Response of deep-water fore-arc systems to sea-level changes, tectonic activity and volcaniclastic input in Central America

Abstract

The incipient island-arc system of southern Central America (Cretaceous - early Oligocene) is characterized by thick turbidite systems, which mainly filled inner fore-arc troughs. Outcrop data show four second-order depositional sequences in the deep-water sediments. The formation of these depositional sequences is strongly related to the morphotectonic evolution of the island-arc system. Each depositional sequence reflects the complex interaction between global sea-level fluctuations, sediment supply and tectonic activity. Strong marginal uplift and high volcaniclastic sediment supply during early to late Paleocene and late Eocene times caused the formation of coarse-grained channel-lobe systems. During late Paleocene and mid-Eocene times, fine-grained, thin-bedded turbidite systems were deposited, owing to regional subsidence and a decrease in volcanic supply. Uplift and subsidence of sediment-source areas acted as major controls on deposition of basinal cycles.