Synrift stratigraphic geometry in a transfer zone coarse-grained delta complex, Miocene Pohang Basin, SE Korea

The Gojusan fan delta is a coarse-grained delta complex on the western margin of the Miocene Pohang Basin, SE Korea. The deposits consist of five facies associations (FA): alluvial-fan conglomerates (FA I), shallow-marine mouth-bar sandstones (FA II), fluvial and mouth-bar conglomerates (FA III), Gilbert-type foreset conglomerates (FA IV) and hemipelagic mudstones (FA V). Different facies associations characterize the northern, central and southern parts of the delta complex. To the north, FA IV is laterally juxtaposed with FA I or the basement, with scarp-derived breccias along the contact. Centrally, and to the south, FA I is laterally juxtaposed with FA II, with an abrupt facies change and local inliers of basement rocks along the contact. Early alluvial fan and mouth-bar deposits are overlain by the topset (FA III) and truncated by the foreset (FA IV) of a Gilbert-type delta in the central part of the fan delta complex, whereas FA II passes transitionally upward into FA III in the south, with the latter extending basinward into a gently inclined shoal water delta front. Gilbert-type and shoal-water geometries are therefore developed in the same delta complex. The composite delta geometry is interpreted as reflecting (1) its development near an extensional transfer zone where the hangingwall relief was variable over short distances along strike, and (2) the operation of intrabasinal faults. This interpretation contrasts with previous studies that viewed the delta complex as having formed along a pull-apart basin margin.