Deep distributary channels and giant bedforms in the Upper Carboniferous of the Central Pennines, northern England

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Abstract
Channels, with maximum depths of over 40 m, have been cut into the top of a coarsening upward sequence, in the Upper Carboniferous of northern England. The channels are interpreted as deep, distributaries cut into delta slope deposits.Giant cross‐bed sets, up to 40 m thick, are the major channel infilling facies. Internal erosion surfaces occur within the giant cross‐beds and some are draped by micaceous, silty sandstone. Previously interpreted as deltaic sedimentation units, the cross‐beds are now thought to have been produced mainly by side attached, alternate bars and the drapes are interpreted as low stage deposits.Cosets of medium scale cross‐beds overlie the giant cross‐beds. These are thought to be deposits of dunes and smaller bars on top of the transverse bars and in the shallower parts of the distributary. The giant cross‐beds are commonly underlain by unlaminated sandstone but may be underlain by undulatory bedding. The latter was apparently produced by ridges, parallel to the current, spaced between 9 and 23 m apart.The north of England appears to have had a major river by present day standards, for at least part of the upper Carboniferous.