Chirp Sonar Investigation of the Eel River Subaqueous Delta and Surrounding Shallow-Water Regions, Offshore California

Our long-term goal is to unravel the complex interplay of processes responsible for strata formation across a variety of scales. The dynamics linking short-term sediment input, dispersal, and accumulation and the formation of the longer-term stratigraphic record must be understood in order for us to construct realistic quantitative stratigraphic and morphologic models for shallow water regions. Our main objective is to determine the relationship between the Eel and Mad river systems, their subaqueous deltas, and the surrounding shallow water regions offshore Northern California in order to evaluate the importance of sediment input and dispersal, tectonic deformation, eustasy, and physiography in the formation of the stratigraphic record. Furthermore, by examining the spatial and temporal link between rapid, short-term accumulations on the shelf (e.g., flood deposits) and longer-term accumulations, we will begin to understand the processes that govern sediment redistribution and preservation.
See also ADM002252.