Possible evidence for underlying non-linear dynamics in steep-faced glaciodeltaic progradational successions

Steep-faced glaciodeltaic progradational successions are often studied in order to reconstruct the behaviour of the glacial feeder system, or changes in the sediment sink. This paper analyses the magnitude and frequency of depositional events associated with steep-faced glacier-fed progradational successions recorded in Scandinavia and Ireland. The successions exhibit depositional patterns that may be interpreted as a function of underlying non-linear dynamics. A number of the sequences display fractal scaling in the frequency and thickness of foreset units. Other successions demonstrate chaotic patterns and strong relationships between delta-front angle and bed thicknesses, suggesting that the progradation of such sequences is self-organized, and to an extent occurs independently of forcing by the feeder system that provides sediment to the delta front. These patterns of sedimentation appear to be a function of the steepness of the delta front and/or the textural characteristics of the sediment. This paper provides further evidence for the simultaneous presence of order and chaos in Earth surface processes and calls into question the extent to which palaeoenvironmental reconstructions may be made from steep-faced progradational successions. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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