Tidal depositional systems

Abstract

Tidal depositional systems are widely distributed along coastal environments. The character of their sediments, both siliciclastic and biogenic, reflects a complex interaction of numerous physical and biotic factors of which tidal forces are the most prominent. Ranging up from the nearshore subtidal into the supratidal, they represent the direct transition from marine to terrestrial environments and, by tide-dominated deltas and estuaries, also the transition to fluvial controlled processes. They are typically characterized by steep environmental gradients. As tidal depositional systems are highly sensitive to sea-level changes, they are strongly affected by climate change. It has to be noted that tidal signatures can also be found in deeper water settings as tides, in general, are an ocean-wide phenomenon.