Constraining the origin and evolution of confined turbidite systems: southern Cretan margin,Eastern Mediterranean Sea (34°30–36°N) |
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| Authors: | Tiago M Alves Vasilios Lykousis Dimitris Sakellariou Stamatina Alexandri Paraskevi Nomikou |
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| Institution: | (1) Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre of Marine Research, Km. 47 Athens-Sounio Road, Anavissos, 19013-712 Attiki, Greece;(2) Present address: 3D Lab, School of Earth, Ocean and Planetary Sciences, University of Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3YE, UK |
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| Abstract: | Bathymetric, 9.5-kHz long-range sidescan sonar (OKEAN), seismic reflection and sediment-core data are used in the analysis
of two tectonic troughs south of Crete, Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Here, up to 1.2 s two-way travel time (TWTT) of strata
have accumulated since the Middle Miocene in association with extension in the South Aegean region. The study area comprises
>100-km- long by >25-km-wide basins filled by sediments subdivided into two seismic units: (1) an upper Unit 1 deposited in
sub-basins which follow the present-day configuration of the southern Cretan margin; (2) a basal Unit 2, more than 500 ms
(TWTT) thick, accumulated in deeper half-graben/grabens distinct from the present-day depocentres. Both units overlap a locally
stratified Unit 3 comprising the pre-Neogene core complex of Crete and Gavdos. In this work, the interpreted seismic units
are correlated with the onshore stratigraphy, demonstrating that denudation processes occurring on Crete and Gavdos in response
to major tectonic events have been responsible for high sedimentation rates along the proximal southern Cretan margin. Consequently,
topographically confined sedimentary units have been deposited south of Crete in the last 12 Ma, including turbidites and
other mass-flow deposits fed by evolving transverse and axial channel systems. Surface processes controlling facies distribution
include the direct inflow of sediment from alluvial-fan systems and incising mountain rivers onto the Cretan slope, where
significant sediment instability processes occur at present. In this setting, seismic profiles reveal eight different types
of stratigraphic contacts on basin-margin highs, and basinal areas show evidence of halokinesis and/or fluid escape. The acquired
data also show that significant changes to the margin’s configuration occurred in association with the post-Alpine tectonic
and eustatic episodes affecting the Eastern Mediterranean. |
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