Depositional processes and environmental changes during initial flooding of an epeiric platform: Liguan Formation (Cambrian Series 2), Shandong Province, China

This paper focuses on the depositional processes and environmental changes during initial marine flooding recorded in the lower Cambrian succession of the North China Platform in Shandong Province, China. In order to understand imbalance of accommodation and sediment supply in the initial stage of basin-fill, a detailed analysis of sedimentary facies was made for the lowermost siliciclastic deposits of the Liguan Formation. It reveals ten siliciclastic lithofacies in three large-scale outcrops (Jinhe, Anqianzhuang, and Zhangjiapo sections). These facies are grouped into four facies associations, representing siliciclastic foreshore-shoreface (S1), siliciclastic offshore (S2), distributary mouth bars (S3), and coastal plain (S4). The siliciclastic components occur in a linear belt, emanating from a major drainage system in the northeastern part of the platform. Deposition of siliciclastic sediments was largely controlled by regional topography of the unconformable surface and shoreline configuration as well as strong effect of waves and currents. With ensued rise in sea level and decrease in siliciclastic sediment supply, carbonate sediments prevailed, filling the accommodation created by epeirogenic subsidence and sediment loading.