Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1 – 30

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Research paper

Anatomy of a submarine channel system and related fan in a

foramol/rhodalgal carbonate sedimentary setting: a case history
from the Miocene syn-rift Sardinia Basin, Italy
Mario Vigoritoa,1, Marco Murrub,2, Lucia Simonea,*
a
Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Napoli bFederico II Q, Largo San Marcellino 10, 80138 Napoli, Italy
b
Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Cagliari, via Trentino 51, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
Received 11 August 2003; received in revised form 25 August 2004; accepted 22 October 2004

Abstract

During Aquitanian–Burdigalian times, thick mixed carbonate–siliciclastic successions were deposited in basins located on
the grabens and half-grabens along the Oligo-Miocene Sardinia Rift Basin. Locally active tectonics, sea level variations and
ecological factors combined to control the development and distribution of foramol carbonate factories as well as the
remobilisation and the redeposition of carbonate sediments into the adjacent deeper areas.
In the Isili Basin, foramol/rhodalgal carbonate factories developed on submerged structural highs which resulted from pre-
and syn-sedimentary tectonics. These carbonate factories were periodically shaved mainly during negative sea level oscillations
and the sediments removed were funnelled towards the basin through a complex submarine channel network which included a
tributary belt, one main channel (Isili Channel) and the related fan.
The Isili Channel is up to 1 km wide, 60–100 m deep and includes two stacked channel complexes each built up by several
minor-order channel units. Complex strata geometries characterise the Isili Channel and its related architectural elements (e.g.,
overbank, levee, margin and channel thalweg) which also include up to 15 m high bedforms.
Individual channel complexes were temporally related to individual fan systems whose spatial distribution and internal
geometry were strongly controlled by the type and rate of sediment accumulation and, in turn, by relative sea level
oscillations.
Facies associations include sandy to cobble-sized gravity flow and bottom current deposits as well as megabreccias
characterised by impressive displaced and tilted blocks which resulted from major channel margin collapses.
Detailed analysis has led to the reconstruction of the internal geometry and depositional architecture of these carbonate
bodies and to the determination of the main controlling factors. The dimension and distribution of channel and channel-related

* Corresponding author. Tel.: +39 81 5473325; fax: +39 81 5525611.

E-mail address: lusimone@unina.it (L. Simone).
1
Fax: +39 81 5525611.
2
Fax: +39 70 282236.

0037-0738/$ - see front matter D 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.sedgeo.2004.10.003
2 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30
depositional bodies have been accurately determined. This information provides a useful tool to analyse less extensively
exposed analogues and to model foramol shelf to basin transitions and related channel and fan systems.
D 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Miocene; Sardinia; Syn-rift Basins; Foramol/rhodalgal facies; Submarine channels; Submarine fans
1. Introduction
During the last 20 years, models for carbonate
depositional systems have been proposed in which
open shelf, skeletal debris covered sea bottoms,
support biological assemblages of foramol/rhodalgal
type (Carannante et al., 1981, 1988a, 1995, 1997;
Nelson, 1978; see also Nelson, 1988; James and
Clarke, 1997). Foramol/rhodalgal biological assemb-
lages largely dominate carbonate shelves at high
latitudes but they are able to colonise shelves at low
latitudes (tropical/subtropical settings) when environ-
mental factors favour their development in place of
chlorozoan assemblages (Lees, 1975; Carannante et
al., 1988a), thus resulting in reef-devoid shelves.
Because of their calcite-dominated mineralogy, these
skeletal carbonates are little affected by early dia-
genesis and this also contributes to the development
of unrimmed shelves (Van de Poel and Schlager,
1994; Carannante et al., 1995, 1997, 1999). Fossil and
recent examples have been described from these open
shelves in which carbonate factories have character-
istics which make them more prone to progradation
than to aggradation with major resedimentation
episodes occurring mainly during terminal high-stand,
sea level falls and low-stand (Carannante and Simone,
1988; Carannante et al., 1988b, 1994, 1996, 1999;
Nelson and Bornhold, 1983; Braga et al., 2001;
Stossel and Bernoulli, 2000). Their response to sea
level variation seems to be more akin to siliciclastic
shelves than to the chlorozoan-dominated carbonate
ones. In some cases, complex channel networks,
which acted as sediment pathways, have been
reported (see Passlow, 1997; Cherchi et al., 2000,
Cathro et al., 2003) and illustrated (Carannante, 1982;
Braga et al., 2001; Carannante and Vigorito, 2001).
Carbonate submarine channels are poorly known
compared with terrigenous analogues, and their
architectural styles as well as facies associations and
their 3D arrangement are far less understood. The
paucity of previous studies concerning this topic
necessitates reference to studies on the depositional
architectures of comparable submarine channels from
siliciclastic sedimentary environments (see Cronin,
1995; Cronin et al., 1995, 2000; Clark and Pickering,
1996). Previous studies, from both siliciclastic and
carbonate settings, led to simple and useful models,
indicating that submarine channels may be erosional,
aggradational or dmixedT (Normak, 1970; Clark and
Pickering, 1996), sinuous, braided or straight, isolated
or stacked, leveed or not, feeding lobes or not, and may
in fact occur in any number of tectonic settings and
basins with markedly different physiography and type
and rate of sediment input (see Clark and Pickering,
1996, Cronin, 1995; Cronin et al., 1995, 2000a, Braga
et al., 2001; Carannante and Vigorito, 2001; Vigorito,
2001). In some cases, syn-sedimentary tectonics
strongly controlled longevity, trend and spatial dis-
tribution and the rate of sediment input to the channel
systems both in carbonate (e.g., Braga et al., 2001;
Carannante and Vigorito, 2001) and in siliciclastic
(e.g., Kleverlaan, 1989; Cronin, 1995; Clark and
Pickering, 1996) sedimentary environments.
The aim of this paper is to define the spatial
distribution and the 3D arrangement of the carbonate
submarine channels occurring in the Isili area (south-
eastern Sardinia, Italy). In particular, by recognising
all the architectural elements that make up the
submarine channel system and by defining their
shape, internal geometry, dimension, relationships
and functions, it is possible to reconstruct the anatomy
of this depositional system and to document its
complexity.
In order to achieve these objectives, channel and
channel-related sub-environments and architectural
elements (e.g., channel margins, channel levees,
tributary and distributary channels, lobes, etc., see
Clark and Pickering, 1996; Hurst et al., 1999, Johnson
et al., 2001; Camacho et al., 2002) have been
distinguished and described.
 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30
2. Methods
Detailed geological mapping was carried out over
an area which extends for 40 km2 in the vicinity of the
village of Isili (southeastern Sardinia, Italy) and the
adjacent Riu Corrigas canyon. In this area, spectacular
canyon-walls with up to 50 m high, near to vertical
cliffs offer a superb window of observation and
facilitate the recognition of submarine channel bodies
with reasonably good 3D control.
Accurate bed to bed analysis, including sedimen-
tological studies were performed on nine sections
that were also logged. Thin sections were prepared
from the collected samples and subsequently ana-
lysed with an optical microscope. Special attention
was paid to indicative surfaces (e.g., hardgrounds,
erosion, and drowning surfaces), sedimentary struc-
tures, sedimentary stacking patterns and vertical and
lateral facies distribution patterns. Paleocurrent indi-
cators (e.g., ripples, imbricated grains, scour marks)
were recurrently measured throughout the investi-
gated area.
Fig. 1. Geological–structural sketch map of Sardinia. Location of the area investigated is shown.
3
3. Geological framework and tectonic constraints
During Oligocene–Miocene times, syn-rift sedi-
mentary sub-basins formed on the top of fault-blocks
along the margins of the main Sardinia Rift Basin
(Fig. 1) following extensional phases that character-
ised much of the Mediterranean region (Doglioni et
al., 1998, 1999; Séranne, 1999; Cherchi and Mon-
tadert, 1982, 1984; Casula et al., 2001). Active
tectonics, relative changes in sea level and localised
ecological factors combined to control the formation
of complex depositional architectures in these sub-
basins (Cherchi et al., 2000). Carbonate factories
developed locally on the topographically higher
portions of certain blocks where environmental
conditions were favourable. Tectonic instability and
relative sea level variations promoted periodical
sediment remobilisation through gravity flows and
led to redeposition in deeper areas. According to
Casula et al. (2001) the Isili area was located in the
proximity of the btwisting zoneQ or btransfer zoneQ
(Fig. 1) of the Oligo-Miocene Sardinia rift which
4 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30

served to absorb differential motion between sets of
faults thus dividing a graben system into different
compartments of opposing-polarity half-grabens. One
of the small sub-basins, formed during the rifting
phases on grabens and half-grabens located on the
margin of the main Sardinia graben system, was the
Isili Basin (Figs. 1 and 2a, b) This latter extended
approximately NNW–SSE along the Eastern side of the
Oligo-Miocene Sardinia rift (Fig. 1) and was confined
on its western side by a regional normal fault, the Isili
Fault, and on the eastern side by the Sarcidano–Monte
Rasu structural high (Figs. 1 and 2b).
Syn-rift deposits laid down in the Isili Basin
comprise up to a few hundred metres of deltaic to
open marine deposits whose distribution and thickness
were largely controlled by the palaeophysiography
and, in turn, by tectonics. In the Isili Basin, in fact,
NNW–SSE trending faults, parallel to the Isili Fault,
concurred to form a complex palaeophysiography
which favoured the development of a narrow NNW–
SSE-trending, south-plunging trough (Isili Trough,
Fig. 2b) surrounded by structural highs. Since the
Upper Oligocene–early Aquitanian times, these struc-
tural highs were partially and locally periodically
exposed (e.g., the Monte Rasu–Sarcidano area, Fig.
2a, b) and underwent severe erosion with deposition
of coarse syn-rift breccias and fan-delta conglomer-
ates along the adjacent margins of the trough (Fig. 2b;
see also Cherchi et al., 2000). These coarse deposits
pass trough-ward and upward to marine tuffaceous
sandstones (Fig. 2b).
Since the late Aquitanian, foramol/rhodalgal car-
bonate sequences (Isili Limestones) were laid down in
the Isili basin. On the northeastern margins of the Isili
Trough, the carbonate deposits include large amount
of skeletal debris as well as small patchy pioneer
benthic communities gathered in primary biogenic
concentration. These carbonate deposits rest in con-
formity over the tuffaceous sandstones, intercalated
with terrigenous/carbonate sandy/pebbly deposits
(Isili industrial area, Fig. 2a, b) and build up, together
with the previous siliciclastic syn-rift deposits, large

Fig. 2. (a) Geological sketch map of the Isili area. Paleocurrent distribution patterns from the: (1) Tributary belt, Isili Village section; (2) Isili
Channel: right margin and levee complexes West Is Cungiaduras); (3, 6) Isili Channel: right channel margin/mid-channel complexes (Pardu and
Casa Cantoniera/Is Cungiaduras); (4) Eastern side of the Isili Trough (Isili Industrial Area); (5) Isili Channel: left channel margin/levee
complexes (Casa Cantoniera section); (7) Isili Channel: left levee complexes (East Is Cungiaduras); and (8) Isili Channel: distributary zone
(S’Acqua Salia–Nuraghe Maurus). (b) Schematic SW–NE oriented stratigraphic section for the Isili Basin (not in scale).
 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30
trough-ward prograding sedimentary wedges (e.g., the
Isili industrial area, Fig. 2a, b; see also Cherchi et al.,
2000).
On the northwestern and the western sectors of the
Isili Trough (Fig. 2a, b), instead, large foramol/
rhodalgal carbonate factories developed on the palae-
zoic basement or on the previous syn-rift deposits
(breccias and tuffaceous sandstones). These carbonate
factories were located on the topographically highest
portion of the structural highs of Punta Trempu and
probably Nurallao (Fig. 2a), at water depth ranging
between 30 and 80 m (Cherchi et al., 2000). At these
water depths, which corresponded to the deep
infralittoral/circalittoral sectors of the shelf, the
rhodalgal benthic communities formed and lived in
skeletal debris, produced mainly by bioerosion pro-
cesses (Cherchi et al., 2000). The sediments derived
were swept off by flushing currents or waves and/or
periodically removed from the productive (source)
areas probably in relation to negative relative sea level
oscillations and/or tectonic events (Cherchi et al.,
2000). Displaced sediments were redeposited as
parallel to cross-stratified sedimentary bodies in
marginal areas (tributary belts), corresponding to the
outermost sectors of the shelf and to slope areas, or
were transported into deeper areas through a complex
network of channels (Isili Channel System, Murru et
al., 2001). The distribution pattern and trend of these
channels were also strongly controlled by palae-
ophysiography and, in turn, by rift-related syn-
sedimentary tectonics (Murru et al., 2001).
In the central and southern (deeper) sectors of the
Isili Trough, the carbonate sequences are overlain by
and pass eastwards to quartz-rich sandstones and
siltstones locally associated with debris-flow deposits
(Fig. 2a, b). Since the middle Burdigalian, rapid
relative sea level rise had led to deposition of a few
hundred metres of hemipelagic marls which filled the
Isili Basin and are interpreted as post-rift deposits
(Fig. 2b; Cherchi et al., 2000, Casula et al., 2001).
This marly sequence commonly shows thin intercala-
tions of clastic or mixed carbonate–clastic sandy
tubidites in the lower and middle part.
3.1. The Isili Limestones
During the late Aquitanian–early Burdigalian
times, in the Isili Basin (Figs. 1 and 2a, b) foramol/
5
rhodalgal (sensu Lees and Buller, 1972; Lees, 1975;
Carannante et al., 1988a,b) sandy to pebbly carbonate
deposits were laid down covering more than 30 km2
and ranging from 200 m in thickness in the productive
areas to a few metres in basinal settings.
According to Cherchi et al. (2000), carbonate
production occurred mainly in the shelf areas located
on the western and northern margins of the Isili
Trough (Punta Trempu and Nurallao) and the bulk of
the carbonate deposits laid down in the trough itself is
proved to have been transported through gravity flows
and/or bottom currents. Nevertheless, the same
authors pointed out that limited amounts of carbonate
sediments were locally and/or periodically produced
within the Isili Trough in both marginal and channel-
ised areas by limited extended bryozoan and/or
bivalve dominated benthic communities.
The Isili Limestones are commonly devoid of
muddy fractions and comprise rudstones, floatstones,
with grainstone to silty packstone matrix, grainstones
and rarer packstones. Main skeletal components are
red algae, bivalves, bryozoans, barnacles and ben-
thonic foraminifers. Small coral colonies locally occur
in the productive areas while planktonic foraminifers
and glauconite grains occur occasionally in the
marginal areas (e.g., Isili Village, Fig. 2a) and quite
frequently in the distal basinal ones (e.g., Nuraghe
Maurus, Fig. 2a).
The Isili Limestones are commonly well-bedded
with strata thickness ranging from a few centimetres
to several decimetres. Parallel bedding is widespread
in the productive areas while complex depositional
architectures, which will be accurately described in
this paper, characterise the adjacent outer shelf–slope
sectors (tributary belts), the main channel and the
basinal areas.
Sharp erosive and ravinement surfaces are locally
common throughout the sequences of the Isili Lime-
stones (Cherchi et al., 2000). The erosive surfaces are
commonly associated with reddened strata, locally
bored and/or encrusted by oysters on top, which were
interpreted as hardgrounds (Cherchi et al., 2000).
These hardgrounds may occur as either individual
beds or, more frequently, as up to several metres thick
sets or packages of early hardened strata.
The presence of hardgrounds in the study area
appear to contrast with the behaviour of foramol
carbonates, which, due to their overall calcitic
6 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30
mineralogy, are generally considered not prone to
early cementation. Nevertheless, extensively early-
cemented Foramol deposits have been recurrently
reported from the Miocene of the central-southern
Apennines, Italy (Barbera et al., 1980; Carannante and
Simone, 1996) and of the Australian–New Zealand
region (Nelson and James, 1995, 2000). In the Isili
area, tectonic activity interacting with sea level
changes controlled carbonate production and type
and rate of sediment supply to marginal and distal
areas and, in turn, strongly influenced the formation of
hardgrounds (Cherchi et al., 2000). This conforms
with the findings of Nelson and James (2000) who
suggested that extensive sea-floor cementation may
occur in foramol carbonate deposits during periods of
starvation, by-pass and/or increased environmental
energy which are related mainly, but not exclusively
to sea level low-stands.
4. The Isili Submarine Channelised System
Following the first reports of a complex network
of channels in the Isili area (Cherchi et al., 2000),
preliminary studies by Murru et al. (2001) and
Simone et al. (2001) identified one main channel
(the Isili Channel) and a conspicuous number of
Fig. 3. Schematic block diagram showing main architectural elements for carbonate submarine channels.
tributary and distributary channels. The channels
vary greatly in dimension and may be erosive,
depositional or mixed, isolated or amalgamated (see
Normak, 1970; Clark and Pickering, 1996). Channel
and channel-related depositional elements (e.g.,
channel margins, lateral bars, levees, overbank,
etc.), which are schematically represented in Fig. 3,
were recurrently recognised at outcrop throughout
the studied area. The channel complexes together
with channel-related architecrtural elements (e.g.,
overbank, interchannel complexes, lobes, etc.) build
up the Isili Submarine Channelised System which
includes the tributary belts, the Isili Channel and its
related fan.
4.1. Tributary belts
Tributary channels were distributed along narrow
belts (tributary belts), probably no wider than 1–2 km
across, which extended through the outermost sectors
of the shelf and the slope areas adjacent to the
productive/source areas. These channels, which are
markedly erosive, acted as sediment pathways and fed
the Isili Channel. Tributary belt sequences are excep-
tionally exposed in the Isili Village area, where both
N–S- and E–W-oriented fault scarps allow a reason-
ably good 3D control.
 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30 7

4.1.1. The Isili Village section
The Isili Village area is located only 0.5–1 km east
of the Punta Trempu carbonate production area (Fig.
2a). In this area, 60–80 m thick parallel-bedded
rhodalgal rudstones and floatstones and rarer grain-
stones and packstones alternate with multiple channel
and channel-related sedimentary bodies. Channels and
scours, up to several tens of metres wide and 1–10 m
deep (Fig. 4a–c), are alongside, overlap or intersect
each other. These channels show margins sloping
from 158 to 408 and are deeply cut into previous
channel-fill and channel-related deposits or into the
parallel-bedded units (Fig. 4a–c). The basal erosive
surface is commonly reddened, early-hardened and/or
is overlaid by early-hardened rudstone packages. The
channels commonly show massive, trough-stratified
or complex channel-fill architectures (see Vigorito,
2001). Clinostratified units were recognised locally
and show up to 4 m high foresets. The channel-fill
sequences commonly show a crude fining upward

Fig. 4. (a) Large-scale cross-stratified limestones which includes several tributary channels (Ch) and related interchannel ridges (IR), Isili Village
section. (b) Detail of box (a), enlarged showing multiple stacked mixed erosional–depositional channel sequences. (c) Two stacked tributary
channels (Ch) and related interchannel ridges (IR) overlying parallel-bedded rhodalgal limestones. Note the large-scale wedging and lensing
geometry. Tributary belt, Isili Village section. (d) Clinoforms developed through lateral bar accretion downlapping on the ES surface (dashed
line, see also Figs. 6 and 7). Isili Channel: Pardu–Casa Todde section. (e) Neptunian dyke (see arrows) developed within Isili Channel left
margin sequences, Casa Todde section.
8 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30
trend and are mainly built up of coarse to fine
rhodalgal rudstones and floatstones that exhibit
chaotic or reverse graded texture and locally grain
orientation and/or imbrication.
Paleocurrent indications from scours and imbri-
cated grains suggest flows mainly directed towards
the eastern and northeastern sectors (Fig. 2a.1).
Elongated ridges generally flank the channels and
commonly separate adjacent channels (Fig. 4a–c).
These ridges can be symmetric or asymmetric and
exhibit a markedly convex transverse section with up
to 408 steep flanks. The most prominent convex
component of these ridges is usually an outer erosive
surface which displays either a gently curved or a
sharp angular apex (Fig. 4a–c) and commonly
corresponds to the basal erosive surface of the
adjacent channels. Multiple truncation and omission
surfaces, often associated with sets of reddened and
early-hardened strata, may be traced across the
channels and/or the adjacent ridges forming complex
internal geometries.
Patchy and/or continuous hardgrounds are wide-
spread throughout the area and occur mainly beneath
or, less frequently, just above sharp erosive surfaces.
Planktonic foraminifers and rarer glauconite grains
are locally present.
4.1.1.1. Interpretation. The Isili Village area is
interpreted as a relatively deep marginal area. Great
quantities of sediments swept off from the inner shelf
productive areas were deposited in this outer shelf and
slope setting and arranged in east-dipping, parallel-
bedded, sheets of sediments to which large cross-
stratified bodies intercalated.
The presence of numerous E–NE trending inci-
sions (scours and channels) indicates a highly
efficient, superimposed drainage system that allowed
the removal and the re-deposition in deeper areas of
large quantities of sediments. The ridges intercalated
to the channels are interpreted as eroded interchannel
ridges whose morphology was controlled by the
shape, dimension, and relative position of the adjacent
channels. Channel digression, avulsion and aggrada-
tion as well as repeated erosive-depositional events
favoured the development of complex depositional
architectures and concurred to create the wedging and
lensing geometry (Fig. 4c) that characterises the
carbonate deposits cropping out in the Isili Village
area. Similar geometries, reported by Quine and
Bosence (1991), from the chalk sequences of Nor-
mandy (France) were interpreted as related to the
formation of erosive structures, such as channels and
interchannel ridges, in areas flushed by strong bottom
currents.
High energy environmental conditions are inferred
to have also promoted early cementation episodes by
pumping fluids into the pore-space. Sediment stabili-
zation through sea-floor cementation also favoured
the preservation of the high-angle cross-stratification
which is widespread throughout the Isili Village area.
4.2. The Isili Channel
The Isili Channel carbonate sequences crop out for
about 3.5 km across the study area. These sequences
were accurately mapped and logged allowing the
reconstruction of the trend of the channel and its
internal geometry. According to the field observa-
tions, the Isili Channel ran from the NW to the SE in
its proximal reaches and sharply deflected to the SSE
in its medial and distal reaches (Figs. 2a and 5). The
Isili Channel fill sequence is on average 80 m thick
and is divided vertically into two channel complexes
(Channel Complexes A and B) which include several
partly nested channel units which represent different
fill stages.
Up to nine channel units, each confined at the base
by a sharp boundary surface, were identified. The
boundary surfaces coincide with erosive surfaces and
they separate the channel units, some which have
markedly different lithology and/or internal geometry.
Locally the boundary surfaces are less obvious,
possibly due to sediment amalgamation. Up to 5 m
thick packages of early-hardened strata occur locally
beneath or pass laterally to the boundary surfaces.
Channel Complex A is built up by the lower four
channel units (A1–A4), which commonly exhibit
trough-stratified to divergent fill architecture. Channel
Complex A is truncated at the top by a main erosive
surface (MES) which can be reliably traced through-
out the modern Riu Corrigas Canyon allowing a fair
correlation between the different sections studied of
the Isili Channel (e.g., North Riu Corrigas, South Riu
Corrigas, Casa Cantoniera and Is Cungiaduras sec-
tions). The MES surface separates Channel Complex
A from Channel Complex B. This latter is formed by
 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30 9

at least five channel units (from B1 to B5) and is
characterised by complex internal geometries includ-
ing widespread large-scale clinostratified units.
Five sections, including exposures both parallel
and transverse with respect to the inferred channel
axis, are illustrated in the next paragraphs.
4.2.1. Pardu–Casa Todde section
The Pardu–Casa Todde section is S–N oriented and
extends for about 800 m across the most proximal
outcropping portion of the Isili Channel. Mid-channel
and the inner portions of both channel margin
complexes are exposed in this section which is
oblique at high angle (approximately transverse) with
respect to the inferred channel axis (Figs. 2a and 5).
Two detailed lithologic logs were measured in the
Pardu and in the Casa Todde areas (Fig. 6). In the
Pardu area (Fig. 5), the carbonate sequences overlay 2
m of tuffaceous sands with a sharp erosive contact
(BES in Figs. 6 and 7). The first carbonate package is
made up of a 1.5–2 m thick oyster bank with a mixed
sandy siliciclastic–carbonate matrix (Fig. 6). This
bank is overlain by 4 m thick tabular cross-bedded
rhodolith-rich rudstones. These latter show 0.15–0.5
m thick strata and a crude fining and thinning upward
trend. About 8 m of rhodalgal rudstones follow
upwards. These are tabular cross-bedded (Fig. 6)
and locally exhibit normal grading in the middle
portion and reverse grading and/or grain oriented
fabric in the upper part. The uppermost 1–2 m of this
interval include several stacked reddish hardgrounds
(Fig. 6).
A sharp erosion surface (ES in Figs. 6 and 7)
occurs at the top of this early-hardened package and is
downlapped by clinoform foresets (Figs. 4d and 7)
which dip NNE and are as steep as 20–258. These
clinoforms, which extend from the channel margin
towards the inferred channel axis (towards NE, Fig. 7)
for about 250 m and down-channel for at least 300 m,
are about 12 m thick and made up of fine floatstones/
rudstones and coarse grainstones, moderately to well
sorted. Branching red algae fragments, small rhodo-
liths, serpulids, bryozoans and echinoids are among
the main components.
Rudstones rich in rhodolith, branching red algae
fragments, and bivalves (Fig. 6) follow upwards.
These deposits which onlap and cap the underlying
clinostratified unit thicken towards the inferred
channel axis and exhibit distinct concave-up to tabular
bedding (Fig. 7).

Fig. 5. Isili Channel System sketch map. Modern-day physiography allows 3D geometrical analysis particularly along the steep walls of the Riu
Corrigas Canyon, which represent an exceptional observation window for the Miocene Isili Channel. The location of the illustrated cross-
sections is also shown.
10 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30

Fig. 6. Lithological columns of the logged sections (cs: coarse sand; pb: pebble). The basal erosive surface (BES) and the main erosive surface
(MES) correspond to prominent erosive surfaces that can be traced for long distances and allow correlation of different sections.

A sharp erosive surface which probably corre-
sponds to the MES (Figs. 6 and 7) occurs at the top
and is, in turn, overlain by 15–18 m of moderately
sorted fine rudstones to grainstones. In the logged
section, these deposits are commonly parallel-bed-
ded but exhibit a sharp clinostratification only 150–
200 m eastwards. Up to 4 m thick bivalve rich
rudstones end the logged sequence. These deposits
are commonly pebble to cobble-sized and show
massive up to 1 m thick strata which dip 58
eastwards.
Main transportation directions measured in the
Pardu and adjacent areas are towards the E and SE
(Fig. 2a.3).

Fig. 7. Schematic reconstruction of the stratigraphic and geometric relationships between Channel Complexes A and B (respectively CCA and
CCB) and their relation to the basal tufaceous sandstones (gray unit). The illustrated section is oblique at high angle (approximately transverse)
with respect to the inferred channel axis. Sketch of the Pardu–Casa Todde section.
 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30
The carbonate sequence cropping out in the Casa
Todde area shows lithostratigraphic patterns similar to
those of Pardu area but is distinctly thinner (Fig. 6).
The logged sequence also exhibits multiple erosional
surfaces and locally 4–5 m thick clinoforms. These
clinoforms are up to 20 m wide and 50–100 m apart
and show southeastward dipping foresets. A sharp
erosion surface (BES, Figs. 6 and 7) occurs at the
base of the clinostratified unit whose top is truncated
by another major erosion surface (MES, Figs. 6
and 7).
Fractures, filled by rhodolith-rich rudstones occur
locally within the carbonate sequence (Fig. 6e) and
exhibit trends (NNW–SSE and E–W) largely consis-
tent with the two major rift-related fault systems.
Several metres thick sandy/silty turbidites followed
by several tens of metres of hemipelagic marls cap the
carbonate successions (Fig. 6). These siliciclastic to
marly deposits are thin-bedded and are locally
parallel- to ripple-scale cross-laminated.
4.2.1.1. Interpretation. According to strata geo-
metries and sedimentological features, it appears that
the carbonate successions cropping out in the Casa
Todde and in the Pardu areas correspond, respectively,
to the left and the right margin sequences of the Isili
Channel (Figs. 5 and 7). The clinoforms recognised in
both Pardu and Casa Todde areas are interpreted as
lateral bars which prograded transversely toward the
channel axis (Fig. 7). These clinoforms were onlapped
and capped by concave up to tabular-bedded rhodal-
gal deposits which are interpreted as mid-channel
sequences (Figs. 6 and 7).
The logged carbonate sequence of the Casa
Todde shows multiple erosional surfaces and a
marked reduction in thickness (Figs. 6 and 7) when
compared with the sequence cropping out in the
Pardu area. This is reflected in a sharp asymmetry
of channel morphology which is interpreted as
relating to the presence of a major channel bend.
In the Pardu area, which was located on the convex
side (depositional) of the channel bend, thick and
wide channel margin complexes were laid down
through lateral bar accretion (Figs. 4d and 7).
Conversely, on the concave (erosive) side of the
channel bend (Casa Todde area), the prevalence of
erosive regimes allowed only the deposition of
thinner and poorly defined channel margin sequen-
11
ces which were also locally and periodically
truncated by erosive events and/or localised channel
margin collapses. Lateral bars occasionally devel-
oped in the Casa Todde area, possibly in relation to
channel thalweg digressions.
Rhodolith-filled fractures (Fig. 4e) occurring in the
Casa Todde area are interpreted as neptunian dykes
produced by syn-sedimentary tectonics and localised
channel margin collapses in early-cemented or at least
partly consolidated sediments.
4.2.2. North Riu Corrigas section
The North Riu Corrigas section is located about
700 m southeast of the Pardu area (Figs. 2a, 5 and
8). This section is 300 m wide and obliquely cut
through the right channel margin and adjacent outer
mid-channel deposits (Figs. 5 and 8). Two logs
(Logs 1 and 2; Figs. 6 and 8) were measured from
this section and include both Channel Complex A
and B sequences which are separated by the MES
surface.
Channel Complex A sequences (CCA in Fig. 8)
show at the base a few metres thick oyster bank
which rests paraconformably on tuffaceous sand-
stones and rapidly pinch out southward (Figs. 6 and
9a). Parallel and tabular cross-bedded rudstones and
floatstones, rich in red algae and bivalve fragments,
follow upward. These are locally heavily bioturbated
(Fig. 9b). In the lower part of this interval, the beds
commonly show wavy basal contact and locally a
crude Ta-c Bouma interval. The overlying deposits
consist of fine floatstones and coarse grainstone/
packstones which are commonly parallel-bedded
with rare small-scale scours. This interval includes
several reddened hardgrounds and locally exhibits
medium scale cross-stratification in the uppermost
few metres.
A sharp erosion surface (MES) truncates the top
of Channel Complex A (Figs. 6 and 8) and, is in
turn, overlaid by the Channel Complex B sequences
(CCB in Figs. 8 and 9c). At the channel margin (log
1 in Figs. 6 and 8), the MES is downlapped by
steeply inclined clinoforms which are made up of
rhodolith-, serpulid- and branching red algae-rich
floatstones/rudstones and grainstones. Multiple
prominent erosion surfaces cut through the clinos-
tratified unit and confine several vertically and
laterally stacked minor channels which are filled by
12 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30

Fig. 8. Isili Channel right margin–outer mid-channel transition: Tabular to tabular cross-bedded Channel Complex A (CCA) sequences truncated
at the top by the main erosive surface (MES). The MES is overlain by clinostratified lateral bar deposits of Channel Complex B (CCB) passing
laterally to parallel-bedded outer mid-channel sequences. Note multiple incisions at the top of the carbonate sequence resulting from channel
thalweg digression, channel margin collapses or tributary inputs. The section is oblique with respect to the channel axis, North Riu Corrigas
section.

rudstones and subordinately floatstones rich in
rhodoliths and/or bivalve fragments. Complex strata
geometry and contorted beds were recognised
beneath and between these minor channels (Fig.
8). Towards the channel axis (Fig. 8), the clino-
forms pass laterally to or are onlapped by parallel-
bedded floatstones, rudstones and grainstones rich
in rhodoliths, serpulids and branching red algae
fragments which exhibit a crude fining upward
trend (see log 2 in Figs. 6 and 8). These deposits
are, in turn, overlaid by parallel stratified float-
stone/rudstones and coarse grainstones rich in
branching red algae and bivalve fragments which
pass upward to coarse rhodolith-rich rudstones (Fig.
6 and 8).
The carbonate succession is overlain by carbonate–
siliciclastic pebbly breccias (Fig. 6) which exhibit
clasts derived from both the Palaeozoic and Mesozoic
basement locally associated with wood fragments. A
few decimetres of fine silty-sandstones followed by
thinly bedded marls cap the succession (Fig. 6),
marking the demise of carbonate sedimentation in the
area.
4.2.2.1. Interpretation. The North Riu Corrigas
section is located on the right margin of the Isili
Channel. The exposed rock-wall allows 3D control
on the transition from the right channel margin to
outer mid-channel complexes (Fig. 8). The basal
parallel-bedded sequences which build up the
Channel Complex A deposits are here interpreted
to correspond to channel-fill deposits. Following the
main erosive event, which led to the formation of
the MES surface, these deposits were overlaid by
the fill sequences of the Channel Complex B (Figs.
6 and 8). These latter include well-defined clinos-
tratified channel margin complexes which were
deeply eroded into by minor-order stacked or
intersecting channels. These latter are tributaries or
minor channels developed following major channel
 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30 13

Fig. 9. (a) A 2.5 m thick oyster bank (OB) resting on tuffaceous sandstones (TS) at the base of the North Riu Corrigas section carbonate
sequence. (b) Small-scale cross-stratified, bioturbated bioclastic floatstones. Note the large burrow next to the pencil. Channel Complex A,
North Riu Corrigas section. (c) Sharp erosive contact between the Channel Complexes A and B (see MES surface in Figs. 5 and 8), North Riu
Corrigas section. (d) Sharp detach surface (see F1 in Fig. 10b) at the base of one of the tilted fault-blocks (hammer for scale); South Riu Corrigas
section. (e) Detail of the Box in (d). (f) Bivalve-rich mid-channel deposits (MD) onlapping and capping lateral bar sequences (LB). Up-channel
view of Channel Complex B, Casa Cantoniera section.

margin collapses and/or a relative sea level fall
possibly boosted by tectonics. A crude inward (with
respect to the channel axis) coarsening and thicken-
ing trend is recognised at the channel margin/outer
mid-channel transition which is also characterised
by the interfingering of steeply inclined channel
margin elements and gently dipping mid-channel
ones (Fig. 8).
4.2.3. South Riu Corrigas section
The South Riu Corrigas section is located 200 m
down-channel of the previously described North Riu
Corrigas section (Figs. 5 and 10a, b) and is orientated
approximately NW–SE.
The carbonate sequence includes 15 m of tabular,
locally cross-stratified, red algae rich rudstones and
floatstones locally intensively bioturbated (Fig. 6).
This basal interval is overlain by about 5 m of coarse
bioclastic limestones that show multiple reddened
hardgrounds (Figs. 6 and 10b). The top of this early-
hardened package is truncated by the MES surface
(Figs. 6 and 10a, b). This latter is downlapped by an
approximately 12 m thick sequence of, moderately to
well sorted, fine floatstones/rudstones and coarse
14 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30
grainstones (Figs. 6 and 10b). These deposits are
made up mainly of branching red algae, rhodoliths
and serpulids and arranged in large-scale clinoforms
(up to 15 m high) dipping to E–SE (Figs. 6 and 10b).
About 4 m of thick bivalve-rich rudstones onlap and
partly cap the upper portion of the clinoforms and are,
in turn, overlaid by a few metres of fine sandy
siltstones followed by several tens of metres of
hemipelagic marls (Fig. 6).
Approximately 100 m south of the down-channel
end of the clinostratified unit the carbonate succession
is truncated by a sharp N20E-trending listric fault (F1
in Fig. 10b). The hanging-wall package appears to
have been rotated and translated. Block disruption and
fragmentation is documented by the presence of minor
blocks with steeply inclined strata (Fig. 10a, b).
Contorted bedding and possible injection structures
occur locally beneath the fault, whose sole segment
cuts through the base of the early-cemented package
which occurs in the upper portion of Channel
Complex A.
Similar tilted blocks are also recurrently recognised
down-channel for about 1.5 km along both sides of
the modern Riu Corrigas Canyon.
4.2.3.1. Interpretation. The South Riu Corrigas
section cuts through the right margin/levee and outer
mid-channel complexes of the inferred Miocene Isili
Channel (Fig. 10). The sedimentary succession, which
comprises multiple hardgrounds, erosive as well as
reactivation surfaces, indicates that multiple construc-
tional phases occurred throughout channel life. The
large-scale clinoforms which occur at the base of
Channel Complex B are interpreted as resulting from
the accretion of a lateral bar, which developed through
progradation on channel margin/levee complexes
deposited during the previous filling phases of
Channel Complex A (Fig. 10a, b).
The tilted blocks recognised along the walls of the
modern Riu Corrigas Canyon are interpreted as
megabreccias (Figs. 5, 10a, b, 11c and 12a–c). The
troughs and pools created through block sliding and
tilting are commonly draped and onlapped by sedi-
ments pertaining to the overlying channel units (Figs.
10a, b, 11b and 12a, b). These sediments were locally
tilted through repeated fault reactivation events which
are made obvious by the presence of multiple, tilted
growth structures (Fig. 10b).
4.2.4. Casa Cantoniera section
The Casa Cantoniera section (Figs. 5 and 10c) is
located about 500 m down-channel of the South Riu
Corrigas section.
About 8 m of skeletal rudstone/floatstones and
grainstones and are found at the base of the sequence
(Fig. 6). These are rich in red algae and bryozoans
with subordinate, though locally abundant, serpulid
and bivalve remains. Lenses and levels of rhodolith-
rich rudstones are locally found at the base of this
interval. Parallel and lenticular beds associated with
minor-order wavy and cross-stratification prevail.
Beds form sets which markedly thicken down-
channel and towards the channel axis and exhibit
sharp erosive bases (Fig. 10c). Multiple reddish
hardgrounds occur in the last 2–3 m of this interval
and underlie the MES surface (Fig. 6). This latter is
downlapped by moderately to well sorted coarse
grainstones and fine rudstones/floatstones, rich in
branching red algae fragments, with minor amounts
of serpulids, bryozoans and bivalves. These deposits,
which correspond to the base of the Channel
Complex B, are 15 m thick and exhibit sharp
clinostratification (Fig. 6). Foresets become progres-
sively gentler down-channel and towards the channel
axis, showing a distinct concave-up profile (Fig.
10c). Towards the channel axis the clinoforms are
truncated at the top and partially cut through by a
sharp concave-up erosive surface which is, in turn,
onlapped by parallel- to cross-bedded coarse rud-
stones rich in bivalves (Figs. 6 and 9f). The
thickness of these rudstones passes rapidly from a
few centimetres on the top of the clinostratified
bodies to 5 m towards the channel axis over a
distance of a few tens of metres.
The carbonate sequence is capped by about 2 m of
fine silty sandstones followed by 40–50 m of marls
which exhibit a few sandy turbidite intercalations
(Fig. 6).
4.2.4.1. Interpretation. The section described is
approximately oblique at low angle with respect to
the channel axis (Figs. 5 and 10c) and is considered to
be cut into channel right margin/levee complexes and
adjacent outer mid-channel complexes (Fig. 10c).
Strata in Channel Complex A exhibit a distinct
wedging geometry, with strata thickening toward the
southeast. This strata geometry corresponds to the
 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30 pp. 15–16

Fig. 10. (a) Isili Channel longitudinal section. Spectacular exposures of both Channel Complex A (CCA) and B (CCB) along the modern Riu Corrigas Canyon (window of observation) which intersect at different angles the Miocene Isili Channel allowing a
reasonable 3D control. Trend of the exposures (dashed line) in relation to the Isili Channel trend is shown. Note the multiple tilted fault-blocks (Isili Megabreccias). (b) Lateral bar, up to 15 m high (CCB), prograding over previous channel margin/levee
complexes (CCA). On the right side of the photo, large, tilted fault-block and related growth faults, appear (numbers indicate the chronology of block tilting events and related faulting). South Riu Corrigas section. (c) Lateral bar downlapping MES surface. Note
the wedge-like geometry of the underlying Channel Complex A deposits which are interpreted to correspond to the transition from the channel margin to the channel axis. Location of the lithological log and of Fig. 9f is also shown. Casa Cantoniera section.
 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30 pp. 17–18

Fig. 11. Up-channel view (view to north) of the transverse section of the Isili Channel: (a) Channel Complex A fill sequences truncated at the top by the MES surface. Note the levee complexes developed on previous channel margin complexes. Right margin of the Isili Channel.
Western Is Cungiaduras section. (b) Transverse section through mid-channel and left margin/levee complexes of the Isili Channel. Note the multiple stacked, partly nested channel units. Eastern Is Cungiaduras section. (c) Detail of box in (a). Large tilted fault-block (TB-a, see also
Fig. 12a) and related growth faults. See Fig. 10 for legend. (d) Detail of box in (b). Multiple partly nested channel units and related levee complexes (CCB) overlying the MES surface. Note the sharp asymmetric profile and the well-developed lateral accretion surfaces.
 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30
transition from the channel margin to the channel
axial portion (Fig. 10c).
The logged clinoforms in Channel Complex B are
interpreted as a lateral bar which resulted from
progradation of channel margin complexes over
previous channel margin and outer mid-channel
complexes (CCA in Fig. 10c). Also in this case, a
sharp erosive surface (MES in Fig. 10c) separates
Channel Complexes A and B. A minor-order erosive
event documented by a sharp erosive surface led to the
partial erosion of previous clinostratified deposits and
to deposition of bivalve-rich rudstones. These latter
display a divergent channel-fill architecture and are
interpreted as mid-channel deposits (Figs. 9f and 10c).
4.2.5. Is Cungiaduras section
A transverse section of the Isili Channel is
discontinuosly exposed in the Is Cungiaduras area
along E–W-oriented cliffs located on both sides of the
modern Riu Corrigas Canyon (Figs. 2a and 5). In this
area, the Isili Channel shows a flat bottom and a sharp
asymmetric profile with the right (western) side
largely exceeding the left (eastern) one in width and
height.
Channel Complex A sequences are largely exposed
in the western outcrops (Figs. 5 and 11a) and show a
prominent erosion surface (up to 158 steep) at the base
which cuts through tabular-bedded rhodalgal lime-
stones. This basal erosive surface is followed upward
by at least four channel units which build up Channel
Complex A. Individual channel units are confined at
the base by sharp erosive surfaces which are as steep
as 208. These basal erosive surfaces are draped and
then onlapped by rhodalgal rudstones, floatstones and
grainstone which build up the bulk of each channel
unit (Fig. 11a). Bedding is commonly sigmoidal to
curved with strata dipping and crudely thickening
towards the channel axis. Minor-order erosion and
omission surfaces as well as sets of hardgrounds
commonly occur within individual channel unit and
locally are too numerous to be labelled with con-
fidence. Mound-shaped units, up to 10 m high and
40–80 m wide, are commonly developed on the edge
of individual channel units. These mound-shaped
units are crudely convex and convex cross-stratified
(Fig. 11a) and exhibit beds which extend laterally into
the adjacent channels at least for several tens of
metres.
19
The upper portion of Channel Complex A shows a
several metres thick package of multiple patchy to
continuous reddish hardgrounds and is truncated by
two, closely spaced, syn-sedimentary listric faults
(Fig. 11c). These faults strike averagely N10E and
their sole segments cut through the base of the
hardground package. Bedding between the two faults
is discontinuous, contorted, irregular or massive. A
large tilted block (L=50 m, l=30 m, h=15 m; TB-a in
Figs. 11c and 12a) crops out at the hanging wall of the
easternmost fault. This latter is superbly exposed
along the right-hand side of the modern Riu Corrigas
Canyon (Figs. 5 and 12a) where the pool created
through block-faulting is draped by rhogalgal lime-
stones, possibly belonging to the lowermost portions
(Fig. 12a, b) of Channel Complex B. Both faults are
sealed by parallel-bedded coarse grainstones. These
latter cap Channel complex A sequence and correlate
to the lower portion of Channel Complex B sequence
(Fig. 11a, c).
The modern Riu Corrigas canyon truncates the
exposures. An erosion gap, up to 150 m wide, lies
between the western and eastern sections and thus a
precise correlation between both sides proved difficult.
Channel Complex B sequences are largely
exposed along the eastern Is Cungiaduras section
and show at least five partly nested channel units
(Figs. 5 and 11b, d) which are up to 30 m thick as a
whole. The lower units of Channel Complex B are
made up of rhodolith- and serpulid-rich floatstones/
rudstones and exhibit, at the right (western) channel
margin, sigmoidal to curved strata which slope 15–
208 eastward. Tabular to lenticular strata geometries
are developed within the lower units fill sequences
which are about 16 m thick in the logged section
(Fig. 6). Three, closely spaced, locally fused, minor-
order erosion surfaces follow upward (Fig. 11d). The
related fill sequences are partly nested and consist
mainly of coarse rhodolith- and bivalve-rich rud-
stones and subordinate floatstones (Figs. 6 and 11d)
which are altogether 10–15 m thick.
Sandstones/siltstones, less than 1 m thick, appear
on the top of the carbonate succession and pass
rapidly into marls that locally intercalate sandy
turbidite layers.
On the easternmost portion of the section
described, the basal erosion surfaces of the individual
channel units become progressively steeper and start
20 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30

Fig. 12. (a) Tilted fault-blocks (TB-a and Tb-b) and related interblock pool. Note growth fault plane (dashed gray line). View to west, Is
Cungiaduras. (b) Detail of box in (a). Rhodalgal limestones draping the growth fault plane (dashed line) and a tilted block (TB-b). (c) Distal
deposits of the Isili Megabreccias. Note the complex architectural geometries created through the emplacement of several disrupted blocks,
injection of underlying unlithified deposits and subsequent scouring. View to east, Is Cungiaduras. Gray box: Transverse section of the main
channel (corresponding to the right side of Fig. 11c).

to dip averagely towards the west (Fig. 11b, d). Here
the carbonate deposits as a whole form a flat-topped
ridge which confine the Isili Channel to the east (Fig.
11b, d). This ridge is 20–25 m high and 250 m wide at
outcrop and is, in turn, built up of several mound-
shaped, convex to cross-stratified units (Fig. 11d).
These latter are stacked with minor lateral offsets
testifying a progressive aggradation through time (Fig.
11d). The boundary surfaces that can be confidently
traced through the eastern ridge appear to confine the
mound-shaped units (Fig. 11d) and pass outward
(with respect to the channel) into omission surfaces
frequently reddened. The mound-shaped units crop-
ping out on the eastern side (Fig. 11d) are analogous
to those described in the western Is Cungiaduras
section (Fig. 11a) but smaller in size. Furthermore, the
eastern units are mainly vertically stacked with minor
lateral offsets (Fig. 11b, d) while the western ones
show significant lateral offsets and minor vertical ones
(Fig. 11a).
An up to 20 m thick package characterised by
deformed bedding, injection structures and small- to
large-sized disrupted, displaced and/or floating blocks
crops out for several tens of metres on both sides of
the modern canyon, just down-channel of the Is
Cungiaduras section (Fig. 12c).
4.2.5.1. Interpretation. The Is Cungiaduras section,
which is cut transversely with respect to the channel
axis, allows the identification of multiple, multistorey,
 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30
nested, stacked channel units (Fig. 11a, b, d) which
make up the Isili Channel succession. There are at
least nine carbonate channel-fill sequences to which
mound-shaped units locally correspond on one or both
sides. These latter are interpreted as levee complexes
which grew up and aggraded probably in relation to
significant variations in the depositional rates which
occurred during the deposition of each sequence (see
Section 5.2.1 for further information). Some of the
individual beds which build up the levees can be
traced at least into the channel margins, displaying
continuity for several hundreds of metres (Fig. 11a, d).
These strata correlate with the upper portion of the fill
sequence of the related channel unit and suggest that
levees were developed only after the related channel
unit was partially filled. Paleocurrents measured from
levee sequences cropping out on both channel sides
(Fig. 2a.2, 2a.7) indicate flows mainly directed
outward (with respect to the channel) while inward
and down-channel-trending flows were recurrently
measured within the channel margin and mid-channel
complexes (Fig. 2a.2, 2a.6).
A crude coarsening trend from the channel margins
towards the channel axis was recognised within each
channel-fill sequence while no significant vertical
trend was identified throughout the Isili Channel
carbonate succession. This latter is draped by silt-
stones and marly deposits which are interpreted as
abandon deposits which mark the progressive demise
of the Isili Cannel as a sedimentary conduit.
The Isili channel is sharply asymmetric with a
higher and wider right side and a lower and narrower
left one. The right channel margin was oversupplied
with respect to the left one by multiple east-trending
tributaries that connected the marginal areas (Isili
Village area) with the Isili Trough. Preferential over-
spilling of gravity flows on the right side may have
also occurred through flow deflection caused by the
Coriolis force. The clinoforms developed at the base
of Channel Complex B resulted from the progradation
towards the channel axis of lateral bars following the
formation of the MES (Fig. 11d).
Transverse exposures (with respect to the channel
axis) from cliffs located only 100 m down-channel of
the Is Cungiaduras section show, in the medial and
upper parts of the Isili Channel carbonate succession,
a conspicuous number of minor-order channel bodies
which intersect, flank and overlap each other. Bedding
21
is here less obvious, poorly defined, lenticular to
massive, suggesting extensive sediment re-working
and amalgamation. These features are interpreted as
resulting from the splitting of the main channel body
into several minor-order incisions which show a
scattered radial trend pattern directed towards the
southern sectors.
With regard to the tilted blocks, these have their
detachment surfaces cut through the base of the early-
cemented package which occur in the upper portion of
the Channel Complex A and are interpreted as
megabreccias (Isili Megabreccias, Fig. 5) resulting
from a major channel margin/levee collapse. The
floating blocks and boulders associated with contorted
bed packages, as well as injection structures, cropping
out south of the Is Cungiaduras section (Fig. 12c), are
interpreted to correspond with the distal deposits of
this gravitational event. It is worth noting that growth
faults are parallel to the main fault system, which is
NNW–SSE oriented and may document a WSW–
ENE-distensive phase which, in turn, favoured the
collapse of the channel margin/levee complexes and
the emplacement of these megabreccias. Locally the
same growth faults were repeatedly re-activated
thereafter as testified by the presence of multiple
growth structures (Fig. 11b).
4.3. Distributary zone—proximal fan
South of the Is Cungiaduras area, multiple dis-
tributary channel complexes create a branching net-
work fringed by overbank sheet-like deposits and
planar-convex bodies, cropping out over 2 km down-
depositional dip to the south. The carbonate sediments
laid down in this area are gravelly to sandy and are
divided by a sharp, probably erosive, surface (MES)
in two vertically stacked complexes, here informally
defined as Fan A and Fan B which relate, respectively,
to Channel Complexes A and B. Both dip- and strike-
oriented sections of Fan A and Fan B are extensively
exposed along the wall of the Riu Corrigas Canyon
throughout the S’Acqua Salia and Nuraghe Maurus
area (Figs. 2a and 5).
4.3.1. S’Acqua Salia–Nuraghe Maurus Section
The sedimentary succession cropping out in these
distal areas shows, at the base, a few metres thick
tufaceous sandstones overlain by thin-bedded skeletal
22 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30
grainstone/packstones to fine rudstones. These carbo-
nate deposits build up the Fan A complex and exhibit
a dominant sheet-like geometry and only occasionally
minor, diverging, mixed erosional/depositional and
depositional channels often associated with ripple- to
dune-scale cross-stratified units (Fig. 13). The thick-
ness of the Fan A complex sharply decreases down
depositional dip (southward) from 10 to 15 m in the
nearby of the Is Congiaduras area to less than 1 m and
locally to 0 m (Nuraghe Maurus area) over a distance
of about 1 km.
A sharp probably erosive surface (labelled as MES
in Figs. 13 and 14) separates the Fan A from the Fan
B complex. This latter overlays the Fan A complex
and extends far to the south of Fan A distal end. The
Fan B complex is made up of coarse rhodalgal
rudstones/floatstones and grainstone/packstones. Bed-
ding is less obvious and averagely thicker with
respect to the Fan A complex and massive to cross-
stratified units commonly occur (Fig. 13). The thick-
ness of the Fan B complex ranges from 5 m in
S’Acqua Salia area to about 1 m in the most distal
exposed areas. The Fan B Complex includes several
small asymmetric planar-convex bodies (Figs. 14 and
15a) which are separated and/or dissected by multiple
channels, 10–50 m wide and up to 5 m deep (Fig.
15a–c). These channel bodies can be leveed or not
and show, when mapped, a radial distribution with
channels diverging and splitting into minor-order
channels southward from the Is Cungiaduras area.
The mixed erosional/depositional channels have U-
shaped profiles (w/hb10:1) and have massive, trough-
Fig. 13. Dip section of the Isili Fan System showing both Fan A (FA) and B (FB) complexes separated by the MES surface. Note the markedly
different depositional architectures of Fan A and Fan B complexes.
stratified or transverse fill architectures (Fig. 15a–c).
The depositional channels commonly show a flat
lenticular morphology (w/hN10:1) and divergent to
trough-stratified channel-fills. The filling sequences
of the channels are made up of rudstones and
subordinately floatstones that are commonly rich in
rhodoliths and/or bivalve remains. Rudstones, made
up mainly of bivalves, generally dominate at the top
of the carbonate succession and fill the youngest
channels. The planar-convex bodies are up to 300 m
long, 200 m wide and 4 m high and are characterised
by tabular to planar-convex stratification and rarely
by crude cross-stratification in transverse section
(Figs. 14 and 15a). Down-current dipping convex
strata were locally recognised, in longitudinal section,
on the down-current side of the planar-convex bodies.
In the S’Acqua Salia–Nuraghe Maurus area, paleo-
current distribution shows a radial, significantly
scattered, pattern with flows crudely directed towards
the southern sectors (Fig. 2a.8).
The logged section is located in the Nuraghe
Maurus area, about 2 km southwest of the Is
Cungiaduras section (Figs. 2a and 5). The logged
sequence (Fig. 6) shows at its base 2 m of tuffaceous
sandstones overlain by 0.9 m of bioclastic rudstones
with a yellowish-greenish packstone–wackestone
matrix. Rhodoliths and lithoclasts up to 0.04 m in
diameter are common and average grain size range
between 0.005 and 0.01 m. About 1.2 m thick
rhodolith and pebble-rich (derived from both Palae-
ozoic sandstones and Mesozoic carbonates) rudstones/
floatstones follow upwards. The matrix is similar to
 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2004) 1–30 23

Fig. 14. Transverse section of a lobe within Fan B sequences, resting on tabular-bedded fine rudstone/floatstones and coarse grainstones (Fan
A). S’Acqua Salia–Nuraghe Maurus section.

that of the underlying deposits and a sharp fining
upwards trend is developed. The carbonate sequence
ends with 1.6 m thick small-scale cross-stratified
grainstones locally including small floatstone–rud-
stone lenses which pass upwards to marls. It is worth
noting that planktonic foraminifers and glauconite
grains are abundant throughout the logged succession.
4.3.1.1. Interpretation. The Nuraghe Maurus section
represents the most distal outcrop of the Isili channel
system. A well-developed distributary channel net-
work is recognizable at outcrop. This network consists
of numerous hierarchically organised minor channels
that overlap and lie alongside each other over an
exposed area about 2 km long and 1.5 km wide. Two
main sequences were recognised to correspond to the
Fan A and Fan B complexes which relate to different
phases of active fan-system growth separated by a
main erosive event represented by the MES surface.
The Fan A complex has a dominant sheet-like
geometry while the Fan B is characterised by the
coalescence of distributary channels, overbank ele-

Fig. 15. a) Interchannel-ridge (IR) confined between two distributary channels (Ch). Nuraghe Maurus area. (b) Detail of box in (c). Note the
transverse channel-fill architecture of the distributary channel (Ch). (c) Transverse section of channel-complexes (Ch) and related levees (Le).
Fan B complex, Nuraghe Maurus.
24 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30
ments and planar-convex bodies. These latter are
interpreted as lobes and interchannel ridges (Figs. 14
and 15a) which locally exhibit poorly defined down-
current prograding frontal accretion surfaces. The
depositional architectures which characterise the
S’Acqua Salia–Nuraghe Maurus section as well as
the occurrence of a discrete number of sedimentary
lobes, associated with numerous distributary channels
diverging southward from the Isili Channel outlet,
indicates a proximal fan environment.
5. Discussion
From the analysis of the sedimentological and
geometrical features of the limestones cropping out in
the Isili area, all the architectural elements (levee,
channel margin, channel-fill, tributaries, distributaries,
etc.) that build the submarine channel system have
been identified. The morphology and function of these
elements, and their inter-relationships will be detailed
discussed in order to reconstruct the anatomy of this
channel system and its related fan.
5.1. Tributaries and other minor incisions
The tributary channels are relatively short-lived
incisions that heavily dissect the Isili fault-block,
acting as transverse drains and feeding the main
channel (Fig. 4a–c). The tributaries range from scours,
a few metres wide and deep, to incisions up to 80 m
wide and 15 m deep. Tributaries are, in turn, fed by
minor-order incisions which show a rather scattered
trend pattern. This results in a complex channel
network characterised by a strict hierarchy. The
smaller incisions commonly show a massive fill and
are interpreted as cut and fill structures. The increase
in channel dimension led to the development of more
complex fill architectures. Concave-up, trough cross-
stratified, divergent-fill and rarely transverse channel-
fill, or a combination of these architectural styles
(complex channel-fill, see Vigorito, 2001), character-
ise the tributaries and other major incisions in their
proximal and medial reaches where they show a sharp
V-shaped or flat-bottom transverse profile. In such
proximal settings, channels are markedly erosive and
locally steeply inclined (up to 308). Interchannel
ridges commonly developed between adjacent inci-
sions from the erosion of previous channelised or non-
channelised deposits, giving rise to a complex
medium- to large-scale cross-stratification (Fig. 4a–
c). Filling sediments are, on average, coarser than
those filling the main channel and locally reach cobble
size. These sediments show a chaotic, or a normal or
reverse graded texture. Sedimentological and geo-
metric features suggest that gravity flows, such as
debris flows, grain flows and high-density turbidites
were the main transportation agents within the
tributary channels. These gravity flows were largely
favoured by the palaeophysiography and probably by
the tectonic instability of the whole area.
5.2. The main channel body
5.2.1. Levees
Levees are sediment embankments, developed on
both sides of the Isili Channel, produced by repeated
overspilling of sediments from the channel. The
levees form convex depositional bodies which exhibit
strata dipping towards the channel axis on their inner
side and away from the channel axis on the outer side
(back-levee). According to Kenyon et al. (1995),
Clark and Pickering (1996), Hiscott et al. (1997) and
Camacho et al. (2002), levees have a positive
depositional relief above the sea-floor and related
deposits show slump-folds and/or paleocurrent sig-
natures directed away from the channel axis but with
considerable local dispersion caused by topographic
complexities and overspill from neighbouring channel
bends. A similar current distribution pattern character-
ises the levee complexes recognised in the Isili area
(Fig. 2a.2, 2a.6, 2a.7).
In the Is Cungiaduras area (Figs. 2a and 5), where a
complete transverse transect of the Isili Channel is
exposed, each channel unit may show related levee
sequences developed on one or both sides of the
channel (Fig. 11a, b, d). Levees recognised within the
channel units which build the Isili Channel succession
are mound-shaped cross-stratified and may be sym-
metric to markedly asymmetric. On the right channel
side, levees are 5–15 m high, up to 80 m wide and
have a relatively low width/height ratio. The back-
levee slopes are commonly 5–108 steep. The inner
margin of the levee, on the other hand, is up to 258
steep but tends to become gentler up-sequence. On the
left channel side, levees are averagely lower (max-
 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30
imum 5 m high) and usually wider (up to 250 m) and
flat-topped in the upper channel units (Fig. 11b, d).
These levees show an inner slope no steeper than 208,
while the back-levee may slope 5–128. Early-hard-
ened surfaces are locally common within the back-
levee sequences and are interpreted to correspond to
periods of sediment starvation which allowed sedi-
ment stabilization.
In siliciclastic sedimentary settings, the morphol-
ogy of levees is commonly not preserved due to
differential compaction that may lead to an inversion
of the original depositional relief. In these cases, levee
complexes are distinguished mainly on the basis of
their higher shale/sand ratio with respect to the related
sand-rich channel bodies. These architectural and
sedimentological features were not recognised from
the Isili Channel and other submarine channels
elsewhere reported from foramol carbonate and mixed
sedimentary environments (Braga et al., 2001; Car-
annante and Vigorito, 2001; Vigorito, 2001). These
channel systems, in fact, are almost devoid of muddy
fractions and levees, where documented, commonly
present a positive relief and are made up of sand- to
pebble-sized sediments, only on average finer than
related channel-fill deposits. These levees did not
suffer of significant differential compaction processes
due to the paucity of muddy fractions and commonly
show multiple early-cemented horizons which
remarkably increase the preservation potential of their
original morphology.
The development of levee complexes in the Isili
Channel is commonly related to the last filling
phases in the related channel units (Fig. 11a, c).
This implies that the formation of levees was
temporally unrelated to the beginning of deposition
in the adjacent channel unit. Lateral persistence of
the strata of levees into the adjacent channels as well
as the absence of any grain size break between axial
and levee deposits suggest deposition from gravity
flows which extended from the channel into the
overbank areas. The thickness of these flows must
have exceeded the channel depth allowing the
spillage of sand- to pebble-sized sediments leading
to the formation of coarse-grained levees. Laterally
depleting flow conditions are inferred for pinchout-
type strata terminations towards the outer fringes of
levees. The spillage of coarse carbonate sediments is
also favoured by their peculiar hydrodynamic behav-
25
iour. These sediments, in fact, have characteristic
(shape, internal structures, internal porosity, density)
which strongly increase their buoyancy respect to
siliciclastic sediments of analogue grain size. Hence,
in carbonate sedimentary settings, gravity flows are
able to transport sediments coarser and/or for longer
distances respect to flows of similar magnitude in
their siliciclastic counterparts.
5.2.2. Channel margin
Levee complexes pass inward to channel margin
deposits (Figs. 10a, b and 11a, b, d). These are
generally coarser than related levee deposits, and are
built up mostly of rudstones, floatstones and grain-
stones which crudely coarsen both inward and
downward. The channel margin sequences drape
and/or onlap the sloping margins of the sharp erosive
surfaces (see Figs. 10a, b and 11a, b, d), which are
deeply cut into previous levee/margin and/or chan-
nel-fill complexes. These erosive surfaces may show
evidence for early sea-floor cementation or pass into
early-hardened packages. Scouring is not largely
developed and even the major erosive and/or non-
depositional surfaces are more likely to be smooth.
Lateral bars, up to 15 m high and up to 300 m long
(Figs. 4d and 10a–c), were commonly developed
mainly but not exclusively on the right channel
margin following major erosive events. These bars
are made up of moderately sorted, fine rudstone/
floatstones and coarse grainstones and may occa-
sionally pass into down-channel prograding bed-
forms towards the channel axis. The bars, which are
characterised by tangential to sigmoidal bedding with
smooth strata surfaces, resulted from sediment
deposition and reworking under sustained hydro-
dynamic regimes and relatively stationary flow
conditions.
The Channel Complex A sequences, made up
mainly of rhodalgal coarse deposits, commonly
exhibit a well-defined trough- to divergent-fill archi-
tecture. This rather simple geometry allows us to
distinguish only minor geometrical features attribut-
able to channel margin complexes. In this case,
channel margin deposits initially drape and then
eventually onlap the basal boundary surface without
significant thickness variation or peculiar geometrical
or sedimentological features. Extensive small-scale
cross-bedding, as well as scouring and the occurrence
26 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30
of Ta-c Bouma’s intervals found in both channel
margin and mid-channel sequences, suggest that
turbidity currents were significant along-channel
transportation agents at this early stage of channel
life. Lateral bars were recognised at the channel
margins of Channel Complex A, only in the most
proximal section (Pardu–Casa Todde section) which
was located within the major channel bend of the Isili
Channel. Thus the development of the lateral bars was
probably specifically promoted by this peculiar sea-
floor topography. Channel Complex B, in contrast,
includes well-defined channel margin sequences,
marked by significant variation in sediment thickness
and by the presence of large-scale lateral bars (Figs. 8,
10a–c and 11b, d). These bars are widespread
throughout the Isili channel and are inferred to reflect
an increase of the sinuosity of the channel. We
speculate that this increase of channel sinuosity was
favoured by or resulted from the emplacement of
megabreccias, which created an irregular sea-floor
topography, and/or from successive tilting events of
the megabreccia-related displaced blocks.
Megabreccias, commonly associated with growth
faults and sand injections, were recognised on the
right (western) channel margin at the passage between
Channel Complexes A and B. These megabreccias
exhibit sharp detach surfaces which cut through the
early-hardened bed package occurring at the top of
Channel Complex A and resulted from a major
channel margin collapse. According to Spence and
Tucker (1997), tectonics and/or pore-water overpres-
sures, generated in horizons hydrologically confined
between early-cemented bed packages during relative
sea level falls, have a prominent role in promoting the
deposition of megabreccias in carbonate sedimentary
environments.
5.2.3. Mid-channel
At least nine channel units are easily recognizable
at outcrop within the Isili Channel carbonate succes-
sion (Fig. 11a, d). The mid-channel sequences, mainly
built up of coarse rhodalgal deposits, are commonly
trough-stratified. A second-order cross-stratification
developed locally within the channel axis deposits
through multiple minor erosive/depositional events.
Repeated major erosive events, probably related to
relative sea level falls, are inferred for the erosion of
previous channel-fill deposits and for the development
of multiple stacked and/or nested channel units which
are recognised within the Isili Channel succession
(Figs. 9f and 11a, b, d). Lenticular strata locally occur
within the mid-channel sequences. These are inter-
preted as lag deposits produced through minor
channel thalweg digression. Some of the individual
channel units have mid-channel complexes which
exhibit onlap-type strata terminations and subordinate
interfingering at the transition with related channel
margin complexes (Figs. 7, 8, 9f and 12a, b, d). This
feature suggests that the bulk of mid-channel deposits
postdate the formation of channel margin complexes.
A two-stage model of channel filling is therefore
invoked for those channel units showing evidences for
lateral accretion at channel margins. The first phase
involves the erosion of previous deposits and the
development of a new channel conduit. At this stage,
the depth of the channel exceeds the thickness of the
sediment flows. These latter are hence confined into
the channel resulting in bed erosion and high degrees
of sediment by-pass in mid-channel areas. On the
channel margins, instead, laterally depletive flow
conditions may allow time equivalent deposition.
The flows are thus able to deposit sediments
preferentially into the marginal areas while eroding
in the mid-channel ones favouring active lateral
accretion of channel margin complexes through lateral
bar progradation. During the second phase, the flows
were more depositional overall and sedimentation
rates were highest in the mid-channel areas. At this
stage, channel-fills vertically aggraded leading to the
onlap of mid-channel deposits on channel margin
complexes. The first deposits were restricted to the
channel floor but, as the channel filled, progressively
increasing amounts of coarse sediments were spilled
over the channel margins locally allowing the
formation of levees.
Planktonic foraminifer-rich marls cap the carbonate
channel-fill succession and occur in the form of
drapes that smooth the channel morphology. These
marls are interpreted as corresponding to abandon
deposits laid down after a major drowning event
recorded throughout the Sardinia Rift Basin. Coarse
sandy/pebbly turbidites as well as slumped intervals
occur locally within the marly sequences, indicating
that the channel was still active as a sedimentary
conduit at least during the first phases of sandy/marly
sedimentation.
 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30
5.3. Distributary zone and fan
The southernmost areas investigated (e.g., S’Acqua
Salia–Nuraghe Maurus) of the Isili Channel system
includes all the depositional elements indicative of a
distributary zone/fan setting (Figs. 2a, 5, 14 and 15a–
c); see Mutti, 1985, 1992; Mutti and Normak, 1987;
Johnson et al., 2001).
Two distinct fan complexes separated by a sharp
probably erosive surface were recognised at out-
crop. The lowermost complex, Fan A, is commonly
thin-bedded and exhibits a dominant sheet-like
internal geometry with subordinate distributary
channels. The Fan B sequences, in contrast, are
characterised by complex internal geometries result-
ing from the coalescence of multiple channel-levee
complexes, interchannel ridges and lobes (Figs. 2a,
5 and 15a–c). Distributary channels in Fan B form
a hierarchically organised branching network in
which channel digression and avulsion must have
been quite common as demonstrated by the
occurrence of multiple stacked, intersecting or
adjacent channel bodies (Fig. 15a, c). The markedly
different internal geometries which characterise the
Fan A and Fan B complexes and their relative
positions suggest that the deposition of the Fan B
sequences corresponded to a basin-ward shift of the
fan system probably in relation to a major sea level
fall.
6. Conclusions
Following the extensional phases related to the
formation of the Oligo-Miocene Sardinia Rift Basin,
the Isili area was dissected into a series of small
faulted blocks aligned approximately N–S on both
sides of a relatively narrow trough (Isili Trough,
Figs. 2b and 16) which sloped 10–208 southward.
On the western side of the trough (e.g., Punta
Trempu) and on its northward culmination (Nurallao
area), foramol/rhodalgal carbonate factories set up on
the topographic-highs. On the other hand, the north-
eastern side of the trough, the emersion of the
Palaeozoic and Mesozoic basement (e.g., Monte
Rasu and Sarcidano area) led to the deposition of
thick fan-delta sequences (e.g., Isili Industrial area,
Figs. 2a and 16; Cherchi et al., 2000; Murru et al.,
27
2001; Simone et al., 2001). According to Cherchi et
al. (2000) and by comparison with analogous
foramol/rhodalgal carbonate factories documented
elsewhere (see Carannante et al., 1981, 1996;
Carannante and Simone, 1996), a water depth
ranging from 30 up to 80 m is inferred for the
productive shelf areas. Assuming that only minor
significant differential vertical displacement between
the outcropping areas occurred following the depo-
sition of the Isili Limestones, a water depth of a few
hundreds of metres is estimated for the more distal
of the investigated areas (e.g., S’Acqua Salia–
Nuraghe Maurus section) although shallower con-
ditions may have periodically occurred during
negative relative sea level oscillations. The abun-
dance of planktonic foraminifers and reworked
glauconite grains in the deeper areas (e.g., S’Acqua
Salia–Nuraghe Maurus section) fits well with the
hypothesized paleobathimetry.
The depositional architecture of foramol carbo-
nate channel-fill, as well as channel evolution,
depends on sediment characteristics (sediment nature
and grain size), transportation mechanisms (bottom
currents and gravity flows), early diagenesis and
topographic settings (see also Braga et al., 2001;
Carannante and Vigorito, 2001; Vigorito, 2001). As
far as the tributary channels are concerned, these ran
across the tributary zone and were filled by coarse-
sized debris and/or grain flow deposits. High-energy
environmental conditions, as well as multiple ero-
sive/depositional events, boosted by relative sea
level oscillations and/or tectonics, favoured the
development of complex wedging and lensing
depositional architectures formed through the over-
lapping and interfingering of multiple stacked and or
nested channel bodies. Tributaries in such a prox-
imal setting are markedly erosive and levee com-
plexes are commonly absent. In more distal sectors
(near the confluence with the Isili Channel), a sharp
decrease in the slope dip angle is reflected in the
tributaries by the development of a trough-stratified
locally trough cross-stratified channel-fill. Channel
aggradation, in addition to well-defined channel
margin sequences, may be commonly recorded in
this setting.
The Isili Channel ran W–E draining both the Punta
Trempu and Nurallao carbonate factories and
deflected towards the S in its medial reaches (Fig. 16).
28 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30

Fig. 16. Block diagram of the Lower Miocene palaeophysiography of the Isili area. The Isili Channel and the related fan as well as main
sediment transportation directions (arrows) are shown (modified after Casula et al., 2001).

The Isili Submarine Channel is a mixed, erosional/
depositional, channel which shows a multistorey,
stacked, partly nested architecture produced by super-
imposition of multiple channel units, commonly
confined by sharp erosive surfaces. The channel
internal geometry documents a progressive shifting
toward the east of its depositional axis (lateral
migration of the channel thalweg) in relation to
preferential accretion of its western (right) channel
margin. Channel-fill architectures are locally compli-
cated by the confluence of tributaries and by major
levee/margin collapses. These latter resulted in the
emplacement of megabreccias which created an
irregular channel-floor topography and, in turn,
favoured the development of the complex large-scale
cross-stratified geometries which characterise the
overlying deposits (Figs. 10a, b and 12a, c). The first
fill sequences of the Isili Channel build up the
Channel Complex A and have well defined channel-
scale trough-stratified to divergent-fill architecture,
locally associated to clinostratified units or minor-
order cross-bedding, (Figs. 4d, 7, 9b and 11a),
produced in turbidite-dominated depositional environ-
ments. The overlying Channel Complex B shows
complex channel-fill architectures including wide-
spread impressive lateral bar sequences (Figs. 10a–c
and 11a, d), which reflect an overall increase of
channel sinuosity.
Some of the individual channel units show two
distinct filling stages. The first stage is characterised
by lateral accretion of channel margin complexes
which corresponded to a progressive increase of the
sinuosity of the channel. The second stage involved
mainly vertical aggradation of filling. These stages
represent different flow conditions which were also
function of channel topography.
In its distal reaches, the Isili Channel split into a
complex distributary network (Figs. 4 and 15a–c)
fringed by pebbly/sandy sheet deposits and/or by
lobes and interchannel ridges. A submarine fan
system was built about 2 km south of this major
channel bend (Figs. 5 and 16). Fan complexes were
laid down as a consequence of slope gradient decrease
and more probably by the expansion and collapse of
down-channel directed sediment flows that were no
longer confined by the Isili fault-block on the western
side (Fig. 16). Two fan complexes were deposited
during different stages of active fan-system growth.
These latter are separated by a sharp erosive surface
which probably relates to a major regressive event and
corresponded to a basin-ward shift of the Isili Fan
System.
 M. Vigorito et al. / Sedimentary Geology 174 (2005) 1–30
Acknowledgements
We thank D. Bosence and G. Carannante who
critically read the first draft of the manuscript and
Mrs. M. Hullet who revised the English text. The
authors are also indebted to the referees J.M. Martin
and L. Pomar.
M. Murru and M. Vigorito undertook the detailed
geological mapping. M. Vigorito focused on the
submarine channel bodies geometries as well as the
sedimentary structures and paleocurrent indicator
patterns. L. Simone undertook facies analysis with
particular reference to sedimentological and tapho-
nomic characteristics.
Financial support for this research was provided by
the MIUR-COFIN 2002 Grant to L. Simone.
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