Hosseinyar, G.; Behbahani, R.; Chaychizadeh, S.; Lak, R., and Chakeri, M., 2013. High-resolution seismic stratigraphy and current-induced bed forms in the Khoran Strait, south of Iran.

The distribution of current-induced bed forms, shallow sub-seabed architecture, and geological development of the Khoran Strait, south of Iran, were investigated using subbottom profiler and side-scan sonar data. Current-induced bed forms in this area include a variety of dunes, such as simple large flood-dominated, composite medium to very large flood-dominated to simple-composite large to very large ebb-dominated, simple medium to very large ebb-dominated, and large symmetrical dunes. High-resolution shallow seismic profiling reveals two depositional sequences. The lower sedimentary sequence, which displays channel infills in the southern part of the study area, provides evidence of sea-level changes having resulted in the formation of four different units (A, B, C, and D). After deposition of unit D, sea-level fall led to erosion of the lower sequence. Further evolution of the basin and subsequent sea-level rise resulted in renewed inundation and formation of the upper sequence. The general seismic architecture of the area reveals both deposition and erosion along the margin of the strait, while sediment starvation prevails in the inner part of central areas.