Soft-sediment deformation structures (SSDS) in the Ediacaran and lower Cambrian succession of the Aksu area, NW Tarim Basin, and their implications

The Tarim Basin, the largest continental and marine superimposed basin in the northwestern part of China, is typically viewed as a stable and uninterrupted sequence during the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition. Undeformed strata, thick shallow marine sediments and thin deep marine sediments characterize the basin. In this study, we identify various types of soft-sediment deformation structures (SSDS) and an unconformity at four localities in the Aksu area, NW Tarim Basin. SSDSs include large-scale load structures, plastic intrusions and extrusions, load casts and pillow structures, liquefied breccias, ground fissures and lateral liquefaction, boudinage-like SSDSs, mound and sag structures, slumps, and small syn-sedimentary faults. The deformed layers are sandwiched between undeformed sedimentary rocks. Deformation features are found in the (a) lower Cambrian Yuertusi Formation consisting of interbedded thin black shale and phosphorite chert layers, thick-bedded shallow gray dolomite and silicate layers; (b) upper Ediacaran Qigebulak Formation composed of dark gray to gray dolomite and grayish green mudstone layers; (c) in the brown sandstone layers of the lower Ediacaran Sugaitebulak Formation. These units contain fluvial-lacustrine, nearshore, carbonate platform, shelf, and bathyal sedimentary environments. The SSDSs and more detailed stratigraphy indicate a dynamic setting that includes the heretofore unrecognized unconformities, a sub-stratigraphic sequence interface and high magnitude seismic events. The SSDS were produced during rifting, short sub-aerial exposure and frequent seismic disturbances. Combined on the carbon and oxygen isotope records, gamma radiations and the concentrations of main and trace elements, the differences between the SSDS layers and the undeformed layers are preliminary analyzed. We propose that this sequence not reflect a stable tectonic-sedimentary environment during the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition. Therefore, these units provide a unique glimpse into paleo-tectonic activity and paleo-ecological-environmental variation in the Tarim Basin during the late period of Rodinia breakup and the assembly of Gondwana. •Various soft-sediment deformation structures are recognized in Ediacaran-Cambrian.•Rift activity, transient exposure and post-rift subsidence with paleo-earthquakes.•Not a stable tectono-sedimentary environment during the E-C transition.•SSDSs provide a unique glimpse into the paleo-tectonic-environmental variations.•Resp