Particle shape trends across experimental cohesive and non‐cohesive sediment gravity flow deposits: Implications for particle fractionation and discrimination of depositional settings

Fractionation of particles in deep-water sediment gravity flows is an important factor the resulting deposit and for discriminating sedimentary environments, but remains poorly understood. Quantitative characterization particle shape was performed more than ten-thousand experimental flow experiments (both cohesive non-cohesive nature) made using coal kaolin particles. Eleven parameters were calculated their distribution trends within basin evaluated. Results indicate existence non-normal distributions observable correlations between parameters. Shape such as circularity roundness are dominant controls on variation. Strong exist mean along-flow distance from source experiments. Important differences observed parameter sampled at different areas basin, which can be grouped based depositional setting (proximal or distal) multivariate statistical analysis, especially A tendency elongated irregularly-shaped distal marginal studied validated by previous field studies real-world deep-marine deposits. Besides, fractionation less-pronounced compared with ones suggesting soundness discrimination settings solely characteristics strongly dependent parent characteristics. Yet, results highlight potential analysis revealing spatial due to hydrodynamic submarine fans. This methodology may applied seafloor subsurface samples help identify process environment.