Journal of Earth Science & Climatic Change
Open Access

Abstract

The first interpretative field map and geochemistry of exhumed conical mud volcanoes in a Persian Gulf salt flat are reported. The siliciclastic low heat flow margin of the northern Arabian Gulf (Kuwait) produced sedimentary conditions with numerous multilayered, unstable density gradients that were highly susceptible to recording liquefaction effects. The geotechnical conditions of a sabkha and the effects of local seismic activity were ideal in the marginal sediments in Kuwait Bay and well-suited for the development of deformation features. Three-dimensional, pseudo-biohermal exposures exhibit ellipsoidal pillows with craters separated by fluidized channels forming a chaotic orientation. The size and morphology of these structures together with cogenetic mud volcanoes is strongly influenced by sedimentary factors such as density gradients, tectonic events such as localized seismic activity and geochemistry of the fluids. Diapirs emerged in coincidence with syn-sedimentary deformation and the mud remobilization responded to episodic seismic activity. These structures represent new abiotic sedimentary features in sabkhas but the per-ascensum nature of the fluid offers comparisons to siliceous hot-water vents in southeastern Brazil.

Biography

Email: phytokarst@gmail.com