation of the impact of physical properties on morphology and sedimentary record (i.e., possible disparities between morphology and processes). The combination of semiquantitative and quantitative methods may also hold the key to unlocking the mixed-processes classification of depositional elements.


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