Sub-decadal turbidite frequency during the early Holocene: Eel Fan, offshore northern California
Remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicle technologies were used to image and sample exceptional deep sea outcrops where an ∼100-m-thick section of turbidite beds is exposed on the headwalls of two giant submarine scours on Eel submarine fan, offshore northern California (USA). These outcrops provide a rare opportunity to connect young deep-sea turbidites with their feeder system. 14C measurements reveal that from 12.8 ka to 7.9 ka, one turbidite was being emplaced on average every 7 yr. This emplacement rate is two to three orders of magnitude higher than observed for turbidites elsewhere along the Pacific margin of North America. The turbidites contain abundant wood and shallow-dwelling foraminifera, demonstrating an efficient connection between the Eel River source and the Eel Fan sink. Turbidite recurrence intervals diminish fivefold to ∼36 yr from 7.9 ka onward, reflecting sea-level rise and re-routing of Eel River sediments.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2014 |
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Title | Sub-decadal turbidite frequency during the early Holocene: Eel Fan, offshore northern California |
DOI | 10.1130/G35768.1 |
Authors | Charles K. Paull, Mary L. McGann, Esther J. Sumner, Philip M Barnes, Eve M. Lundsten, Krystle Anderson, Roberto Gwiazda, Brian D. Edwards, David W Caress |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Geology Today |
Index ID | 70156823 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center |