Ontogeny of a subtidal point bar in the microtidal Venice Lagoon (Italy) revealed by three‐dimensional architectural analyses

Sedimentological and architectural features of meandering subtidal channels are relatively unexplored, their deposits commonly investigated based on facies models set up for intertidal channels. The Venice Lagoon (northern Adriatic Sea, Italy) is affected by a micro-tidal regime hosts dense network active buried tidal It represents an excellent natural laboratory to improve the current knowledge meander morphodynamics related deposits. In this study, integration high-resolution geophysical images core data allows reconstruction three-dimensional model palaeochannel, which below modern flat. study palaeochannel was 35 m wide 3 deep, formed three adjacent bends point bars. A detailed carried out associated with one these bends, that crossed minor, low-sinuosity channel two minor bank-attached This highlights bar has horseshoe shape, arose from onset accretion already-sinuous channel. Reconstructed growth stages studied show point-bar can follow different styles planform transformation, also experiencing simultaneously landward (or seaward) deposition according dominant flow direction (i.e. local asymmetry). analyses transformations occurred in parallel elevation changes thalweg, shaped pools geometry varying radius curvature bend. present relevance reconstructions link palaeomorphodynamic processes sedimentary products.