Characterization of channels on ancient and modern slopes: Cretaceous Tres Pasos Formation, Chile and Lucia Chica Channel System, offshore California
Abstract
Deep-water strata of the outcropping Upper Cretaceous-Paleogene Tres Pasos and Dorotea formations, Chilean Patagonia, elucidate deep-marine sedimentation processes that occur on submarine slopes. Sedimentology and stratigraphic architecture of the outcropping deep-water deposits along a high-relief paleoslope profile are examined with respect to their coeval shelf deposits, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the longitudinal variation in sedimentary processes downslope. Exceptional exposures of the deep-water system allow for 3-D reconstruction of slope channel deposits. In addition, slope channel morphologies are evaluated from high-resolution bathymetry data of the Lucia Chica Channel System, offshore central California. Derived morphometric information from the modern mid-slope channel system is utilized to hone an architectural model of the ancient slope channel fill succession exposed in southern Chile. Both investigations provide insight into deep-marine channel processes and provide high-resolution information that can inform reservoir models of analogous slope channel systems on continental margins globally.