Turbidites provide a unique opportunity to study diagenetic processes

Abstract

The sedimentary record has always been affected by both diagenesis and changes through time in the input flux. It will be shown that distal turbidites, which are extremely uniform throughout upon emplacement, can be used to constrain diagenetic processes. Emplacement of turbidites causes the exposure of various labile and reduced components to oxic pelagic conditions. This initiates various diagenetic processes such as organic matter decomposition, element redistribution and carbonate dissolution. The influence of these processes on the sedimentary record can be obtained directly from depth profiles within initially homogeneous turbidites. The sedimentary record can provide strongly biased information when diagenetic alterations are not considered.