Reservoirs can be developed in the sediment gravity flows.However,high quality reservoirs are found widespread in sediment gravity flows of Gangzhong area,Huanghua depression,Bohai Bay Basin,East China.Characteristics...Reservoirs can be developed in the sediment gravity flows.However,high quality reservoirs are found widespread in sediment gravity flows of Gangzhong area,Huanghua depression,Bohai Bay Basin,East China.Characteristics and formation of these reservoirs are key problems to be solved.Through comprehensive analysis of thin section petrography,scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction,two distinct rules were obtained.1) These high quality reservoirs have apparent characteristics:lithology consists mainly of medium-fine grained sands; moderately-well sorted and rounded; intergranular pores dominating >70% of the entire pores,surface per unit pore volume reaches 15%; average porosity is 21% and average permeability is 55×10-3 μm2.2) Types of sedimentary microfacies and dissolution strongly control on the formation of high quality reservoirs.Main channels and sandy braided bars have the best reservoir properties.Because that sediments are mainly medium-fine grained sands in high-energy environments.The favorable primary porosity and permeability may promote calcite cementation and help to produce more secondary pores.Besides,at the depth of 2500-3200 m,basically matching threshold of oil generation,organic acid expelled when organic matter became mature,and H+ released during clay mineral transformation.These both result in the dissolution of calcite cements and create large volume pores,then physical properties improve correspondingly.Moreover,deep hydrothermal fluid intrusion may also have impacts on the development of secondary pores.展开更多
For more than 150 years, geologic characteristics claimed to be evidence for pre-Pleistocene glaciations have been debated. Advancements in recent decades, in understanding features generated by mainly glacial and mas...For more than 150 years, geologic characteristics claimed to be evidence for pre-Pleistocene glaciations have been debated. Advancements in recent decades, in understanding features generated by mainly glacial and mass flow processes, are here reviewed. Detailed studies of data offered in support of prePleistocene glaciations have led to revisions that involve environments of mass movements. Similarities and differences between Quaternary glaciogenic and mass movement features are examined, to provide a more systematic methodology for analysing the origins of more ancient deposits. Analyses and evaluation of data are from a) Quaternary glaciogenic sediments, b) formations which have been assigned to pre-Pleistocene glaciations, and c) formations with comparable features associated with mass movements(and occasionally tectonics). Multiple proxies are assembled to develop correct interpretations of ancient strata. The aim is not per se to reinterpret specific formations and past climate changes, but to enable data to be evaluated using a broader and more inclusive conceptual framework.Regularly occurring pre-Pleistocene features interpreted to be glaciogenic, have often been shown to have few or no Quaternary glaciogenic equivalents. These same features commonly form by sediment gravity flows or other non-glacial processes, which may have led to misinterpretations of ancient deposits. These features include, for example, environmental affinity of fossils, grading, bedding, fabrics, size and appearance of erratics, polished and striated clasts and surfaces(“pavements”), dropstones, and surface microtextures.Recent decades of progress in research relating to glacial and sediment gravity flow processes have resulted in proposals by geologists, based on more detailed field data, more often of an origin by mass movements and tectonism than glaciation.The most coherent data of this review, i.e., appearances of features produced by glaciation, sediment gravity flows and a few other geological processes, are summarized in a Diamict Origin Table.展开更多
The deep-water systems in different types of sedimentary basins exhibit significant variability.Current knowledge of deep-water deposition is mainly derived from deep-marine turbidite systems.However,the characteristi...The deep-water systems in different types of sedimentary basins exhibit significant variability.Current knowledge of deep-water deposition is mainly derived from deep-marine turbidite systems.However,the characteristics and differences of sub-lacustrine gravity flow deposition systems have been a research focus in the fields of sedimentology and petroleum geology.This study investigates the facies archi-tecture,depositional processes,and sediment distribution patterns of a sub-lacustrine debrite system in the Eocene Dongying Rift of the Bohai Bay Basin,China,through the analysis of integrated core data,3-D seismic data,and well-log data.Nine facies have been identified within the debrite system,representing various depositional processes such as sandy debris flow,muddy debris flow,turbidity currents,sandy slide,sandy slide/slump,and mud flow.Our research indicates that the sub-lacustrine system is primarily influenced by debris flow rather than turbidity currents,as supported by facies quantification,inter-pretation,and flow rheology analysis.Additionally,we have identified five basic facies building blocks in debrite systems,including slide masses,slump masses,debrite channels,debrite lobes,and turbidite sheets.We have also elucidated and proposed detailed sedimentary processes,flow transport,and transformation within the sub-lacustrine system through analysis of flow origins,facies sequences,and distribution characteristics.Our findings highlight the evolutionary progression from delta-front collapse to sandy slide/slump,sandy debris flow,and finally muddy debris flow.The efficient generation of turbidity currents from parental landslides on sand-prone slopes is deemed unlikely due to rift-basin morphology and transport distances.The formation of the five basic facies building blocks is closely linked to depositional processes and dominant flow types.Consequently,we present a deep-water depositional model for sub-lacustrine debrite systems,focusing on flow dynamics,sediment distribu-tion patterns,and basin morphology within deep lacustrine rifts.This model offers valuable insights into the variability of deep-water deposition in diverse basin settings and aids in predicting lithologic res-ervoirs during deep-water hydrocarbon exploration.展开更多
Sandstones attributed to different lacustrine sediment gravity flows are present in the 7th and 6th members of the Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin, China. These differences in their origins led to different sand...Sandstones attributed to different lacustrine sediment gravity flows are present in the 7th and 6th members of the Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin, China. These differences in their origins led to different sandstone distributions which control the scale and connectivity of oil and gas reservoirs. Numerous cores and outcrops were analysed to understand the origins of these sandstones. The main origin of these sandstones was analysed by statistical methods, and well logging data were used to study their vertical and horizontal distributions. Results show that the sandstones in the study area accu- mulated via sandy debris flows, turbidity currents and slumping, and sandy debris flows predominate. The sand- stone associated with a single event is characteristically small in scale and exhibits poor lateral continuity. How- ever, as a result of multiple events that stacked gravity flow-related sandstones atop one another, sandstones are extensive overall, as illustrated in the cross section and isopach maps. Finally, a depositional model was developed in which sandy debris flows predominated and various other types of small-scale gravity flows occurred frequently, resulting in extensive deposition of sand bodies across a large area.展开更多
Lacustrine sediments serve as valuable archives of extreme events and past environmental changes.However,the formation mechanisms and distribution patterns of gravity flow deposits in inland hypersaline lakes under cl...Lacustrine sediments serve as valuable archives of extreme events and past environmental changes.However,the formation mechanisms and distribution patterns of gravity flow deposits in inland hypersaline lakes under climatic controls remain underexplored.In the Eocene Jianghan Basin,rhythmic strata influenced by climatic cycles provide a unique opportunity to investigate the relationship between gravity flow deposits and paleoclimate.According to core descriptions,thin section analysis,logging data,and grain size analysis,seven lithofacies and four lithofacies associations related to gravity flow deposits were identified.Frequent turbidity flows,primarily flood-induced gravity flows,are widely distributed in the saline lake.Proximal gravity flow deposits are characterized by thick,massive sandstones with minimal mud debris,occasionally featuring deformed lamination and scoured bases.Distal gravity flow deposits comprise clast-bearing massive sandstones,planar laminated sandstones,and graded siltstones.Paleoclimate analysis,based on trace elements and rock salt thickness,reveals a strong linkage between gravity flow deposits and climatic cycles.Correlations were established by systematically identifying short-term base-level cycles,which were subsequently grouped into medium-term base-level cycles through stacking pattern analysis.Short-term base-level changes,corresponding to stable climatic cycles,are marked by rhythmic salt layers.In contrast,medium-term base-level cycles,controlled by orbital periods,govern the deposition of gravity flow deposits.Under arid climatic conditions,reduced vegetation coverage and pronounced temperature variations lead to intensified erosion and increased suspended particle concentration.The deposition of sandstone layers is more substantial,and the frequency of turbidity flows is significantly higher under arid climatic conditions compared to humid climatic conditions.This research highlights how climatic cycles influence gravity flow deposits in hypersaline lake environments.展开更多
A hyperpycnal flow forms when a relatively dense land-derived gravity flow enters into a marine or lacustrine water reservoir. As a consequence of its excess of density, the incoming flow plunges in coastal areas, gen...A hyperpycnal flow forms when a relatively dense land-derived gravity flow enters into a marine or lacustrine water reservoir. As a consequence of its excess of density, the incoming flow plunges in coastal areas, generating a highly dynamic and often long-lived dense underflow. Depending on the characteristics of the parent flow(flow duration and flow rheology) and basin salinity, the resulting deposits(hyperpycnites) can be very variable.According to flow duration, land-derived gravity flows can be classified into short-lived or long-lived flows. Shortlived gravity flows last for minutes or hours, and are mostly related to small mountainous river discharges, alluvial fans, collapse of natural dams, landslides, volcanic eruptions, j?kulhlaups, etc. Long-lived gravity flows last for days,weeks or even months, and are mostly associated with medium-to large-size river discharges.Concerning the rheology of the incoming flow, hyperpycnal flows can be initiated by non-Newtonian(cohesive debris flows), Newtonian supercritical(lahars, hyperconcentrated flows, and concentrated flows) or Newtonian subcritical flows(pebbly, sandy or muddy sediment-laden turbulent flows). Once plunged, non-Newtonian and Newtonian supercritical flows require steep slopes to accelerate, allow the incorporation of ambient water and develop flow transformations in order to evolve into a turbidity current and travel further basinward. Their resulting deposits are difficult to differentiate from those related to intrabasinal turbidites. On the contrary, long-lived Newtonian subcritical flows are capable of transferring huge volumes of sediment, freshwater and organic matter far from the coast even along gentle or flat slopes. In marine settings, the buoyant effect of interstitial freshwater in pebbly and sandy hyperpycnal flows can result in lofting due to flow density reversal. Since the excess of density in muddy hyperpycnal flows is provided by silt-clay sediments in turbulent suspension, lofting is not possible even in marine/saline basins. Muddy hyperpycnal flows can also erode the basin bottom during their travel basinward,allowing the incorporation and transfer of intrabasinal sediments and organic matter. Long-lived hyperpycnal flow deposits exhibit typical characteristics that allow a clear differentiation respect to those related to intrabasinal turbidites. Main features include(1) composite beds with gradual and recurrent changes in sediment grain-size and sedimentary structures,(2) mixture of extrabasinal and intrabasinal components,(3) internal and discontinuous erosional surfaces, and(4) lofting rhythmites in marine/saline basins.展开更多
Deltas constitute complex depositional systems formed when a land-derived gravity-flow(carrying water and sediments) discharges into a marine or lacustrine standing body of water. However, the complexity of deltaic se...Deltas constitute complex depositional systems formed when a land-derived gravity-flow(carrying water and sediments) discharges into a marine or lacustrine standing body of water. However, the complexity of deltaic sedimentary environments has been oversimplified by geoscientists over the years, considering just littoral deltas as the unique possible type of delta in natural systems. Nevertheless, a rational analysis suggests that deltas can be much more complex. In fact, the characteristics of deltaic deposits will depend on a complex interplay between the bulk density of the incoming flow and the salinity of the receiving water body. This paper explores the natural conditions of deltaic sedimentation according to different density contrasts. The rational analysis of deltaic systems allows to recognize three main fields for deltaic sedimentation, corresponding to(1) hypopycnal(2) homopycnal and(3) hyperpycnal delta settings. The hypopycnal delta field represents the situation when the bulk density of the incoming flow is lower than the density of the water in the basin. According to the salinity of the receiving water body, three different types of hypopycnal littoral deltas are recognized: hypersaline littoral deltas(HSLD), marine littoral deltas(MLD), and brackish littoral deltas(BLD). The basin salinity will determine the capacity of the delta for producing effective buoyant plumes, and consequently the characteristics and extension of prodelta deposits.Homopycnal littoral deltas(HOLD) form when the density of the incoming flow is roughly similar to the density of the water in the receiving basin. This situation is typical of clean bedload-dominated rivers entering freshwater lakes. Delta front deposits are dominated by sediment avalanches. Typical fallout prodelta deposits are absent or poorly developed since no buoyant plumes are generated. Hyperpycnal deltas form when the bulk density of the incoming flow is higher than the density of the water in the receiving basin. The interaction between flow type,flow density(due to the concentration of suspended sediments) and basin salinity defines three types of deltas,corresponding to hyperpycnal littoral deltas(HLD), hyperpycnal subaqueous deltas(HSD), and hyperpycnal fan deltas(HFD). Hyperpycnal littoral deltas are low-gradient shallow-water deltas formed when dirty rivers enter into brackish or normal-salinity marine basins, typically in wave or tide-dominated epicontinental seas or brackish lakes.Hyperpycnal subaqueous deltas represent the most common type of hyperpycnal delta, with channels and lobes generated in marine and lacustrine settings during long-lasting sediment-laden river-flood discharges. Finally,hyperpycnal fan deltas are subaqueous delta systems generated on high-gradient lacustrine or marine settings by episodic high-density fluvial discharges.展开更多
基金Project(2006CB202300)supported by the National Basic Research Program of China
文摘Reservoirs can be developed in the sediment gravity flows.However,high quality reservoirs are found widespread in sediment gravity flows of Gangzhong area,Huanghua depression,Bohai Bay Basin,East China.Characteristics and formation of these reservoirs are key problems to be solved.Through comprehensive analysis of thin section petrography,scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction,two distinct rules were obtained.1) These high quality reservoirs have apparent characteristics:lithology consists mainly of medium-fine grained sands; moderately-well sorted and rounded; intergranular pores dominating >70% of the entire pores,surface per unit pore volume reaches 15%; average porosity is 21% and average permeability is 55×10-3 μm2.2) Types of sedimentary microfacies and dissolution strongly control on the formation of high quality reservoirs.Main channels and sandy braided bars have the best reservoir properties.Because that sediments are mainly medium-fine grained sands in high-energy environments.The favorable primary porosity and permeability may promote calcite cementation and help to produce more secondary pores.Besides,at the depth of 2500-3200 m,basically matching threshold of oil generation,organic acid expelled when organic matter became mature,and H+ released during clay mineral transformation.These both result in the dissolution of calcite cements and create large volume pores,then physical properties improve correspondingly.Moreover,deep hydrothermal fluid intrusion may also have impacts on the development of secondary pores.
文摘For more than 150 years, geologic characteristics claimed to be evidence for pre-Pleistocene glaciations have been debated. Advancements in recent decades, in understanding features generated by mainly glacial and mass flow processes, are here reviewed. Detailed studies of data offered in support of prePleistocene glaciations have led to revisions that involve environments of mass movements. Similarities and differences between Quaternary glaciogenic and mass movement features are examined, to provide a more systematic methodology for analysing the origins of more ancient deposits. Analyses and evaluation of data are from a) Quaternary glaciogenic sediments, b) formations which have been assigned to pre-Pleistocene glaciations, and c) formations with comparable features associated with mass movements(and occasionally tectonics). Multiple proxies are assembled to develop correct interpretations of ancient strata. The aim is not per se to reinterpret specific formations and past climate changes, but to enable data to be evaluated using a broader and more inclusive conceptual framework.Regularly occurring pre-Pleistocene features interpreted to be glaciogenic, have often been shown to have few or no Quaternary glaciogenic equivalents. These same features commonly form by sediment gravity flows or other non-glacial processes, which may have led to misinterpretations of ancient deposits. These features include, for example, environmental affinity of fossils, grading, bedding, fabrics, size and appearance of erratics, polished and striated clasts and surfaces(“pavements”), dropstones, and surface microtextures.Recent decades of progress in research relating to glacial and sediment gravity flow processes have resulted in proposals by geologists, based on more detailed field data, more often of an origin by mass movements and tectonism than glaciation.The most coherent data of this review, i.e., appearances of features produced by glaciation, sediment gravity flows and a few other geological processes, are summarized in a Diamict Origin Table.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42202170,42172109,42072140,42102133,42202122)the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing(CSTB2022NSCQ-MSX1166,CSTB2022NSCQ-JQX0031)+1 种基金the Science and Technology Research Program of Chongqing Municipal Education Commission(KJQN202201511,KJZD-M202101502)Project of Chongqing University of Science&Technology(ckrc2022028,YKJCX2320109).
文摘The deep-water systems in different types of sedimentary basins exhibit significant variability.Current knowledge of deep-water deposition is mainly derived from deep-marine turbidite systems.However,the characteristics and differences of sub-lacustrine gravity flow deposition systems have been a research focus in the fields of sedimentology and petroleum geology.This study investigates the facies archi-tecture,depositional processes,and sediment distribution patterns of a sub-lacustrine debrite system in the Eocene Dongying Rift of the Bohai Bay Basin,China,through the analysis of integrated core data,3-D seismic data,and well-log data.Nine facies have been identified within the debrite system,representing various depositional processes such as sandy debris flow,muddy debris flow,turbidity currents,sandy slide,sandy slide/slump,and mud flow.Our research indicates that the sub-lacustrine system is primarily influenced by debris flow rather than turbidity currents,as supported by facies quantification,inter-pretation,and flow rheology analysis.Additionally,we have identified five basic facies building blocks in debrite systems,including slide masses,slump masses,debrite channels,debrite lobes,and turbidite sheets.We have also elucidated and proposed detailed sedimentary processes,flow transport,and transformation within the sub-lacustrine system through analysis of flow origins,facies sequences,and distribution characteristics.Our findings highlight the evolutionary progression from delta-front collapse to sandy slide/slump,sandy debris flow,and finally muddy debris flow.The efficient generation of turbidity currents from parental landslides on sand-prone slopes is deemed unlikely due to rift-basin morphology and transport distances.The formation of the five basic facies building blocks is closely linked to depositional processes and dominant flow types.Consequently,we present a deep-water depositional model for sub-lacustrine debrite systems,focusing on flow dynamics,sediment distribu-tion patterns,and basin morphology within deep lacustrine rifts.This model offers valuable insights into the variability of deep-water deposition in diverse basin settings and aids in predicting lithologic res-ervoirs during deep-water hydrocarbon exploration.
基金supported by the Science Foundation Programs(41302115)
文摘Sandstones attributed to different lacustrine sediment gravity flows are present in the 7th and 6th members of the Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin, China. These differences in their origins led to different sandstone distributions which control the scale and connectivity of oil and gas reservoirs. Numerous cores and outcrops were analysed to understand the origins of these sandstones. The main origin of these sandstones was analysed by statistical methods, and well logging data were used to study their vertical and horizontal distributions. Results show that the sandstones in the study area accu- mulated via sandy debris flows, turbidity currents and slumping, and sandy debris flows predominate. The sand- stone associated with a single event is characteristically small in scale and exhibits poor lateral continuity. How- ever, as a result of multiple events that stacked gravity flow-related sandstones atop one another, sandstones are extensive overall, as illustrated in the cross section and isopach maps. Finally, a depositional model was developed in which sandy debris flows predominated and various other types of small-scale gravity flows occurred frequently, resulting in extensive deposition of sand bodies across a large area.
基金supported by the National Major Research Program for Science and Technology of China(Grant No.2017ZX05009-002)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(42402114)the Special Fund for Basic Scientific Research Operating Expenses of Central Universities(2652022035)。
文摘Lacustrine sediments serve as valuable archives of extreme events and past environmental changes.However,the formation mechanisms and distribution patterns of gravity flow deposits in inland hypersaline lakes under climatic controls remain underexplored.In the Eocene Jianghan Basin,rhythmic strata influenced by climatic cycles provide a unique opportunity to investigate the relationship between gravity flow deposits and paleoclimate.According to core descriptions,thin section analysis,logging data,and grain size analysis,seven lithofacies and four lithofacies associations related to gravity flow deposits were identified.Frequent turbidity flows,primarily flood-induced gravity flows,are widely distributed in the saline lake.Proximal gravity flow deposits are characterized by thick,massive sandstones with minimal mud debris,occasionally featuring deformed lamination and scoured bases.Distal gravity flow deposits comprise clast-bearing massive sandstones,planar laminated sandstones,and graded siltstones.Paleoclimate analysis,based on trace elements and rock salt thickness,reveals a strong linkage between gravity flow deposits and climatic cycles.Correlations were established by systematically identifying short-term base-level cycles,which were subsequently grouped into medium-term base-level cycles through stacking pattern analysis.Short-term base-level changes,corresponding to stable climatic cycles,are marked by rhythmic salt layers.In contrast,medium-term base-level cycles,controlled by orbital periods,govern the deposition of gravity flow deposits.Under arid climatic conditions,reduced vegetation coverage and pronounced temperature variations lead to intensified erosion and increased suspended particle concentration.The deposition of sandstone layers is more substantial,and the frequency of turbidity flows is significantly higher under arid climatic conditions compared to humid climatic conditions.This research highlights how climatic cycles influence gravity flow deposits in hypersaline lake environments.
文摘A hyperpycnal flow forms when a relatively dense land-derived gravity flow enters into a marine or lacustrine water reservoir. As a consequence of its excess of density, the incoming flow plunges in coastal areas, generating a highly dynamic and often long-lived dense underflow. Depending on the characteristics of the parent flow(flow duration and flow rheology) and basin salinity, the resulting deposits(hyperpycnites) can be very variable.According to flow duration, land-derived gravity flows can be classified into short-lived or long-lived flows. Shortlived gravity flows last for minutes or hours, and are mostly related to small mountainous river discharges, alluvial fans, collapse of natural dams, landslides, volcanic eruptions, j?kulhlaups, etc. Long-lived gravity flows last for days,weeks or even months, and are mostly associated with medium-to large-size river discharges.Concerning the rheology of the incoming flow, hyperpycnal flows can be initiated by non-Newtonian(cohesive debris flows), Newtonian supercritical(lahars, hyperconcentrated flows, and concentrated flows) or Newtonian subcritical flows(pebbly, sandy or muddy sediment-laden turbulent flows). Once plunged, non-Newtonian and Newtonian supercritical flows require steep slopes to accelerate, allow the incorporation of ambient water and develop flow transformations in order to evolve into a turbidity current and travel further basinward. Their resulting deposits are difficult to differentiate from those related to intrabasinal turbidites. On the contrary, long-lived Newtonian subcritical flows are capable of transferring huge volumes of sediment, freshwater and organic matter far from the coast even along gentle or flat slopes. In marine settings, the buoyant effect of interstitial freshwater in pebbly and sandy hyperpycnal flows can result in lofting due to flow density reversal. Since the excess of density in muddy hyperpycnal flows is provided by silt-clay sediments in turbulent suspension, lofting is not possible even in marine/saline basins. Muddy hyperpycnal flows can also erode the basin bottom during their travel basinward,allowing the incorporation and transfer of intrabasinal sediments and organic matter. Long-lived hyperpycnal flow deposits exhibit typical characteristics that allow a clear differentiation respect to those related to intrabasinal turbidites. Main features include(1) composite beds with gradual and recurrent changes in sediment grain-size and sedimentary structures,(2) mixture of extrabasinal and intrabasinal components,(3) internal and discontinuous erosional surfaces, and(4) lofting rhythmites in marine/saline basins.
基金the continuous support provided by the Departamento de Geologia de la Universidad Nacional del Sur and the CONICET (National Research Council from Argentina)。
文摘Deltas constitute complex depositional systems formed when a land-derived gravity-flow(carrying water and sediments) discharges into a marine or lacustrine standing body of water. However, the complexity of deltaic sedimentary environments has been oversimplified by geoscientists over the years, considering just littoral deltas as the unique possible type of delta in natural systems. Nevertheless, a rational analysis suggests that deltas can be much more complex. In fact, the characteristics of deltaic deposits will depend on a complex interplay between the bulk density of the incoming flow and the salinity of the receiving water body. This paper explores the natural conditions of deltaic sedimentation according to different density contrasts. The rational analysis of deltaic systems allows to recognize three main fields for deltaic sedimentation, corresponding to(1) hypopycnal(2) homopycnal and(3) hyperpycnal delta settings. The hypopycnal delta field represents the situation when the bulk density of the incoming flow is lower than the density of the water in the basin. According to the salinity of the receiving water body, three different types of hypopycnal littoral deltas are recognized: hypersaline littoral deltas(HSLD), marine littoral deltas(MLD), and brackish littoral deltas(BLD). The basin salinity will determine the capacity of the delta for producing effective buoyant plumes, and consequently the characteristics and extension of prodelta deposits.Homopycnal littoral deltas(HOLD) form when the density of the incoming flow is roughly similar to the density of the water in the receiving basin. This situation is typical of clean bedload-dominated rivers entering freshwater lakes. Delta front deposits are dominated by sediment avalanches. Typical fallout prodelta deposits are absent or poorly developed since no buoyant plumes are generated. Hyperpycnal deltas form when the bulk density of the incoming flow is higher than the density of the water in the receiving basin. The interaction between flow type,flow density(due to the concentration of suspended sediments) and basin salinity defines three types of deltas,corresponding to hyperpycnal littoral deltas(HLD), hyperpycnal subaqueous deltas(HSD), and hyperpycnal fan deltas(HFD). Hyperpycnal littoral deltas are low-gradient shallow-water deltas formed when dirty rivers enter into brackish or normal-salinity marine basins, typically in wave or tide-dominated epicontinental seas or brackish lakes.Hyperpycnal subaqueous deltas represent the most common type of hyperpycnal delta, with channels and lobes generated in marine and lacustrine settings during long-lasting sediment-laden river-flood discharges. Finally,hyperpycnal fan deltas are subaqueous delta systems generated on high-gradient lacustrine or marine settings by episodic high-density fluvial discharges.
