Spatial Distribution Laws and Geological Significances of Paleo-channels Under the Ocean of Southwestern Hainan Island

Abstract

Paleo-channels are one of the geological hazards on the continental shelf. Analyzing the laws of spatial distribution and unearthing the hidden geological significances could provide basis for ocean engineering and disaster prevention and mitigation, and it′s useful to restore the sedimentary processes. After paleo-channels were identified and their spatial distribution laws were studied, three periods were sorted for paleo-channels in the sedimentary layers under the ocean of southwestern Hainan Island, most of which were found under the seabed above which the depth is from 30 m to 80 m, which were speculated to be developed in MIS2, MIS4 and MIS5. The hydrodynamic forces of ancient rivers were weak on the whole, and the spatial distribution of paleo-channels were generally controlled by the spatial distribution of coastlines in Hainan Island. Most of the sedimentary materials were from Hainan Island, Some of which may come from the paleo Red River basin. Although affected by sea level fluctuation, the spatial distribution pattern of river system had strong continuity under the influence of sea level fluctuation.

Keywords

• hainan island
• paleo-channels
• geological hazards
• sedimentation