Source to sink (S2S) control on the deepwater depositional systems in Gulf of Papua: Insights from seafloor morphology, acoustic facies and turbidite sand provenance
Two adjacent and contrasting deepwater systems, the Pandora and Moresby Troughs in the Gulf of Papua, have been investigated through C 14 dating of cores, sand provenance, sonar and seismic data in order to link sediment flux, sources, routing and the resultant morphology and facies. Our studies reveal contrasting depositional stories due to interacting glacio eustasy, coastal hydrodynamics, and tectonics. The Pandora Trough resembles a typical passive margin with sediments of dissected arc/recycled orogen provenance, whereas the Moresby Trough with a narrow shelf and mature canyons is a more typical active margin system with transitional to dissected arc sediment provenance. The major implication for sediment delivery is timing. During the Holocene highstand, clastic delivery to the deep sea ceased in Pandora Trough, but has remained continuous in Moresby Trough via direct river transfer and shelf clinoform reworking via coastal currents, creating a unique highstand fan system.