Megabreccia shedding from moderns, low-relief carbonate plataforms, Nicaraguan Rise

Hine, Albert C.
Locker, Stanley D.
Tedesco, Lenore P.

August 1992

18.10-3 Reg.2400

Single-channel seismic reflection data from the margins of low-relief (150-250m, measured from edge of bank to basin), carbonate platforms on the northern Nicaraguan Rise reveal complex seismic intervals consisting of mounded, chaotic seismic facies interspersed with discontinuous, (parallel/laminated seismic facies). We interpret that these intervals contain megabreccias (chaotic facies) and sandy turbidities (parallel/laminated facies). One megabreccia is exposed on the sea floor displaying an overall fan shape having individual blocks measuring nearly 300m across and >110 m high.

GEOLOGIA-ESTRUCTURA; PLATAFORMA OCCIDENTAL; EL CARIBE; NICARAGUA;