An ancient linked fluid migration system: Cold-seep deposits and sandstone intrusions in the Panoche Hills, California, USA

Hilde Schwartz, James Sample, Kevin D. Weberling, Daniel Minisini, J. Casey Moore

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

80 Scopus citations

Abstract

In central California, Maastrichtian-Danian shales of the Moreno Formation preserve a fluid migration system that developed along the western margin of the former Great Valley forearc basin. The system consists of a network of interconnected sandstone intrusions linked to overlying fossiliferous carbonates whose geochemistry, fauna, and petrology are characteristic of active cold seeps. The system is approximately 800 m thick and represents episodic migration and seafloor expulsion of fluids over at least 0.5×106 years. This locality has the most extensive exposure yet discovered of a complete seep system, from underlying fluid pathways to seep deposits and associated communities.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)340-350
Number of pages11
JournalGeo-Marine Letters
Volume23
Issue number3-4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2003

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oceanography
  • Environmental Science (miscellaneous)
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Earth and Planetary Sciences (miscellaneous)

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