Volcanic ash in surficial sediments of the Kodiak shelf - An indicator of sediment dispersal patterns

Marine Geology
By: , and 

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Abstract

Surficial sediments of the Kodiak shelf, Gulf of Alaska, contain various amounts of volcanic ash whose physical properties indicate that it originated from the 1912 Katmai eruption. The distribution of ash is related to the shelf physiography and represents redistribution by oceanic circulation rather than the original depositional pattern from the volcanic event. The ash distribution can be used, in conjunction with the distribution of grain sizes, as an indicator of present-day sediment dispersal patterns on the shelf.

No significant modern input of sediment is occurring on the Kodiak shelf, which is mostly covered by Pleistocene glacial deposits. Coarse-grained sediments on flat portions of shallow banks apparently are being winnowed, with the removed ash-rich fine material being deposited in shallow depressions on the banks and in three of the four major troughs that cut transversely across the shelf. The other major trough seems to be experiencing a relatively high-energy current regime, with little deposition of fine material.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Volcanic ash in surficial sediments of the Kodiak shelf - An indicator of sediment dispersal patterns
Series title Marine Geology
DOI 10.1016/0025-3227(79)90116-6
Volume 29
Issue 1-4
Year Published 1979
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Description 10 p.
First page 347
Last page 356
Country United States
State Alaska
Other Geospatial Gulf of Alaska
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