The record of fluvial-aeolian interaction at different scales in a foreland setting

Abstract

In dryland environments, fluvial and aeolian processes interact at different spatial and temporal scales. This is related to short-term changes in available runoff due to non-uniform rainfall distribution, to large-scale flooding of aeolian systems, and eventually to alternating wet and dry periods that result in complex stratigraphic successions characterised by the vertical juxtaposition of fluvial- and aeolian-dominated intervals. These different scales of interactions result in contrasting scales of sedimentary heterogeneity in the rock record. Regardless the absolute values of porosity and permeability of resulting fluvial and aeolian deposits, changes in the petrophysical properties are expected, and therefore it is necessary to understand the nature of these interactions and associated processes in order to better define exploration and development strategies in the subsurface.