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Deep-sea fan paleocurrent patterns of the Eocene Butano Sandstone, Santa Cruz Mountains, California

May 1, 1973

The Butano Sandstone is an Eocene continental borderland deep-sea fan deposit located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Calif.  Paleoslope measurements from contorted strata within it yield a regional northward paleoslope for the fan. Detailed paleocurrent measurements from conglomerate clast orientations, flute casts, groove casts, current-ripple markings, small-scale cross-strata, convolute laminations, and flame structures yield a sediment-dispersal pattern characterized by northward transport of coarser grained sediments downfan along major channels and transport of finer grained sediments outward and away from channels by overspilling. The overall paleocurrent pattern is oriented radially outward from the fan apex and indicates that the growth, development, and dispersal of sediments on this
ancient deep-sea fan resembled that on modern deep-sea fans.

Publication Year 1973
Title Deep-sea fan paleocurrent patterns of the Eocene Butano Sandstone, Santa Cruz Mountains, California
Authors Tor H. Nilsen, T.R. Simoni
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Journal of Research of the U.S. Geological Survey
Index ID 70161550
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse