Controlled experiments on turbidity currents allow us to observe the dynamics of flows and the organization of their deposits. Phillip Kuenen and Carlo Migliorini (1950) conducted experiments like the one shown here – they were able to reproduce the kind of graded bedding observed in many outcrops, setting in motion a scientific rethinking of deep-sea sedimentary processes that still resonates today. The experimental flow shown above was designed to sample the concentration of sediment suspended in the turbulent plume over the duration of the flow (using siphons). Four time-lapse images show different stages of flow development, with two of the siphons at 8 m and 11.6 m from the flume inlet. The inset curve plots flow velocity with distance along the flow path. Image credit: Modified slightly from O.E. Sequeiros et al., 2009. Figure 5, Experimental study on self-accelerating turbidity currents. J Geophysical Research; Oceans
How to do things, In the field, Interpreting ancient environments

Graded-bedding lithofacies

Historical context The name graded bedding was coined by E. Bailey in 1930 to describe the gradual, vertical change in […]