Relationship of clathrate instability to sediment deformation in the upper Neogene of California

Abstract

Research Article| March 01, 2000 Relationship of clathrate instability to sediment deformation in the upper Neogene of California James P. Kennett; James P. Kennett 1Department of Geological Sciences and Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Benjamin N. Fackler-Adams Benjamin N. Fackler-Adams 1Department of Geological Sciences and Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information James P. Kennett 1Department of Geological Sciences and Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA Benjamin N. Fackler-Adams 1Department of Geological Sciences and Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA Publisher: Geological Society of America Received: 09 Aug 1999 Revision Received: 29 Nov 1999 Accepted: 07 Dec 1999 First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (2000) 28 (3): 215–218. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(2000)28<215:ROCITS>2.0.CO;2 Article history Received: 09 Aug 1999 Revision Received: 29 Nov 1999 Accepted: 07 Dec 1999 First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation James P. Kennett, Benjamin N. Fackler-Adams; Relationship of clathrate instability to sediment deformation in the upper Neogene of California. Geology 2000;; 28 (3): 215–218. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(2000)28<215:ROCITS>2.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Widespread soft-sediment deformation (SSD) in upper-bathyal continental-margin sediments has been explained by compaction-related dewatering and related physical processes that can destabilize margin sediments. We present the hypothesis that SSD in such facies resulted in part from instability of gas hydrates (clathrates), leading to overpressurization in sediments and resulting fluid flow and brecciation. Clathrate-related deformation must be widespread in upper-bathyal continental-margin methanogenic sequences at depths where clathrates are destabilized by changes in bottom-water temperatures and sea level. A close association exists between an array of SSD features with clathrate-hosting sediments in ocean drill cores. Similar features are conspicuous in the partly laminated, upper Neogene upper bathyal sediments of the Sisquoc Formation in southern California, suggesting that clathrates may have been responsible for abundant and well-developed SSD in these units. The lithology, methane-producing organic content, and depositional environment of the Sisquoc Formation are similar to those features in modern clathrate-hosting settings. These characteristics, in conjunction with the upper bathyal paleobathymetry of the unit, the geothermal gradient of the region, and δ13C values of benthic foraminifera and dolomite concretions suggest the occurrence of clathrates in the shallow subsurface of these sediments. We suggest that the analyzed parts of the Sisquoc Formation represent an exhumed zone of SSD resulting from clathrate instability in the shallow subsurface of the continental margin. Sedimentary rocks exhibiting an association of SSD features that resulted from clathrate formation and dissociation are named clathrites. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.