Sequence architecture and depositional evolution of the Late Miocene to quaternary northeastern shelf margin of the South China Sea

The relative sea level changes reflected in the sequence architecture of the study area are basically consistent with Haq's global sea level curve, but the development of regional unconformities were apparently enhanced by tectonic uplift. The development of high-angle (thick) clinoforms in the Quaternary may be attributed to a high sediment supply rate and rapid tectonic subsidence. The formation of the unidirectionally migrating channels appears to have resulted from the combined effects of the northeastward South China Sea Warm Current (SCSWC) and downslope gravity flow. The formation of the slope channels in the outer-shelf to shelf-break zone may be predominately controlled by bottom current, whereas those developed along the middle to lower slope zone may be dominated by gravity flow.