Processes Controlling Depositional Signals of Environmental Change in the Fly River Sediment Dispersal System: Mechanisms and Rates of Shelf Clinoform Development

University Of Washington, Seattle WA

Investigators

Abstract

This project will investigate the processes of sediment transport and accumulation that lead to development of the shelf clinoform in the Gulf of Papua off the Fly River. The study will include a variety of sampling and monitoring stations from near the river mouth to the base of the clinoform that will provide time-series observations on the spatial and temporal variation in present day sediment transport and accumulation. The study will specifically investigate the role of fluid muds as primary mechanism for across-shelf transport of sediment that leads to clinoform morphology. Core studies including radioisotope measurements will provide information of sediment transport and accumulation on seasonal to millennial time scales.