Sediments of the Continental Shelves

Research Article| December 30, 1932 Sediments of the Continental Shelves FRANCIS P. SHEPARD FRANCIS P. SHEPARD 2The writer wishes to acknowledge his obligation to Dr. H. R. Wanless for assistance in examining various bottom samples and to Dr. J. M. Weller for many suggestions in the preparation of this manuscript. Also thanks are due to Dr. W. L. Schmitt for the loan of bottom samples from the National Museum. Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar GSA Bulletin (1932) 43 (4): 1017–1040. https://doi.org/10.1130/GSAB-43-1017 Article history received: 08 Apr 1932 first online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation FRANCIS P. SHEPARD; Sediments of the Continental Shelves. GSA Bulletin 1932;; 43 (4): 1017–1040. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/GSAB-43-1017 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search nav search search input Search input auto suggest search filter All ContentBy SocietyGSA Bulletin Search Advanced Search Abstract IntroductionMany geologists have stated that marine sediments vary from coarse to fine directly as the distance from shore and the depth of water increase. Such gradation seems so reasonable in view of our knowledge of waves and currents that what is practically a geologic axiom has come into existence. Most standard textbooks assume that this principle applies to the sediments on the present continental shelves. A well-known text states that "sand generally does not extend beyond a depth of 250 to 300 feet and the outer portion of the continental shelf is therefore covered by muds alone." Others emphasize the same principle but are less definite in their statements. The belief that such gradation of sediments occurs on the continental shelves evidently developed without regard for the abundant record of bottom samples obtained during the charting of the shelf seas for navigational purposes. The character of the bottom is . . . This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not currently have access to this article.