Quantitative estimate of resedimentation in the pelagic sequence of the equatorial Pacific

A study of deep-sea sedimentation processes was undertaken in the east-central equatorial Pacific Ocean near DSDP Site 574, using lithologic information from the site and a grid of 250 km of high-resolution seismic reflection profiles. These data are used to quantitatively evaluate pelagic drape and basin-filling processes in a pelagic carbonate environment. Sediment accumulation influenced by the relief of the depositional surface, seafloor currents, and sediment supply was examined in eight seismic-stratigraphic intervals. As expected, the thinnest sediment sections occur over topographic highs and areas of steep dips, while the thickest portions occur in lows and over gradual slopes. Syn-depositional sediment redistribution varies between about 4 and 17% of the volume of the defined intervals.