Three-dimensional Depositional Systems: Solutions of the Controlling Differential Equation.

摘要

LONG TERM GOALS. Our long-term goal is to determine how along-shelf versus cross-shelf sediment transport, deposition, and erosion are affected by variations in sediment supply, climate, and relative sea level fluctuations. Toward this goal, we have developed a process-oriented three-dimensional (3D) stratigraphic model to assess how cross-shelf versus along-shelf sediment transport affects the stratal architecture and associated facies developed on continental margins. By simulating the stratal architecture, stacking patterns and associated facies preserved on a number of continental margins (e.g., New Jersey and the Eel river margins), we will be able to examine how relative sea level changes, variations in sediment supply, physiography, and climate affect stratal architecture and facies distribution through time. SCIENTIFIC OBJECTIVES. The objective of our FY97 project was to redefine the partial differential equation describing both the advective and diffusive transport of sediment to: 1) include a range of various initial bathymetric conditions (e.g., shelf break in addition to ramps), 2) include the effect of gravity and currents in controlling sediment plumes and deposition, and 3) continue to model the stratal architecture preserved on continental margins using our newly defined sediment transport equations. We will focus on the solutions of the sediment transport equation in this report.