Mega debris flow deposits on the western Wilkes Land margin, East Antarctica
Open-File Report
2007-1047-SRP-040
By: F. Donda, P. E. O'Brien, L. De Santis, M. Rebesco, and Giuliano Brancolini
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Abstract
Multichannel seismic data collected off Western Wilkes Land (East Antarctica) reveal the occurrence of mega
debris flow deposits on the lower slope and rise that were formed throughout the Miocene. Commonly, debris flow units
are separated by thin deposits of well-stratified facies, interpreted as predominantly glaciomarine mixed contouritic and
distal turbidite deposits. These units could act as weak layers and could have played a major role in the slope instability.
High sedimentation rates, due to large amounts of sediment delivered from a temperate, wet-based ice sheet, constituted
a key factor in the sediment failures. The main trigger mechanism would probably have been earthquakes enhanced by
isostatic rebound following major ice sheet retreats.
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Mega debris flow deposits on the western Wilkes Land margin, East Antarctica |
| Series title | Open-File Report |
| Series number | 2007-1047-SRP-040 |
| DOI | 10.3133/ofr20071047SRP040 |
| Year Published | 2007 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Description | 4 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Report |
| Larger Work Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Larger Work Title | Antarctica: A Keystone in a Changing World--Online Proceedings for the Tenth International Symposium on Antarctic Earth Sciences. Santa Barbara, California, U.S.A.--August 26 to September 1, 2007 |
| Other Geospatial | Antarctica |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |