The influence of hybrid sediment gravity flows on distribution and composition of trace-fossil assemblages: Ordovician succession of the north-eastern Alborz Range of Iran

The distribution of conventional subichnofacies in deep-water fan systems (i.e. Ophiomorpha rudis-Paleodictyon-Nereites-subichnofacies) depends on the presence of fully turbulent non-cohesive flows such as low-density turbidites and high-density turbidites. However, changes in flow state between laminar and turbulent conditions can affect the distribution style of conventional subichnofacies. This study deals with the effects of environmental or ecological stressors as a result of hybrid sediment gravity flows (hybrid event beds) on distribution and composition of trace fossils in the deep-marine depositional system of the Ordovician Ghelli Formation in the north-eastern Alborz Range. The spatial distribution and sedimentological character of hybrid sediment gravity flows, in particular their abundance in the down-dip parts of lobe-related facies associations, are interpreted as products of longitudinal and lateral transformation from turbidity currents to debris flows promoted by incorporation of significant claystone and mudstone clasts into the flow by seafloor erosion and flow bulking. Seven trace-fossil assemblages were recognized in the channel and lobe-related facies associations. The observed spatial distribution of trace-fossil assemblages in the interpreted frontal and lateral lobe fringes, somewhat contrasts with conventional subichnofacies distribution models. The development of cohesive flows and rapid emplacement of turbidite, banded and debrite beds could be accompanied by fluctuations in physico-chemical conditions and, hence, the time available for colonization and the lifestyle of producers. This study suggests that, compared to the archetypal models of the subichnofacies in down-dip parts of lobe-related facies associations, ichnodiversity and density of bioturbation are drastically reduced, and trace fossils are limited to simple, shallow-tier feeding strategies. Commonly, the presence of cohesive flows may have forced the producers in the Paleodictyon and Nereites-subichnofacies to migrate into lateral lobe fringe with more participation of low-density turbidites. This study shows that, in addition to sedimentological and architectural criteria, ichnological criteria can also be used to distinguish between frontal and lateral lobe-fringe deposits in unconfined systems.

Automated summary

The distribution of conventional subichnofacies in deep-water fan systems can be influenced by changes in flow state between laminar and turbulent conditions. This study investigated the effects of hybrid sediment gravity flows on the distribution and composition of trace fossils in the Ordovician Ghelli Formation. It was found that the presence of cohesive flows reduced ichnodiversity and density of bioturbation, and trace fossils were limited to simple feeding strategies.