Mass Transport, Gravity Flows, and Bottom Currents

Book excerpt: Mass Transport, Gravity Flows, and Bottom Currents: Downslope and Alongslope Processes and Deposits focuses solely on important downslope and alongslope processes. The book provides clear definitions and characteristics based on soil mechanics, fluid mechanics and sediment concentration by volume. It addresses Slides, Slumps, and Debris Flows, Grain Flows, Liquefied/Fluidized Flows, and Turbidity Currents, Density plumes, Hyperpycnal Flows, the Triggering Mechanisms of Downslope Processes, Bottom Currents, and Soft-Sediment Deformation Structures. The mechanics of each process are described in detail and used to provide empirically-driven categories to help recognize these deposits it the rock record. Case studies clearly illustrate of the problems inherent in recognizing these processes in the rock record, and potential solutions are provided alongside future avenues of research. An appendix also provides step-by-step guidance in describing and interpreting sediments. - Comprehensively addresses modern downslope and alongslope processes, including definitions and mechanisms - Provides key criteria for the recognition of depositional facies in the rock record - Includes case studies to illustrate each downslope and alongslope process - Identifies key problems and potential solutions for future research - Uses pragmatic, empirical, data-driven interpretations to revise conventional facies models