Geo-Marine Letters

, Volume 38, Issue 3, pp 259–272 | Cite as

Late Pleistocene sequence architecture on the geostrophic current-dominated southwest margin of the Ulleung Basin, East Sea

  • Dong-Lim Choi
  • Dong-Hyeok Shin
  • Byung-Cheol Kum
  • Seok Jang
  • Jin-Hyung Cho
  • Hyeong-Tae Jou
  • Nam-Do Jang
Original
First Online:
Received:
Accepted:
  • 149 Downloads

Abstract

High-resolution multichannel seismic data were collected to identify depositional sequences on the southwestern shelf of the Ulleung Basin, where a unidirectional ocean current is dominant at water depths exceeding 130 m. Four aggradational stratigraphic sequences with a 100,000-year cycle were recognized since marine isotope stage (MIS) 10. These sequences consist only of lowstand systems tracts (LSTs) and falling-stage systems tracts (FSSTs). Prograding wedge-shaped deposits are present in the LSTs near the shelf break. Oblique progradational clinoforms of forced regressive deposits are present in the FSSTs on the outer continental shelf. Each FSST has non-uniform forced regressional stratal geometries, reflecting that the origins of sediments in each depositional sequence changed when sea level was falling. Slump deposits are characteristically developed in the upper layer of the FSSTs, and this was used as evidence to distinguish the sequence boundaries. The subsidence rates around the shelf break reached as much as 0.6 mm/year since MIS 10, which contributed to the well-preserved depositional sequence. During the Quaternary sea-level change, the water depth in the Korea Strait declined and the intensity of the Tsushima Current flowing near the bottom of the inner continental shelf increased. This resulted in greater erosion of sediments that were delivered to the outer continental shelf, which was the main cause of sediment deposition on the deep, low-angled outer shelf. Therefore, a depositional sequence formation model that consists of only FSSTs and LSTs, excluding highstand systems tracts (HSTs) and transgressive systems tracts (TSTs), best explains the depositional sequence beneath this shelf margin dominated by a geostrophic current.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in to check access.

Notes

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries (MOF)-supported project PMS266D, and the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST)-sponsored project PE99533. We would like to thank the crews of the R/V Eardo for their assistance during the cruises. Also acknowledged are constructive comments from two reviewers.

Compliance with ethical standards

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest with third parties.

References

  1. Anderson JB, Rodriguez A, Abdulah KC, Fillon RH, Banfield LA, McKeown HA, Wellner JS (2004) Late quaternary stratigraphic evolution of the northern Gulf of Mexico margin: a synthesis. In: Anderson JB, Fillon RH (eds) Late quaternary stratigraphic evolution of the northern Gulf of Mexico margin, vol 79. SEPM Spec Publ, Tulsa, pp 1–23Google Scholar
  2. Ashley GM (1990) Classification of large-scale subaqueous bedforms: a new look at an old problem. SEPM Bedforms and bedding structures research symposium. J Sediment Petrol 60:160–172CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  3. Berné S, Vagner P, Guichard F, Lericolais G, Liu Z, Yin P, Trentesaux A, Yi HI (2002) Pleistocene forced-regressions and tidal sand ridges in the East China Sea. Mar Geol 188(3-4):293–315.  https://doi.org/10.1016/S0025-3227(02)00446-2 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  4. Catuneanu O (2002) Sequence stratigraphy of clastic systems: concepts, merits, and pitfalls. J Afr Earth Sci 35(1):1–43.  https://doi.org/10.1016/S0899-5362(02)00004-0 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  5. Catuneanu O (2006) Principles of sequence stratigraphy. Elsevier, AmsterdamGoogle Scholar
  6. Chiocci FL, Ercilla G, Torres J (1997) Stratal architecture of western Mediterranean margins as the result of the stacking of quaternary lowstand deposits below ‘glacio-eustatic fluctuation base-level. Sediment Geol 112(3-4):195–217.  https://doi.org/10.1016/S0037-0738(97)00035-3 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  7. Choi DL (1995) Cenozoic seismic stratigraphy and geologic structures in the southern margin of the Ulleung Basin and its tectonic evolution. PhD thesis, Inha UniversityGoogle Scholar
  8. Choi DL, Oh JK, Lee CW, Woo HJ (1997) High resolution seismic characteristics of the Holocene mud deposits in the southeast inner shelf, Korea. The Sea, J Korean Soc Oceanogr 2:8–13Google Scholar
  9. Choi DL, Kim HJ, Jou HT, Jeong SK, Lee YK, Lee TH (2013) Right-lateral strike-slip movement of the South Korea plateau associated with the opening of the East Sea (Sea of Japan). Ocean Sci J 48(1):59–66.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s12601-013-0005-2 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  10. Choi DL, Lee YK, Shin DH, Woo HJ (2016) Holocene depositional patterns of the subaqueous Nakdong Delta on the Korea Strait with respect to sequence stratigraphy. Ocean Sci J 51(2):251–261.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s12601-016-0021-0 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  11. Chough SK, Barg E (1987) Tectonic history of Ulleung basin margin, East Sea (Sea of Japan). Geology 15(1):45–48.  https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1987)15<45:THOUBM>2.0.CO;2 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  12. Chough SK, Yoon SH, Park SJ (1997) Stratal patterns in the southwestern margin of the Ulleung Basin off southeast Korea: sequence architecture controlled by back-arc tectonism. Geo-Mar Lett 17(3):207–212.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s003670050028 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  13. Chough SK, Lee HJ, Yoon SH (2000) Marine geology of Korean seas, 2nd edn. Elsevier, AmsterdamGoogle Scholar
  14. Correggiari A, Trincardi F, Langone L, Roveri M (2001) Styles of failure in late Holocene highstand prodelta wedges on the Adriatic shelf. J Sediment Res 71(2):218–236.  https://doi.org/10.1306/042800710218 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  15. Cross TA (1991) High-resolution stratigraphic correlation from the perspectives of base-level cycles and sediment accommodation. In: Dolson J (ed) Unconformity related hydrocarbon exploration and accumulation in Clastic and carbonate settings. Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists, Short Course Notes, pp 28–41Google Scholar
  16. Cukur D, Kim S-P, Kong G-S, Bahk J-J, Horozal S, Um I-K, Lee G-S, Chang T-S, Ha H-J, Völker D, Kim J-K (2016) Geophysical evidence and inferred triggering factors of submarine landslides on the western continental margin of the Ulleung Basin, East Sea. Geo-Mar Lett 36(6):425–444.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00367-016-0463-5 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  17. Ercilla G, Farrán M, Alonso B, Díaz JI (1994) Pleistocene progradational growth pattern of the northern Catalonia continental shelf (northwestern Mediterranean). Geo-Mar Lett 14(4):264–271.  https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01274062 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  18. Evans CDR, Brett CP, James JWC, Holmes R (1995) Shallow seismic reflection profiles from the waters of east and Southeast Asia - an interpretation manual and atlas. Technical report WC/94/60 overseas geology series, BGS Technical Report WC/94/60Google Scholar
  19. Gallagher SJ, Kitamura A, Iryu Y, Itaki T, Koizumi I, Hoiles PW (2015) The Pliocene to recent history of the Kuroshio and Tsushima currents: a multi-proxy approach. Prog Earth Planet Sci 2:1–23CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  20. Hernández-Molina FJ, Somoza L, Lobo F (2000) Seismic stratigraphy of the Gulf of Cádiz continental shelf: a model for late quaternary very high-resolution sequence stratigraphy and response to sea-level fall. In: Hunt D, RLG G (eds) Sedimentary responses to forced regressions, vol 172. Geol Soc Lond Spec Publ, London, pp 329–362Google Scholar
  21. Hill JC, Brothers DS, Craig BK, ten Brink US, Chaytor JD, Flores CH (2017) Geologic controls on submarine slope failure along the central U.S. Atlantic margin: insights from the Currituck slide complex. Mar Geol 385:114–130.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.margeo.2016.10.007 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  22. Hübscher C, Spieß V (2005) Forced regression systems tracts on the Bengal shelf. Mar Geol 219(4):207–218.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.margeo.2005.06.037 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  23. Hunt D, Tucker ME (1992) Stranded parasequences and the forced regressive wedge systems tract: deposition during base-level fall. Sediment Geol 81(1-2):1–9.  https://doi.org/10.1016/0037-0738(92)90052-S CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  24. Hunt D, Tucker ME (1995) Stranded parasequences and the forced regressive wedge systems tract: deposition during base-level fall––reply. Sediment Geol 95(1-2):147–160.  https://doi.org/10.1016/0037-0738(94)00123-C CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  25. Imbrie J, Hays JD, Martinson DG, McIntyre A, Mix AC, Morley JJ, Pisias NG, Prell WL, Shackleton NJ (1984) The orbital theory of Pleistocene climate: support from a revised chronology of the marine δ O18 record. In: Berger A, Imbrie J, Hays J, Kukla G, Saltzman B (eds) Milankovitch and climate. Series C: mathematical and physical sciences, vol 126. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Hingham, pp 269–305Google Scholar
  26. Itoh Y, Nagasaki Y (1996) Crustal shortening of Southwest Japan at the end of Miocene. The. Island Arc 5(3):337–353.  https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1738.1996.tb00035.x CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  27. Jolivet L, Tamaki K, Fournier M (1994) Japan Sea, opening history and mechanism: a synthesis. J Geophys Res 99(B11):22237–22259.  https://doi.org/10.1029/93JB03463 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  28. Kim HJ, Lee GH, Choi DL, Jou HT, Li Z, Zheng Y, Kim GY, Lee SH, Kwon YK (2015) Back-arc rifting in the Korea plateau in the East Sea (Japan Sea) and the separation of the southwestern Japan arc from the Korean margin. Tectonophysics 638:147–157.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2014.11.003 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  29. Kitamura A, Takano O, Takada H, Omote H (2001) Late Pliocene–early Pleistocene paleoceanographic evolution of the Japan Sea. Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol 172(1-2):81–98.  https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-0182(01)00272-3 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  30. Kolla V, Biondi P, Long B, Fillon R (2000) Sequence stratigraphy and architecture of the late Pleistocene lagniappe delta complex, northeast Gulf of Mexico. In: Hunt D, Gawthorpe RL (eds) Sedimentary responses to forced regressions. Geol Soc Lond Spec Publ 172:291–327Google Scholar
  31. Kong GS, Park SC (2007) Paleoenvironmental changes and depositional history of the Korea (Tsushima) strait since the LGM. J Asian Earth Sci 29(1):84–104.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2006.01.004 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  32. Lee HJ (2005) Undersea landslides: extent and significance in the Pacific Ocean, an update. Natural hazards earth. Syst Sci 5:877–892Google Scholar
  33. Lee JC, Kim DH (2016) Observations of bottom currents in the Korea Strait. Korean. J Fish Aquat Sci 49:393–403Google Scholar
  34. Lee HJ, Chough SK, Yoon SH (1996) Slope-stability change from late Pleistocene to Holocene in the Ulleung Basin, East Sea (Japan Sea). Sediment Geol 104(1-4):39–51.  https://doi.org/10.1016/0037-0738(95)00119-0 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  35. Lee SH, Chough SK, Back GG, Kim YB (2002) Chirp (2-7-kHz) echo characters of the South Korea plateau, East Sea: styles of mass movement and sediment gravity flow. Mar Geol 184(3-4):227–247.  https://doi.org/10.1016/S0025-3227(01)00283-3 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  36. Lee GH, Kim DC, Kim HJ, Jou HT, Lee YJ (2005) Shallow gas in the central part of the Korea Strait shelf mud off the southeastern coast of Korea. Cont Shelf Res 25(16):2036–2052.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csr.2005.08.008 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  37. Lee GH, Yoon Y, Nam BH, Lim H, Kim YS, Kim HJ, Lee K (2011) Structural evolution of the southwestern margin of the Ulleung Basin, East Sea (Japan Sea) and tectonic implications. Tectonophysics 502(3-4):293–307.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2011.01.015 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  38. Lobo FJ, Ridente D (2014) Stratigraphic architecture and spatio-temporal variability of high-frequency (Milankovitch) depositional cycles on modern continental margins: an overview. Mar Geol 352:215–247.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.margeo.2013.10.009 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  39. McAdoo BG, Pratson LF, Orange DL (2000) Submarine landslide geomorphology, US continental slope. Mar Geol 169(1-2):103–136.  https://doi.org/10.1016/S0025-3227(00)00050-5 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  40. Miita T, Ogawa Y (1984) Tsushima currents measured with current meters and drifters. In: Ichiye T (ed) Ocean hydrodynamics of the Japan and East China seas. Elsevier Sciences, pp 67–76Google Scholar
  41. Mitchum RM, Vail PR, Sangree JB (1977) Seismic stratigraphy and global changes of sea-level, part 6: stratigraphic interpretation of seismic reflection patterns in depositional sequences. In: Payton CE (ed) Seismic stratigraphy - applications to hydrocarbon exploration. AAPG Memoir 26:117–133Google Scholar
  42. Mizuno S, Kawatate K, Miita T (1986) Current and temperature observations in the east Tsushima Channel and the sea of Genka. Prog Oceanogr 17(3-4):277–295.  https://doi.org/10.1016/0079-6611(86)90050-9 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  43. Park YA (1985) Late quaternary sedimentation on the continental shelf off the southeast coast of Korea. J Oceanol Soc Korea 20:55–61Google Scholar
  44. Park SC, Yoo DG, Lee KW, Lee HH (1999) Accumulation of recent muds associated with coastal circulations, southeastern Korea Sea (Korea Strait). Cont Shelf Res 19(5):589–608.  https://doi.org/10.1016/S0278-4343(98)00106-X CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  45. Plint AG, Nummedal D (2000) The falling stage systems tract: recognition and importance in sequence stratigraphic analysis. In: Hunt D, Gawthorpe RLG (eds) Sedimentary responses to forced regressions. Geol Soc Lond Spec Publ 172:1–17Google Scholar
  46. Posamentier HW (2001) Lowstand alluvial bypass systems: incised vs. unincised. AAPG Bull 85:1771–1793Google Scholar
  47. Posamentier HW, Allen GP (1999) Siliciclastic sequence stratigraphy – concepts and applications. SEPM Concepts in Sedimentology and Paleontology, vol 7Google Scholar
  48. Posamentier HW, Morris WR (2000) Aspects of the stratal architecture of forced regressive deposits. In: Hunt D, Gawthorpe RLG (eds) Sedimentary responses to forced regressions. Geol Soc Lond Spec Publ 172:19–46Google Scholar
  49. Rabineau M, Berné S, Olivet J, Aslanian D, Guillocheau F, Jodeph P (2006) Paleo sea-levels recognised from direct observation of paleoshoreline during glacial maxima (for the last 500,000 yr). Earth Planet Sci Lett 252(1-2):119–137.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2006.09.033 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  50. Riboulot V, Cattaneo A, Berné S, Schneider RR, Voisset M, Imbert P, Grimaud S (2012) Geometry and chronology of late quaternary depositional sequences in the eastern Niger Submarine Delta. Mar Geol 319-322:1–20.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.margeo.2012.03.002 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  51. Ridente D, Trincardi F (2002) Eustatic and tectonic control on deposition and lateral variability of quaternary regressive sequences in the Adriatic basin. Mar Geol 184(3-4):273–293.  https://doi.org/10.1016/S0025-3227(01)00296-1 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  52. Ridente D, Petrungaro R, Falese F, Chiocci FL (2012) Middle–upper Pleistocene record of 100-ka depositional cycles on the southern Tuscany continental margin (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy): sequence architecture and margin growth pattern. Mar Geol 326-328:1–13.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.margeo.2012.09.003 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  53. Schumm SA (1993) River response to baselevel change: implications for sequence stratigraphy. J Geol 101(2):279–294.  https://doi.org/10.1086/648221 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  54. Shanmugam G (2016) Slides, slumps, debris flows, turbidity currents, and bottom currents. Reference module in earth systems and environmental sciences. Elsevier, AmsterdamGoogle Scholar
  55. Stow DAV, Hernández-Molina FJ, Llave E, Sayago-Gil M, del Río VD, Branson A (2009) Bedform-velocity matrix: the estimation of bottom current velocity from bedform observations. Geology 37(4):327–330.  https://doi.org/10.1130/G25259A.1 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  56. Sydow J, Roberts HH (1994) Stratigraphic framework of a late Pleistocene shelf-edge delta, northeast Gulf of Mexico. AAPG Bull 78:1276–1312Google Scholar
  57. Takikawa T, Yoon JH, Cho KD (2005) The Tsushima warm current through Tsushima Straits estimated from ferryboat ADCP data. J Phys Oceanogr 35(6):1154–1168.  https://doi.org/10.1175/JPO2742.1 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  58. Tamaki K, Suyehiro K, Allan J, Ingle JC Jr, Pisciotto KA (1992) Tectonic synthesis and implications of Japan Sea ODP drilling. Proceedings Ocean Drilling Program, Scientific Results 127/128:1333–1348Google Scholar
  59. Teague WJ, Jacobs GA, Perkins HT, Book JW, Chang KI, Suk MS (2002) Low frequency current observations in the Korea/Tsushima Strait. J Phys Oceanogr 32(6):1621–1641.  https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0485(2002)032<1621:LFCOIT>2.0.CO;2 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  60. Twichell DC, Chaytor JD, ten Brink US, Buczkowski B (2009) Morphology of late quaternary submarine landslides along the U.S. Atlantic continental margin. Mar Geol 264(1-2):4–15.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.margeo.2009.01.009 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  61. Yoo DG, Park SC (2000) High-resolution seismic study as a tool for sequence stratigraphic evidence of high-frequency sea-level changes: latest Pleistocene-Holocene example from the Korea Strait. J Sediment Res 70(2):296–309.  https://doi.org/10.1306/2DC40912-0E47-11D7-8643000102C1865D CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  62. Yoo DG, Park SC, Sunwoo D, JH O (2003) Evolution and chronology of late Pleistocene shelf-perched lowstand wedges in the Korea Strait. J Asian Earth Sci 22(1):29–39.  https://doi.org/10.1016/S1367-9120(03)00020-8 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  63. Yoo DG, Kim SP, Lee CW, Chang TS, Kang NK, Lee GS (2014) Late quaternary transgressive deposits in a low-gradient environmental setting: Korea Strait shelf, SE Korea. Quat Intl 344:156–169.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2014.02.004 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  64. Yoon SH, Sohn YK, Chough SK (2014) Tectonic, sedimentary, and volcanic evolution of a back-arc basin in the East Sea (sea of Japan). Marine Geology 352:70–88.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.margeo.2014.03.004 CrossRefGoogle Scholar

Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2017

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.South Sea Environment Research CenterKorea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST)GeojeRepublic of Korea
  2. 2.Marine Security Research CenterKorea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST)AnsanRepublic of Korea
  3. 3.Marine Active Fault Research CenterKorea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST)AnsanRepublic of Korea

Personalised recommendations