Autogenic Dynamics


The spatial and temporal variability of sedimentation can affect models that scientists use to interpret the stratigraphic record. Not all of this variability arises do to changing environmental conditions. Internally generated, or autogenic, terrestrial and marine sediment-transport dynamics can produce depositional patterns similar to those associated with climatic, tectonic, or sea level changes. Examples of autogenic processes include channel avulsion, dune and bar migration, and channel migration. A central challenge in accurately interpreting the sedimentary archive is determining what scales and types of deposits reflect autogenic controls on sedimentation in different environments. In addition, some of these autogenic dynamics can smear or “shred” environmental signals out over space and time, making it difficult to reconstruct Earth history from preserved strata. Our research group is tackling these questions using physical laboratory experiments, analysis of field data, and numerical models.

Recent Manuscript Titles:

Seeing through the noise: implications for signal preservation in sediment flux time series from erosional systems

Autogenic shoreline migration and its effect on the storage of carbon in marginal marine successions

Variable flood discharge constrains organic carbon preservation in deltas: Insights from physical experiments

High variability in flood discharge and stage accelerates river mobility