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Vilma Zumbo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Paleotopographic control of landslides in lacustrine deposits (Trièves plateau, French western Alps)
Geomorphology, 2011Co-Authors: Grégory Bièvre, Ulrich Kniess, Denis Jongmans, Erwan Pathier, Stéphane Schwartz, Cees J. Van Westen, Thierry Villemin, Vilma ZumboAbstract:Paleotopography in Quaternary sedimentary environments can be an important factor that controls landslide movement. This study investigates the relation between Paleotopography and landslide activity in two adjacent landslides in glaciolacustrine sediments located in the Trieves area (French western Alps). Although both are in slopes underlain by the same lacustrine deposits, the Avignonet and Harmaliere landslides exhibit major differences in morphology and displacement rates. Through a combination of geological mapping, airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data, aerial photographs, global positioning system (GPS), and seismic noise measurements, a three-dimensional impression was made of both landslides. The analysis reveals that the difference in kinematics between the two mass movements can be traced back to at least 50 years ago. The results show that the Harmaliere slide, which failed catastrophically in 1981, is still much more active than the Avignonet landslide. The fear was that the Avignonet landslide might develop in a similar catastrophic manner, threatening a number of houses constructed on the landslide. A geophysical survey based on ambient noise measurements allowed us to map the base of the lacustrine clays, and the results indicate the presence of a N-S ridge of hard sediments (Jurassic bedrock and/or compact alluvial layers) on the eastern side of the Avignonet landslide. This ridge disappears when approaching the Harmaliere landslide and makes a place to what can be interpreted as a NW-SE oriented paleovalley of the river Drac. We proposed that the ridge acts as a buttress that could mechanically prevent the Avignonet landslide from evolving as fast as the Harmaliere. Furthermore, the NW-SE paleovalley located under the Harmaliere landslide corresponds to the motion direction of the slide. Therefore, the different behaviour of the two landslides is partly controlled by the paleotopographic setting of Lake Trieves during the last Glacial Maximum extension. These results suggest a major influence of the bedrock Paleotopography on the kinematics of the landslides.
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Paleotopographic control of landslides in lacustrine deposits (Trièves plateau, French western Alps)
Geomorphology, 2011Co-Authors: Grégory Bièvre, Ulrich Kniess, Denis Jongmans, Erwan Pathier, Stéphane Schwartz, Cees J. Van Westen, Thierry Villemin, Vilma ZumboAbstract:Paleotopography in Quaternary sedimentary environments can be an important factor that controls landslide movement. This study investigates the relation between Paleotopography and landslide activity in two adjacent landslides in glaciolacustrine sediments located in the Trièves area (French western Alps). Although both are in slopes underlain by the same lacustrine deposits, the Avignonet and Harmalière landslides exhibit major differences in morphology and displacement rates. Through a combination of geological mapping, airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data, aerial photographs, global positioning system (GPS), and seismic noise measurements, a three-dimensional impression was made of both landslides. The analysis reveals that the difference in kinematics between the two mass movements can be traced back to at least 50 years ago. The results show that the Harmalière slide, which failed catastrophically in 1981, is still much more active than the Avignonet landslide. The fear was that the Avignonet landslide might develop in a similar catastrophic manner, threatening a number of houses constructed on the landslide. A geophysical survey based on ambient noise measurements allowed us to map the base of the lacustrine clays, and the results indicate the presence of a N-S ridge of hard sediments (Jurassic bedrock and/or compact alluvial layers) on the eastern side of the Avignonet landslide. This ridge disappears when approaching the Harmalière landslide and makes a place to what can be interpreted as a NW-SE oriented paleovalley of the river Drac. We proposed that the ridge acts as a buttress that could mechanically prevent the Avignonet landslide from evolving as fast as the Harmalière. Furthermore, the NW-SE paleovalley located under the Harmalière landslide corresponds to the motion direction of the slide. Therefore, the different behaviour of the two landslides is partly controlled by the paleotopographic setting of Lake Trièves during the last Glacial Maximum extension. These results suggest a major influence of the bedrock Paleotopography on the kinematics of the landslides.
Robert H Goldstein - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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topographic and sea level controls on oolite microbialite coralgal reef sequences the terminal carbonate complex of southeast spain
AAPG Bulletin, 2013Co-Authors: Robert H Goldstein, Evan K Franseen, Christopher J LipinskiAbstract:The terminal carbonate complex of southeast Spain is a Miocene (Messinian) unit of oolite, microbialite, and coralgal reefs deposited in association with glacioeustasy and evaporitic drawdown. The relationship between Paleotopography and sea level history is useful for prediction of microbialite and oolite reservoir facies in the subsurface. Four sequences record sea level change with minimum amplitudes of 32–77 m (105–253 ft). Sequences commonly have local basal stromatolites overlain by local thrombolites, ooid grainstone, volcaniclastic-rich planar-bedded ooid grainstone, and fenestral ooid grainstone. At low substrate positions, thrombolite boundstones are thicker and laterally more continuous than at higher positions. At intermediate substrate positions (relative to sea level history), sequences have a build-and-fill architecture, characterized by a relief-building phase and a relief-filling phase, with thin sequences draping Paleotopography. Microbialites dominate during the relative sea level rises and build topographic relief. Oolites dominate during the relative sea level falls and fill topographic relief. At higher substrate positions, close to highstand, sequences thicken and yield stratigraphic character that is inconsistent with a build-and-fill model. Apparently, the build-and-fill model requires an intermediate-elevation substrate position and nonoptimal carbonate productivity during rapid sea level change. Sequences progressively show increasing diversity and more normal marine organisms, possibly caused by decreasing aridity. Lithofacies of the La Molata area show evidence of more restricted conditions compared to the La Rellana-Ricardillo area lithofacies, likely because La Molata was in an embayment. These results show that distribution of oolite, microbialite, and reef facies are predictable given known interaction among sea level, Paleotopography of the depositional surface (substrate), and coastline configuration.
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reservoir analog model for oolite microbialite sequences miocene terminal carbonate complex spain
AAPG Bulletin, 2013Co-Authors: Christopher J Lipinski, Evan K Franseen, Robert H GoldsteinAbstract:Static three-dimensional (3-D) reservoir analog models were constructed for the Miocene terminal carbonate complex (TCC) in southeastern Spain. The models used field data collected from two areas containing exceptional 3-D exposures (La Molata; La Rellana-Ricardillo). Four TCC sequences in each area are composed of oolite, microbialite (thrombolites, stromatolites), bioclastic sands, and coralgal reefs deposited over paleotopographic relief of 33–76 m (108–249 ft). The models integrate field, laboratory, and petrophysical data with results providing a workflow and reservoir analogs useful in evaluating oolilte and microbialite reservoir characteristics in relation to Paleotopography and sea level change. Results from this study reveal favorable reservoir-quality values with the potential for substantial hydrocarbon storage for many lithofacies. Flow and baffle facies were distinguished for the models based on thickness, lateral distribution, porosity, and permeability values. Trough cross-bedded ooid grainstone is volumetrically the most abundant lithofacies within both models, is laterally extensive across the entirety of sequences, has large storage capacities with good permeability, and has good connectivity with other flow facies. This facies represents the best reservoir-quality facies and would be the primary target for hydrocarbon exploitation. Microbialites act both as reservoir and baffle facies. Thrombolites, in particular, are concentrated downslope and in a more restricted embayment but vary between porous and nonporous facies. Stromatolites and fenestral ooid grainstones are concentrated at sequence boundaries and would create laterally extensive baffles with significant thicknesses at the sequence boundaries. Sea level interacting with both Paleotopography and paleogeography were identified as the main controls on sequence development and reservoir heterogeneity. An understanding of these controls can aid in exploitation and identification of oolite-microbialite sequences.
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Pinning points: a method providing quantitative constraints on relative sea-level history
Sedimentary Geology, 1995Co-Authors: Robert H Goldstein, Evan K FranseenAbstract:Abstract Quantitative constraints on the history of relative sea level allow for a better understanding of the controls on depositional sequence development. The constraints are provided by “pinning point curves”, plots of ancient relative sea-level elevations (pinning points) versus time. Constructing a pinning point curve requires identification of ancient stratigraphic positions of sea level through interpretation of facies and surfaces formed at sea level. Then, their ancient relative elevations are determined through reconstructing aspects of ancient Paleotopography. Upper Miocene strata from Las Negras, southeastern Spain preserve Paleotopography, contain ancient surfaces of subaerial exposure, and contain facies deposited near sea level. The pinning point curve illustrates a complex relative sea-level history with large- and small-scale relative sea-level fluctuations defined by 31 pinning points.
Peter W. Reiners - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the effect of inherited Paleotopography on exhumation of the central andes of nw argentina
Geological Society of America Bulletin, 2014Co-Authors: Barbara Carrapa, Peter W. Reiners, Roxana Safipour, Edward R. Sobel, Lindsay M. Schoenbohm, Peter G. Decelles, Sharon Reyesbywater, Daniel F. StockliAbstract:Differential exhumation in the Puna Plateau and Eastern Cordillera of NW Argentina is controlled by inherited paleostructures and resulting Paleotopography related to the Cretaceous Salta Rift paleomargins. The Ceno zoic deformation front related to the development of the Andean retro-arc orogenic system is generally associated with >4 km of exhumation, which is recorded by Cenozoic apatite fi ssion-track (AFT) and (U-Th-[Sm])/He ages (He ages) in the Eastern Cordillera of NW Argentina. New AFT ages from the top of the Nevado de Cachi document Oligocene (ca. 28 Ma) cooling, which, combined with existing data, indicates exhumation of this range between ca. 28 Ma and ca. 14 Ma. However, some of the highest ranges in the Eastern Cordillera preserve Cretaceous ages indicative of limited Cenozoic exhumation. Samples collected from an similar to 3-km-elevation transect along the northern part of the Sierra de Quilmes paleorift fl ank (Laguna Brava) show AFT ages between ca. 80 and ca. 50 Ma and He ages between ca. 45 and ca. 10 Ma. Another set of samples from an similar to 1-km-elevation transect farther to the southwest (La Quebrada) shows Cretaceous AFT ages between ca. 116 Ma and ca. 76 Ma, and mainly Cretaceous He ages, in agreement with AFT data. Analysis of existing AFT and He ages from the area once occupied by the Salta Rift reveals a pattern characterized by Cretaceous ages along paleorift highs and Cenozoic ages within paleorift hanging-wall basins and later foreland basin depocenters. This pattern is interrupted by the Sierras Pampeanas at similar to 28 degrees S, which record mid-Cenozoic ages. Our data are consistent with a complex inherited pattern of pre-Andean paleostructures, likely associated with Paleotopography, which was beveled by the Cenozoic regional foreland basin and reactivated during the late Neogene (ca. <10 Ma), strongly controlling the magnitude of Cenozoic uplift and exhumation and thus cooling age distribution. This, combined with variable lithologic erodibility, resulted in an irregular distribution of themochronological ages.
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The effect of inherited Paleotopography on exhumation of the central andes of NW argentina
Geological Society of America Bulletin, 2013Co-Authors: Barbara Carrapa, Peter W. Reiners, Sharon Reyes-bywater, Roxana Safipour, Edward R. Sobel, Lindsay M. Schoenbohm, Peter G. Decelles, Daniel F. StockliAbstract:Differential exhumation in the Puna Plateau and Eastern Cordillera of NW Argentina is controlled by inherited paleostructures and resulting Paleotopography related to the Cretaceous Salta Rift paleomargins. The Ceno zoic deformation front related to the development of the Andean retro-arc orogenic system is generally associated with >4 km of exhumation, which is recorded by Cenozoic apatite fi ssion-track (AFT) and (U-Th-[Sm])/He ages (He ages) in the Eastern Cordillera of NW Argentina. New AFT ages from the top of the Nevado de Cachi document Oligocene (ca. 28 Ma) cooling, which, combined with existing data, indicates exhumation of this range between ca. 28 Ma and ca. 14 Ma. However, some of the highest ranges in the Eastern Cordillera preserve Cretaceous ages indicative of limited Cenozoic exhumation. Samples collected from an similar to 3-km-elevation transect along the northern part of the Sierra de Quilmes paleorift fl ank (Laguna Brava) show AFT ages between ca. 80 and ca. 50 Ma and He ages between ca. 45 and ca. 10 Ma. Another set of samples from an similar to 1-km-elevation transect farther to the southwest (La Quebrada) shows Cretaceous AFT ages between ca. 116 Ma and ca. 76 Ma, and mainly Cretaceous He ages, in agreement with AFT data. Analysis of existing AFT and He ages from the area once occupied by the Salta Rift reveals a pattern characterized by Cretaceous ages along paleorift highs and Cenozoic ages within paleorift hanging-wall basins and later foreland basin depocenters. This pattern is interrupted by the Sierras Pampeanas at similar to 28 degrees S, which record mid-Cenozoic ages. Our data are consistent with a complex inherited pattern of pre-Andean paleostructures, likely associated with Paleotopography, which was beveled by the Cenozoic regional foreland basin and reactivated during the late Neogene (ca.
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Paleotopography in the western U.S. Cordillera
American Journal of Science, 2012Co-Authors: Peter W. ReinersAbstract:Issue #2 of Volume 312 of the American Journal of Science brings together several new papers bearing on the history of orogenesis, Paleotopography, and paleoclimate in a region whose geologic record has been more important to the modern development of ideas about these processes than any other in
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Provenance of Eocene river sediments from the central northern Sierra Nevada and implications for Paleotopography
Tectonics, 2010Co-Authors: M. Robinson Cecil, Peter W. Reiners, Andreas Mulch, Mihai N. Ducea, George E. Gehrels, Charlotte M. Allen, Ian H. CampbellAbstract:Free to read on publisher website Geochronology of fluvial deposits can be used to characterize provenance, the Paleotopography of sediment source regions, and the development of regional drainage systems. We present U‐Pb and (U‐Th)/He ages of detrital zircon grains from Eocene gravels preserved in several paleoriver systems along the western flank of the central and northern Sierra Nevada. These ages allow us to trace the sourcing of detritus in paleorivers and to constrain the evolution of the Sierra Nevada range front. U‐Pb zircon age distributions are bimodal, with a dominant peak between 110 and 95 Ma and smaller but significant peaks in the Middle to Late Jurassic, matching the predominant ages of the Sierra Nevada batholith. A small fraction (
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Thermochronologic Approaches to Paleotopography
Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry, 2007Co-Authors: Peter W. ReinersAbstract:Although thermochronology cannot directly constrain paleoelevation, it can provide estimates of the form, location, and scale of paleotopographic relief, i.e., Paleotopography, and its change through time. Unique thermochronologic perspectives on Paleotopography come from 1) spatial patterns of surface and subsurface cooling ages or cooling histories that reflect either the influence of topography on subsurface isotherm warping, or spatially focused erosion (including incision), and 2) the age-elevation relationship in paleolandscapes that may be preserved in detrital cooling age distributions. This chapter reviews the fundamental theory and results of these approaches and several example applications. Case studies show examples of both decreasing and increasing topographic relief through time, at the orogen scale and across short ridge-valley wavelengths, and significant modification of local topographic features in glaciated and fluvial settings. In some cases, thermochronologic evidence for fluvial incision at short wavelengths has also been argued to be the result of surface uplift at very long wavelengths. Although not yet used for such purposes, detrital approaches also have the potential to reconstruct paleotopographic relief and paleohypsometry in paleocatchments. In all cases, paleotopographic interpretations from thermochronology require important assumptions or case-by-case support from other lines of evidence. Central issues pertinent to thermochronologic interpretations of Paleotopography are the nature of the shallow crustal thermal field through which the samples cooled (including the influence of fluid flow) and the role of rock uplift gradients in modifying simple relationships between erosion and topography.
Bruce P. Luyendyk - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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West Antarctic Paleotopography estimated at the Eocene‐Oligocene climate transition
Geophysical Research Letters, 2009Co-Authors: Douglas S. Wilson, Bruce P. LuyendykAbstract:[1] One generally recognized limitation of models for rapid growth of Antarctic ice near the Eocene-Oligocene transition is that they are based on present topography, corrected only for removal of modern ice. For West Antarctica, this results in large areas below sea level that would not readily host ice. In the recently active West Antarctic rift system, other factors may have contributed to significant vertical motions since the Eocene: Additional corrections for thermal contraction resulting from tectonic extension and for erosion and sedimentation since 34 Ma restore most of West Antarctica to above sea level, increasing total Antarctic land area by 10–20%. Because ice sheets have convex slopes, the potential increase in ice volume is larger than the increase in land area. Accounting for large changes in West Antarctic topography may resolve conflicts between ice models and data by demonstrating the possibility of an early, large West Antarctic Ice Sheet.
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west antarctic Paleotopography estimated at the eocene oligocene climate transition
Geophysical Research Letters, 2009Co-Authors: Douglas S. Wilson, Bruce P. LuyendykAbstract:[1] One generally recognized limitation of models for rapid growth of Antarctic ice near the Eocene-Oligocene transition is that they are based on present topography, corrected only for removal of modern ice. For West Antarctica, this results in large areas below sea level that would not readily host ice. In the recently active West Antarctic rift system, other factors may have contributed to significant vertical motions since the Eocene: Additional corrections for thermal contraction resulting from tectonic extension and for erosion and sedimentation since 34 Ma restore most of West Antarctica to above sea level, increasing total Antarctic land area by 10–20%. Because ice sheets have convex slopes, the potential increase in ice volume is larger than the increase in land area. Accounting for large changes in West Antarctic topography may resolve conflicts between ice models and data by demonstrating the possibility of an early, large West Antarctic Ice Sheet.
Christopher J Lipinski - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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topographic and sea level controls on oolite microbialite coralgal reef sequences the terminal carbonate complex of southeast spain
AAPG Bulletin, 2013Co-Authors: Robert H Goldstein, Evan K Franseen, Christopher J LipinskiAbstract:The terminal carbonate complex of southeast Spain is a Miocene (Messinian) unit of oolite, microbialite, and coralgal reefs deposited in association with glacioeustasy and evaporitic drawdown. The relationship between Paleotopography and sea level history is useful for prediction of microbialite and oolite reservoir facies in the subsurface. Four sequences record sea level change with minimum amplitudes of 32–77 m (105–253 ft). Sequences commonly have local basal stromatolites overlain by local thrombolites, ooid grainstone, volcaniclastic-rich planar-bedded ooid grainstone, and fenestral ooid grainstone. At low substrate positions, thrombolite boundstones are thicker and laterally more continuous than at higher positions. At intermediate substrate positions (relative to sea level history), sequences have a build-and-fill architecture, characterized by a relief-building phase and a relief-filling phase, with thin sequences draping Paleotopography. Microbialites dominate during the relative sea level rises and build topographic relief. Oolites dominate during the relative sea level falls and fill topographic relief. At higher substrate positions, close to highstand, sequences thicken and yield stratigraphic character that is inconsistent with a build-and-fill model. Apparently, the build-and-fill model requires an intermediate-elevation substrate position and nonoptimal carbonate productivity during rapid sea level change. Sequences progressively show increasing diversity and more normal marine organisms, possibly caused by decreasing aridity. Lithofacies of the La Molata area show evidence of more restricted conditions compared to the La Rellana-Ricardillo area lithofacies, likely because La Molata was in an embayment. These results show that distribution of oolite, microbialite, and reef facies are predictable given known interaction among sea level, Paleotopography of the depositional surface (substrate), and coastline configuration.
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reservoir analog model for oolite microbialite sequences miocene terminal carbonate complex spain
AAPG Bulletin, 2013Co-Authors: Christopher J Lipinski, Evan K Franseen, Robert H GoldsteinAbstract:Static three-dimensional (3-D) reservoir analog models were constructed for the Miocene terminal carbonate complex (TCC) in southeastern Spain. The models used field data collected from two areas containing exceptional 3-D exposures (La Molata; La Rellana-Ricardillo). Four TCC sequences in each area are composed of oolite, microbialite (thrombolites, stromatolites), bioclastic sands, and coralgal reefs deposited over paleotopographic relief of 33–76 m (108–249 ft). The models integrate field, laboratory, and petrophysical data with results providing a workflow and reservoir analogs useful in evaluating oolilte and microbialite reservoir characteristics in relation to Paleotopography and sea level change. Results from this study reveal favorable reservoir-quality values with the potential for substantial hydrocarbon storage for many lithofacies. Flow and baffle facies were distinguished for the models based on thickness, lateral distribution, porosity, and permeability values. Trough cross-bedded ooid grainstone is volumetrically the most abundant lithofacies within both models, is laterally extensive across the entirety of sequences, has large storage capacities with good permeability, and has good connectivity with other flow facies. This facies represents the best reservoir-quality facies and would be the primary target for hydrocarbon exploitation. Microbialites act both as reservoir and baffle facies. Thrombolites, in particular, are concentrated downslope and in a more restricted embayment but vary between porous and nonporous facies. Stromatolites and fenestral ooid grainstones are concentrated at sequence boundaries and would create laterally extensive baffles with significant thicknesses at the sequence boundaries. Sea level interacting with both Paleotopography and paleogeography were identified as the main controls on sequence development and reservoir heterogeneity. An understanding of these controls can aid in exploitation and identification of oolite-microbialite sequences.