As we know, it is a very difficult task to differentiate tsunami deposits from storm deposits. Sedimentological (grain size, grain sorting, sedimentary structure and sedimentary fabric), palaeontological, geochemistry and geophysical analysis are the most common methods to identify and characterise the tsunami deposits. Recently, X-ray computed tomography is being used in grain size, sedimentary structures and fabric analysis. Can we consider X-ray computed tomography as a unique tool that could discriminate between storm and tsunami deposits?
I think these papers could help you;
They're available on the ResearchGate Server for download.
Hi Ershad,
I think if you can determine the paleo-coast and determine the distance between deposits to that coast line, you will reach to your aim. Tsunami deposits logically must deposited far from coast line in continent.
The criteria that can be used to distinguish between tsunami deposits and storm deposits includes: the frequency of the deposits, the nature of neighbouring Facies associations and the sedimentary structure associations
The frequency of storm deposits is greater in a sedimentary series than those of tsunamis, to the point that sometimes we can have a succession of several hundred meters consisting almost essentially of storm facies as is the case for the Ordovician series of Morocco
Storm action is recorded from land to distal offshore so storm deposits must be associated with other shallow deposits: foreshore, shoreface, offshore or delta deposits. While tsunami deposits can occur in various environments ranging from the coast to the deep sea.
Storm deposits generally exhibit a wider variety of sedimentary facies than tsunami deposits.
Tsunami deposits may include sedimentary structures that reflect the combination of oscillatory currents and turbulent unidirectional currents. For example tsunami deposits of the Oligo Miocene of the NW Rif (Morocco) include layers of constant thickness displaying hummocky cross-stratification or Micro-hummocky cross stratification and large flute casts and groove casts at their base
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