Reply to the Discussion by Roger Higgs on 'Hummocky crossstratification-like structures in deep-sea turbidites: Upper Cretaceous Basque basins (Western Pyrenees, France)' by Mulder et al., Sedimentology, 56, 997–1015

摘要

In the Discussion, Higgs (2009) criticizes the interpretation of Mulder et al. (2009a) concerning sedimentary features called hummocky crossstratification (HCS)-like features as related to deep-water (water depth >1000 m) turbidite processes. This Discussion is essentially based on: (i) a dogma: HCS occurs strictly in shelf environments; (ii) 'astrogeology (remote sensing) fieldwork' (Higgs never visited the described outcrops); and (iii) 'recent references accessible by search engines'. He also criticizes the pioneer interpretation of Offroy (1984) concerning the exceptional gravity flow deposits encountered in the Basque flysch series. It is true that most of the work on this area is older than 1990. Therefore, Higgs (2009) drew the conclusion that the Flysch Basque Basin was deposited in a shallow-water environment dominated by storm-wave action.