Abstract
Unifite is the descriptive term applied to a structureless or faintly laminated, often thick, mud layer revealing a fining-upward trend. Study of Mediterranean basins suggests this mud type represents rapid, single event deposition from low-density gravity flows. This interpretation is based on unifite restriction to basin plains, distinct vertical and lateral petrologic trends, and lithofacies association with mud turbidites. Deposition involves accumulation in small, topographically restricted depressions, basinward displacement involving repeated failure and redeposition, slope-relief bypassing resulting in progressive fining and homogenization downslope, and modification by hyraulic jump effects at the base-of-slope.
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Stanley, D.J. Unifites: structureless muds of gravity-flow origin in Mediterranean basins. Geo-Marine Letters 1, 77–83 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02463322
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02463322