Structural Development of the Kerinitis Delta (Greece) and Controls on Sedimentation

The Kerinitis delta in the Gulf of Corinth, Greece, is an uplifted coarse-grained Gilbert-type delta. It deposited during the Plio-Pleistocene over the syn-rift sediments of the Pirgaki-Mamousia Fault Block. This well-exposed incised delta forms a world-class example of Gilbert-type delta which has been intensively studied. Different interpretations of the delta architecture have been suggested, leading to conflicts regarding the presence of a young delta above, the nature of the topset deposits and the bottomset deposits’ presence. Outcropping basement not mentioned by any papers has been discovered on top of the delta, where topset sediments would have been expected.

This study is based on a literature review, satellite images, LiDAR, photogrammetry, XRD analyses and field data. It aims to understand the different controls on the evolution of the Kerinitis delta through 3D modelling of the study area, and to provide theories regarding the basement discovery. The observations are confronted to the previous research made in the area.

The basement on top of the delta has been proved and mapped. Topset deposits are interpreted as both alluvial and fluvial sediments. No bottomset deposits have been clearly identified. Sediment beds are globally tilted southeastward and a late sequence of sediments has been confirmed.