Turbostratisierung

Turbostratifizierung is a term used in geology and sedimentology to describe a specific type of sedimentary layering characterized by rapid fluctuations in depositional energy and sediment characteristics. It is often associated with environments that experience frequent and intense disturbances, such as flash floods, debris flows, or periods of high wave action. The resulting deposits are typically heterogeneous, with distinct layers of varying grain size, sorting, and composition that can occur in close proximity.

These layers often exhibit abrupt contacts rather than gradual transitions. One layer might be coarse-grained and poorly sorted, indicating a high-energy depositional event, while the immediately overlying layer could be fine-grained and well-sorted, reflecting a period of calmer conditions or deposition from suspension. The thickness of these individual turbostrata can vary significantly, from millimeters to several meters.

Turbostratified sequences are commonly found in alluvial fan deposits, submarine fans, and deltaic environments. The recognition of turbostratification in ancient rock formations provides valuable insights into the paleohydrology, paleo-topography, and energy dynamics of past depositional systems. It signifies a dynamic and unstable sedimentary environment where depositional conditions changed rapidly over short time scales. The interpretation of turbostratified units helps geologists reconstruct past landscapes and understand the processes that shaped them.