Date of Award
Fall 12-2015
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Program
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Department
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Major Professor
Royhan, Gani ; Sarwar, Mustafa
Second Advisor
Roesler, Toby
Abstract
By examining halokinetics and channel evolution in a deep-water system, we investigate how submarine channel morphology is affected by changing seascape linked to diapirism. The study area is located in Mississippi Canyon, Gulf of Mexico (GOM), situated directly off the continental slope in a prominent salt dome region. Interactions of salt domes with submarine channels in the GOM are poorly documented. Utilizing 3D seismic data and seismic geomorphology techniques, a long-lived Plio-Pleistocene submarine channel system has been investigated to develop a relationship between variable phases of salt movement and plan-form morphology of preserved channels.
We suggest that halokinetics acts as a driver for topographic-channel evolution in the study area. We show how submarine channel morphology can be directly controlled by halokinetics, where salt movement can act as a structural control on both location and morphology of meandering channel complexes. Channels are able to move towards an equilibrium state only when holokinetics decreases.
Recommended Citation
Carter, Rachel C., "Submarine Channel Evolution Linked to Rising Salt Dome, Mississippi Canyon, Gulf of Mexico" (2015). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 2060.
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/2060
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Geology Commons, Geomorphology Commons, Geophysics and Seismology Commons, Oil, Gas, and Energy Commons
Rights
The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.