This is a project to study the processes of sediment transport and accumulation that lead to development of the clinoforms on the Gulf of Papua (GoP) continental shelf. Shelf clinoforms are the dominant components of continental-margin stratigraphy, but little is known about the processes that create them. By combining field research (seismic profiling and piston coring) and numerical modeling, quantitative understanding of mid-shelf clinoform development at geologic time scales can be developed. These studies will test the hypothesis that the predominant mechanism for creating the present-day clinoform morphology is across-shelf gravity flow of fluid muds, whereas underlying strata may have formed in different conditions in response to changing rates of sea-level rise and sediment supply.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
0305699
Program Officer
Rodey Batiza
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2003-10-01
Budget End
2006-09-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$193,844
Indirect Cost
Name
Pennsylvania State University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
University Park
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
16802