Geomorphological characterization of basal flow markers during recurrent mass movement: A case study from the Taranaki Basin, offshore New Zealand

This work examines the mode of basal to substrate interaction, and flow dynamics recurrent mass wasting events from a high-quality 3D seismic reflection data. The Taranaki Basin, offshore New Zealand offers unique environment understand these processes, as Neogene succession area preserves vertical stacks transport deposits (MTDs) Miocene Pliocene. approach used here combines interpretation shear zones (BSZs) MTD, attribute analyses colour rendering both RMS amplitude energy gradient maps. five are characterized into blocky-MTDs consisting moderate high variably deformed rafted blocks, chaotic masses composed slides debris deposits. Classic examples kinematic indicators at BSZ MTDs akin free-slip processes such liquefaction, hydroplaning wetting convolute fabrics zone cut-offs (fractures). Striations, grooves, mega scours, U- V-shaped erosion, monkey fingers (peel backs), deformation shearing associated with no-slip flows, suggesting that movements efficiently interacted underlying substrate. Importantly, intersection different along BSZs all suggests an overlap regimes, overprinting transformation during movement. Although tooling by blocks seems dominant remobilization blocky MTDs, presence other signifies combined mechanisms involving free-flow their translation. classification scheme evaluated innovatively shows habitually occur through combination rather than independent regime.