Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Hakcheon-Chogok Megaturbidite in the Miocene Pohang-Youngduk Basin, SE Korea: high-gradient slope failure probably triggered by a giant tsunami wave

  • Article
  • Published:
Geosciences Journal Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In ancient records, discrimination of specific triggering events from sediment gravity flow deposits is very difficult, due to multiple interactions between triggering events and similar sedimentary characteristics. For this study, we introduce the Hakcheon-Chogok Megaturbidite (HCM) in the Miocene Pohang-Youngduk Basin (PYB), providing an opportunity to differentiate the triggering events. This megaturbidite is over 70 m thick in the proximal part and less than 4 m thick in the distal part. The diachronous stratigraphic position and distinct coarser sediments than those of the underlying and overlying successions suggest a large-scale slope failure of the fine-grained foreset (more than 2 km3). The occurrence of exotic granitic boulders, originating from the basement rock, more than 1 km west of the present fan-apex, is indicative of extreme sea-level run-up. The dispersal pattern and paleocurrent direction suggest that the HCM flowed to the northeast, irrespective of the local depositional slope which show a radial distribution from the fan-apex. The distribution pattern almost perpendicular to the strike of the NW-SE trending transfer fault suggests that the HCM was triggered by a reflection flow of giant tsunami wave, resulting in a large-scale failure of high-gradient (> 15° in slope angle) fandelta slope.

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

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aalto, K.R., Aalto, R., Garrison-Laney, C.E. and Abramson, H.F., 1999, Tsunami (?) sculpturing of the pebble beach wave-cut platform, Crescent City area, California. The Journal of Geology, 107, 607–622.

    Article  ADS  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Al JaAidi, O.S., McCaffrey, WD., and Kneller, B.C., 2004, Factors influencing the deposit geometry of experimental turbidity currents: implications for sand-body architecture in confined basins. In: Lomas, S.A. and Joseph, P. (eds.), Confined Turbidite Systems. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 222, p. 45–58. https://doi.org/10.1144/GSL.SP.2004.222.01

    Google Scholar 

  • Apotsos, A., Buckley, M., Gelfenbaum, G., and Jaffe, B., 2011, Process-based modeling of tsunami inundation and sediment transport. Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface, 116, 1–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bahk, J.-J., Kang, N.K., Yi, B.-Y., Lee, S.-H., Jeong, S.-W, Urgeles, R., and Yoo, D.-G., 2017, Sedimentary characteristics and processes of submarine mass-transport deposits in the Ulleung Basin and their relations to seismic and sediment physical properties. Marine Geology, 393, 124–140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.margeo.2017.05.010

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Bouma, A.H., 1962, Sedimentology of Some Flysch Deposits: A Graphic Approach to Facies Interpretation. Elsevier, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 168 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cantalamessa, G. and Di Celma, C., 2005, Sedimentary features of tsunami backwash deposits in a shallow marine Miocene setting, Mejillones Peninsula, northern Chile. Sedimentary Geology, 178, 259–273.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Cartigny, M.J.B., Eggenhuisen, J.T., Hansen, E.W.M., and Postma, G., 2013, Concentration-dependent flow stratification in experimental high-density turbidity currents and their relevance to turbidite facies models. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 83, 1046–1064.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Cherniawsky, J.Y., Titov, VV, Wang, K., and Li, J.Y., 2007, Numerical simulations of tsunami waves and currents for southern Vancouver Island from a Cascadia megathrust earthquake. Pure and Applied Geophysics, 164, 465–492.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Choe, M.Y. and Chough, S.K., 1988, The Hunghae Formation, SE Korea: Miocene debris aprons in a back-arc intraslope basin. Sedimentology, 35, 239–255.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Chough, S.K. and Barg, E. 1987, Tectonic history of Ulleung Basin margin, East Sea (Sea of Japan). Geology, 15, 45–48.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Chough, S.K., Hwang, I.G., and Choe, M.Y., 1990, The Miocene Doumsan fan-delta, Southeast Korea; a composite fan-delta system in back-arc margin. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 60, 445–455. https://doi.org/10.1306/212F91BA-2B24-11D7-8648000102C1865D

    Google Scholar 

  • Chough, S.K., Lee, S.H., Kim, J.W., Park, S.C., Yoo, D.G., Han, H.S., Yoon, S.H., Oh, S.B., Kim, Y.B., and Back, G.G., 1997, Chirp (2–7 kHz) echo characters in the Ulleung Basin. Geosciences Journal, 1, 143–153.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Choi, B.-H., Cho, Y.-S., and Yoon, S.B., 2016, Tsunami research in Korea. Natural Hazards, 84, 437–454.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clare, M.A., Clarke, J.H., Talling, P.J., Cartigny, M.J., and Pratomo, D.G., 2016, Preconditioning and triggering of offshore slope failures and turbidity currents revealed by most detailed monitoring yet at a fjord-head delta. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 450, 208–220.

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cornard, P.H. and Pickering, K.T., 2019, Supercritical-flow deposits and their distribution in a submarine channel system, Middle Eocene, Ainsa Basin, Spanish Pyrenees. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 89, 576–597.

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dawson, A.G. and Stewart, I., 2007, Tsunami deposits in the geological record. Sedimentary Geology, 200, 166–183.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Einsele, G., Chough, S.K., and Shiki, T., 1996, Depositional events and their records–an introduction. Sedimentary Geology, 107, 1–9.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Exton, M. and Yeh, H., 2022, Effects of an impermeable layer on pore pressure response to tsunami-like inundation. Proceedings of the Royal Society A, 478, 20210605. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspa.2021.0605

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Farnsworth, A., Lunt, D.J., Robinson, S.A., Valdes, P.J., Roberts, W.H., Clift, P.D., Markwick, P., Su, T., Wrobel, N., Bragg, F., Kelland, S.J., and Pancost, R.D., 2019, Past East Asian monsoon evolution controlled by paleogeography, not CO2. Science Advances, 5. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aax1697

  • Goldfinger, C., 2011, Submarine paleosiesmology based on turbidite records. Annual Review of Marine Science, 3, 35–66.

    Article  ADS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hong, S.W., Chough, S.K., and Hwang, I.G., 1998, Provenance of coarsegrained detritus in fan-delta systems, Miocene Pohang Basin, SE Korea: implications for boundary fault movements. Geosciences Journal, 2, 46–58.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Howlett, D.M., Ge, Z., Nemec, W, Gawthorpe, R.L., Rotevatn, A., and Jackson, C.A.-L., 2019, Response of unconfined turbidity current to deep-water fold and thrust belt topography: orthogonal incidence on solitary and segmented folds. Sedimentology, 66, 2425–2454.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hwang, I.G., 1993, Fan-Delta Systems in the Pohang Basin (Miocene), SE Korea. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea, 923 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hwang, I.G., Chough, S.K., Hong, S.W., and Choe, M.Y., 1995, Controls and evolution of fan delta systems in the Miocene Pohang Basin, SE Korea. Sedimentary Geology, 98, 147–179.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Hwang, I.G., Son, J., and Cho, S., 2021 Event stratigraphy of Yeonil Group, Pohang Basin: based on correlation of 21 deep cores and out-crop sections. Journal of the Geological Society of Korea, 57, 649–678. (in Korean with English abstract)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ikehara, K., Usami, K., and Kanamatsu, T., 2020, Repeated occurrence of surface-sediment remobilization along the landward slope of the Japan Trench by great earthquakes. Earth, Planets and Space, 72, 1–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Iverson, R.M., 1997, The physics of debris flows. Reviews of Geophysics, 35, 245–296.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Jelinek, V. and Kropáček, V, 1978, Statistical processing of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility measured on groups of specimens. Studia Geophysica et Geodaetica, 22, 50–62.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Jolivet, L., Fournier, M., Huchon, P., Rozhdestvenskiy, VS., Sergeyev, K.F., and Oscorbin, L.S., 1992, Cenozoic intracontinental dextral motion in the Okhotsk-Japan Sea Region. Tectonics, 11, 968–977.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Jolivet, L., Tamaki, K., and Fournier, M., 1994, Japan Sea, opening history and mechanism: a synthesis. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 99, 22237–22259. https://doi.org/10.1029/93JB03463

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kee, W-S., Kim, S.W., Kim, H., Hong, P., Kwon, C.W., Lee, H.-J., Cho, D.-L., Koh, H.J., Song, K.-Y, Byun, U.H., Jang, Y., and Lee, B.C., 2019, Geologic Map of Korea (Scale: 1:1,000,000). Korea Institute of Geo-science and Mineral Resources, Daejeon, South Korea. https://doi.org/10.22747/data.20220816.4826

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim, G.B., Yoon, S.H., Chough, S.K., Kwon, Y.K., and Ryu, B.J., 2011, Seismic reflection study of acoustic basement in the South Korea Plateau, the Ulleung Inter-plain Gap, and the northern Ulleung Basin: volcano-tectonic implications for tertiary back-arc evolution in the southern East Sea. Tectonophysics, 504, 43–56.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Kim, H.-J., Lee, G.H., Jou, H.-T., Cho, H.-M., Yoo, H.-S., Park, G.-T., and Kim, J.-S., 2007, Evolution of the eastern margin of Korea: constraints on the opening of the East Sea (Japan Sea). Tectonophysics, 436, 37–55.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Kim, J.W and Chough, S.K., 2000, A gravel lobe deposit in the prodelta of the Doumsan fan delta (Miocene), SE Korea. Sedimentary Geology, 130, 183–203.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, G.H., Kim, B., Chang, S.J., Huh, S., and Kim, H.-J., 2004, Timing of trap formation in the southwestern margin of the Ulleung Basin, East Sea (Japan Sea) and implications for hydrocarbon accumulations. Geosciences Journal, 8, 369–380.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Le Roux, J.P., Gómez, C., Fenner, J., and Middleton, H., 2004, Sedimentological processes in a scarp-controlled rocky shoreline to upper continental slope environment, as revealed by unusual sedimentary features in the Neogene Coquimbo Formation, north-central Chile. Sedimentary Geology, 165, 67–92.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Le Roux, J.P. and Vargas, G., 2005, Hydraulic behavior of tsunami back-flows: insights from their modern and ancient deposits. Environmental Geology, 49, 65–75.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Lowe, D.R., 1982, Sediment gravity flows; II, Depositional models with special reference to the deposits of high-density turbidity currents. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 52, 279–297. https://doi.org/10.1306/212F7F31-2B24-11D7-8648000102C1865D

    Google Scholar 

  • Normandeau, A., Bourgault, D., Neumeier, U., Lajeunesse, P., St-Onge, G., Gostiaux, L., and Chavanne, C., 2020 Storm-induced turbidity currents on a sediment-starved shelf: insight from direct monitoring and repeat seabed mapping of upslope migrating bedforms. Sedimentology, 67, 1045–1068.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Major, J.J., 1997, Depositional processes in large-scale debris-flow experiments. The Journal of Geology, 105, 345–366.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Mountjoy, J.J., Howarth, J.D., Orpin, A.R., Bames, P.M., Bowden, D.A., Rowden, A.A., and Kane, T., 2018, Earthquakes drive large-scale submarine canyon development and sediment supply to deep-ocean basins. Science Advances, 4. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aar3748

  • Ontowirjo, B., Paris, R., and Mano, A., 2013, Modeling of coastal erosion and sediment deposition during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in Lhok Nga, Sumatra, Indonesia. Natural Hazards, 65, 1967–1979.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park, M.E., Cho, H., Son, M., and Sohn, Y.K., 2013, Depositional processes, paleoflow patterns, and evolution of a Miocene gravelly fandelta system in SE Korea constrained by anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility analysis of interbedded mud rocks. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 48, 206–223.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Piper, D.J.W. and Normark, W.R., 2009, Processes that initiate turbidity currents and their influence on turbidites: a marine geology perspective. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 79, 347–362.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Polonia, A., Bonatti, E., Camerlenghi, A., Lucchi, R.G., Panieri, G., and Gasperini, L., 2013, Mediterranean megaturbidite triggered by the AD 365 Crete earthquake and tsunami. Scientific Reports, 3, 1285. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep01285

    Article  ADS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Postma, G., Cartigny, M., and Kleverlaan, K., 2009, Structureless, coarsetail graded Bouma Ta formed by internal hydraulic jump of the turbidity current? Sedimentary Geology, 219, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sedgeo.2009.05.018

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Satake, K., 1988, Effects of bathymetry on tsunami propagation: application of ray tracing to tsunamis. Pure and Applied Geophysics, 126, 27–36.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Shanmugam, G., 2012, Process-sedimentological challenges in distinguishing paleo-tsunami deposits. Natural Hazards, 63, 5–30.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shiki, T. and Yamazaki, T., 1996, Tsunami-induced conglomerate in Miocene upper bathyal deposits, Chita Peninsula, central Japan. Sedimentary Geology, 104, 175–188.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Shynkarenko, A., Cauzzi, C., Kremer, K., Bergamo, P., Lontsi, A., Janusz, P., and Fäh, D., 2023, On the seismic response and earthquake-triggered failures of subaqueous slope in Swiss lakes. Geophysical Journal International, 235, 566–588.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Slootman, A., Simpson, G., Castelltort, S., and de Boer, P.L., 2018, Geological record of marine tsunami backwash: the role of the hydraulic jump. The Depositional Record, 4, 59–77.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sohn, Y.K., Kim, S.B., Hwang, I.G., Bahk, J.J., Choe, M.Y., and Chough, S.K., 1997, Characteristics and depositional processes of large-scale gravelly Gilbert-type foresets in the Miocene Doumsan fan delta, Pohang Basin, SE Korea. Journal of Sedimentary Reserach, 67, 130–141.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sohn, Y.K., Rhee, C.W, and Shon, H., 2001, Revised stratigraphy and reinterpretation of the Miocene Pohang basinfill, SE Korea: sequence development in response to tectonism and eustasy in a back-arc basin margin. Sedimentary Geology, 143, 265–285.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Son, J., Cho, S., and Hwang, I.G., 2022, The Hakcheon-Chogok megaturbidite in the Miocene Pohang-Youngduk Basin, SE Korea: high-gradient slope failure induced by a giant tsunami wave. Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2356395/v1

  • Son, M., Song, C.W., Kim, M.-C., Cheon, Y., Cho, H., and Sohn, Y.K., 2015, Miocene tectonic evolution of the basins and fault systems, SE Korea: dextral, simple shear during the East Sea (Sea of Japan) opening. Journal of the Geological Society, 172, 664–680.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Sugawara, D., Minoura, K., and Imamura, F., 2008, Tsunamis and tsunami sedimentology. In: Shiki, T., Tsuji, Y., Minoura, K., and Yamazaki, T. (eds.), Tsunamiites - Features and Implications. Elsevier, Amsterdam, Netherlands, p, 9–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-51552-0.00003-5

    Google Scholar 

  • Takashimizu, Y., Kawakami, G., and Urabe, 2020, Tsunamis caused by offshore active faults and their deposits. Earth-Science Reviews, 211, 103380. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2020.103380

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Talling, P.J., 2014, On the triggers, resulting flow types and frequencies of subaqueous sediment density flows in different settings. Marine Geology, 352, 155–182.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Talling, P.J., Masson, D.G., Sumner, E.J., and Malgesini, G., 2012, Subaqueous sediment density flows: depositional processes and deposit types. Sedimentology, 59, 1937–2003.

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tappin, D.R., Evans, H.M., Jordan, C.J., Richmond, B., Sugawara, D., and Goto, K., 2012, Coastal changes in the Sendai area from the impact of the 2011 Tōhoku-oki tsunami: interpretations of time series satellite images, helicopter-borne video footage and field observations. Sedimentary Geology, 282, 151–174.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Urgeles, R., Bahk, J.J., Lee, S.H., Horozal, S., Cukur, D., Kim, S.P., Kim, G.Y., Jeong, S.-W., and Um, I.-K., 2019, Tsunami hazard from submarine landslides: scenario-based assessment in the Ulleung Basin, East Sea (Japan Sea). Geosciences Journal, 23, 439–460.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Watanabe, M., Goto, K., Bricker, J.D., and Imamura, F., 2018, Are inundation limit and maximum extent of sand useful for differentiating tsunamis and storms? an example from sediment transport simulations on the Sendai Plain, Japan. Sedimentary Geology, 364, 204–216.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Yeh, H. and Mason, H.B., 2014, Sediment response to tsunami loading: mechanisms and estimates. Géotechnique, 64, 131–143.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yoon, S.H. and Chough, S.K., 1995, Regional strike slip in the eastern continental margin of Korea and its tectonic implications for the evolution of Ulleung Basin, East Sea (Sea of Japan). Geological Society of America Bulletin, 107, 83–97.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Yoon, S.H., Sohn, Y.K., and Chough, S.K., 2014, Tectonic, sedimentary, and volcanic evolution of a back-arc basin in the East Sea (Sea of Japan). Marine Geology, 352, 70–88.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Yuan, J., Yu, G., Song, M., Zhong, J., Dong, D., Wang, W., and Ma, L., 2019, Depositional characteristics and reservoir potential of Paleogene sediment gravity flow deposits on a faulted slope of the Zhanhua Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China. Journal of Asian Earth Science, 177, 89–106.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the Basic Research Project of the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources to HL (GP2020-006).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Petroleum and Resources Technology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea

    Junghee Son, Soonmi Cho & In Gul Hwang

  2. Petroleum Energy Research Center, Marine Geology and Energy Division, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, 124 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34132, Republic of Korea

    Junghee Son, Soonmi Cho & In Gul Hwang

Authors
  1. Junghee Son
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Soonmi Cho
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. In Gul Hwang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to In Gul Hwang.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Son, J., Cho, S. & Hwang, I.G. The Hakcheon-Chogok Megaturbidite in the Miocene Pohang-Youngduk Basin, SE Korea: high-gradient slope failure probably triggered by a giant tsunami wave. Geosci J (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12303-024-0004-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12303-024-0004-6

Key words

Search

Navigation