Paleocurrent Analysis

By: Jason Choquette

Overview
Why is paleocurrent analysis important? Fabric and why its useful Internal and external structures
How they are related to each other

Liner structures; types and uses Practial study of paleocurrents in western Maine and some implications

Definition
Paleocurrent- The study of ancient flow Paleocurrent indicators- oriented sedimentary structures interpreted to have been deposited by ancient flows

Paleocurrent Indicators Include

Cross-beds clast imbrication/fabric tool marks groove casts and molds ripple crest orientation

Paleocurrent Analysis.
Provides direct information about the orientation of the sedimentary systems. Yields information about the flow directions of rivers, longshore currents, sediment gravity flows, and paleowinds Provides direction of initial dip or paleoslope Yields clues to the provenance of sediment supply Aids in determining geologic setting to which it was placed Provides info on paleogeography

Three Maine flow Indicators

Fabric External structures Internal structures

Fabrics
Refers to the spatial orientation of material in which they where deposited.
Includes various material types ranging in size from large cobbles to micro-fabrics Fossils Encompasses other fields lithologies such as carbonate rocks and volcanic deposits Imbricated bedding

Uses of fabric analysis

Largely used to infer current directions in sand and gravels. Reconstruct glacial motion Primarily used if there is no other flow indicators or to support other data.

www2.umt.edu/.../hendrix/g432/g432_L12.htm

Compton Robert R. Geology in the Field, 1985 p.52

Internal and External Structures

e.g cross bedding and ripple marks Used in unison to map large areas Both are found in many geologic environments
Fluvial Littoral Marine Aeolian

Some Internal Structures

www2.umt.edu/.../hendrix/g432/g432_L12.htm

Some External Structures

www2.umt.edu/.../hendrix/g432/g432_L12.htm

http://www.ualberta.ca/~jwaldron/images/sedCD1024/05.jpg

http://www.depauw.edu/acad/geosciences/tcope/SedStruct/HiRes/LinguloidRipples.jpg

http://www.coloradocollege.edu/dept/GY/pmyrow/Web%20Photos/Solemarks2.jpg

http://www.ulg.ac.be/geolsed/processus/tool.jpg

http://www.studiozoic.com/adventures/2004/pct/wa/IMG_4153.jpg

Paleocurrent Analysis in Practice

Combining internal and external structures to develop a Detailed map Paleoslope Tectonic history

Potter, 1977

Bradley;Hanson, 2002 p.442

References
Lunguloid ripples jpeg from; http://www.depauw.edu/acad/geosciences/tcope/SedStruct/HiRes/LinguloidRi pples.jpg Ripple marks http://www.studiozoic.com/adventures/2004/pct/wa/IMG_4153.jpg Bradley Dwight C., Hanson Lindley S., Paleocurrent analysis of a deformed Devonian foreland basin in the Northern Appalachians, Maine, USA. Sedimentary Geology, 148 (2002) p.425- 447 Potter Paul E., Pettijohn Francis J., Paleocurrents and Basin Analysis, second edition. Springer-Verlag, Berlin Hiedelberg New York, 1977 Lewis D.W. Practical Sedimentology, University of Canterbury NZ. 1984. Compton Robert R., Geology in the Field. 1985 p. 52, 162-175 Class handout thingy