Sedimentary Tectonics and Sedimentary Environments

ABSTRACT The tectonic framework of sedimentation—basins, geosynclines, neutral areas, and positives—largely controls the distribution of sedimentary environments by its control of source areas, strand lines, and bathymetric zones. A major problem in distinguishing tectonic elements and tectonic intensity arises from the interplay between contemporaneous depositional subsidence, and intermittent uplift and erosion; and a major problem in evaluating environmental control arises from the time factor in the passage of sedimentary particles through the depositional interface. These problems and possible solutions are discussed in terms of a hypothetical cycle of deposition, in which tectonism, environment, and biological agencies are integrated in terms of their effects on the accumulation of sediments. As a practical means of interpreting and designating the distribution of environments during a stratigraphic interval, a tectono-environmental classification is proposed, which includes groups of associated environments placed within a framework of increasing tectonic intensity. It is seen that the environmental impress on the sediments diminishes as a function of increasing tectonic intensity.