Fluvial facies models: a review of Canadian research

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Canadian river scientists made significant contributions to the early development (1960-80) of fluvial facies models, particularly to those for braided rivers. More recent Canadian studies (1980-92) have centred on understanding the facies sedimentology of anastomosed and wandering gravel-bed rivers. River planform facies models are distinctly limited as indicators of fluvial style because of: (1) spurious environmental correlations; (2) the difficulty of river planform definition; (3) differential preservation potential of facies; (4) inadequate and unsystematic field sampling; (5) flawed statistical testing; and (6) the inappropriate space scale adopted for analysis. The scale problems of facies analysis may be overcome by employing architectural element analysis in conjunction with modem geophysical methods such as shallow reflection seismology and ground-penetrating radar. Future research should focus on devising specific tests of element-scale sedimentological relationships based on the contemporary fluvial enrivonment.