Impact of synsedimentary metre-scale normal fault scarps on sediment gravity flow dynamics: An example from the Grès d’Annot Formation, SE France

Synsedimentary faults result in the direct interaction between tectonic and sedimentary processes at similar spatio-temporal scales. Sedimentological analysis of sediment-laden gravity flows in the northern part of the Grès d'Annot Formation (Sanguinière sub-basin, Col de la Moutière/Tête Ronde) has revealed the presence of fault scarps of metre-scale height. These synsedimentary fault scarps were sufficient to disturb the sediment gravity flow dynamics resulting in (i) a strong variation of the erosive behaviour of a concentrated flow and (ii) the transformation of a strongly stratified, laminar hyperconcentrated flow into a turbulent flow, in short distance (less than 500 m). These disturbances develop without the flows being deviated by the fault scarps but produce great facies heterogeneity, the least homogeneous facies (mixing sand and clay) being localized on the upstream obstacle side, the most homogeneous (massive sand) downstream.