Three-Dimensional Quantitative Modeling of Progradational Systems: Application to the Neogene Development of the New Jersey Margin

摘要

Our long-term goal is to determine how along-shelf versus cross- shelf sediment transport, deposition, and erosion are affected by variations in sediment supply, climate, and relative sea level fluctuations. By simulating the stratal architecture, stacking patterns, and associated facies preserved on a number of continental margins (e.g., New Jersey and the Eel river margins), we will be able to examine how relative sea level changes, variations in sediment supply, physiography, and climate affect stratal architecture and facies distribution through time. The objective of this research is to explore the initial and boundary condition implications of the across- and along-margin advective and diffusive equation, especially in terms of clinoform morphology and its temporal variation. We have been using recently completed seismic stratigraphic interpretations of the Neogene clinoform development of the New Jersey margin as first-order constraints for our three-dimensional modeling. The three-dimensional geometry of the Miocene sediment packages comprising the New Jersey margin record the relative roles of advection and diffusion for both across- and along-margin transport. In addition, our three-dimensional model allows us to determine how sensitive across- and along-margin transport are to relative sea level changes, variations in sediment supply, climate, and physiography. We have modified the three-dimensional modeling program to include along-margin advection.