Deep-water fine-grained sediments: facies models

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Abstract
Summary: Based on a large amount of published data and stimulated by the papers and discussion at the International Workshop on Fine-Grained Sediments held in Halifax, Canada in August 1982, we have attempted a synthesis of deep-water fine-grained sediment facies. Three main facies groups related to depositional processes can be identified: turbidites, contourites and pelagites/hemipelagites. There is a continuum between the different processes and hence a continuum between facies. Nevertheless, it is possible to define several distinct facies models within each of these groups on the basis of sedimentary structures, texture and composition, and to provisionally interpret these in terms of depositional hydrodynamics. Patterns of horizontal and vertical facies distribution can be related to depositional subenvironments. There is much variability within and departure from the facies models we propose, and many interesting and problematic areas of research remain in the quest for better understanding of deep-water fine-grained sediments.