See more from this Division: Topical Sessions
See more from this Session: The Astronomically Forced Sedimentary Record: From Geologic Time Scales to Lunar-Tidal History
Abstract:
Within the spectrum of astronomically forced cycles, short-term periods exhibited by tidal rhythmites include semi-daily, daily, half lunar month (neap-spring), and several lunar monthly cycles. All of these periodicities have been reported from modern and ancient of tidal rhythmites. Over geologic time, however, tidal periods have changed. Examples of Proterozoic rhythmites indicate that the paleotidal day was significantly shorter.
Carboniferous examples of cyclic rhythmites are notably widespread and probably relate to a unique series of sequence-stratigraphic controls. The aggregation of the continents into Pangea would have resulted in the development of very large-scale fluvial drainage systems. Concurrent Gondwanaland glaciations resulted in significant and periodic changes in sealevel. During sealevel low-stands, large incised valleys were excavated by the extensive fluvial systems. These fluvially excavated valleys were subsequently converted to estuaries during subsequent rise in sealevel. Within such estuarine settings tidal rhythmites are commonly associated with coal-bearing sequences. In addition during the late Paleozoic, a very large ocean covered most of the Earth. This huge ocean could have resonated strongly with the astronomical tide-producing forces. Ancient seaways, which have been termed epicontinental, epeiric, and inland seas, were once thought to be virtually tideless. However, the growing recognition of tidal facies and rhythmites within modern analogs and ancient counterparts suggest that such facies might be more common than conventionally recognized.
See more from this Division: Topical Sessions
See more from this Session: The Astronomically Forced Sedimentary Record: From Geologic Time Scales to Lunar-Tidal History