Sedimentology and stratigraphy of syn-subduction Miocene fine-grained turbidites deposited in first stages of trench-slope basin development: Whakataki Formation, North Island, New Zealand

This study provides a detailed sedimentological, stratigraphic and depositional model for the lower Whakataki Formation. The fine-grained nature of turbidite successions common Tbcde suggests deposition associated with medial to distal submarine fan deposits. However, textural compositional immaturity, combined high carbonaceous carbonate content clastic sediments indicates proximal detrital input. In examined section Formation sedimentology facies associations identified that were deposited as dilute low-density turbidity currents transported sediment down-slope, overflowing or bypassing upper- mid-trench-slope basins into structurally confined trench-slope basin. Flows entering basin deflected north-northeast, producing palaeo-flow along axis represent in early stages development. Here, we provide (immature) highlight application ‘classical’ submarine-fan all deposits is not always appropriate.