Reply to the Discussion by Schieber on “Mud dispersal across a Cretaceous prodelta: Storm‐generated, wave‐enhanced sediment gravity flows inferred from mudstone microtexture and microfacies” by Plint (), Sedimentology 61, 609–647

Abstract

The points raised by Dr. Schieber are most efficiently addressed through a joint Reply from both Plint and Cheadle, who are currently working on Cretaceous mudrocks in the Canadian portion of the Western Interior Seaway. Before making our reply, both Plint and Cheadle, as relative neophytes in the world of mudrock sedimentology, are pleased to acknowledge the guidance and inspiration provided by the numerous, groundbreaking, publications of Juergen Schieber. We hope that our research on Canadian mudrocks can also make some modest contribution to the exciting, tantalizing and sometimes frustrating field of mudrock sedimentology. We thank Dr Schieber for the interest he has taken in the paper by Plint (2014) concerning prodelta mudstone in the Cretaceous Dunvegan Formation. Below, we comment briefly on the main points raised in Schieber's Discussion.

Discussion of Li et al. (2021) – On the origin and significance of composite particles in mudstones: Examples from the Cenomanian Dunvegan Formation, Sedimentology, 68, 737–754

“…The authors also provide a discussion of mud rip‐up intraclasts, which is encouraging considering the recent controversy regarding the intraclast versus extraclast conundrum (e.g. Plint et al ., 2012; Plint & Macquaker, 2013; Schieber & Bennett, 2013; Plint & Cheadle, 2015; Schieber, 2015). However, there are a few details in this manuscript which warrant a discussion.…”

Sedimentology of the Upper Pennsylvanian organic‐rich Cline Shale, Midland Basin: From gravity flows to pelagic suspension fallout

“…17B). These rip‐up clasts are most likely eroded from water‐rich, partially consolidated mudrock at the sea floor (either on the shelf, the slope or the basin‐floor), transported as bedload and deposited when the flow decelerates (Schieber et al ., 2010; Schieber & Bennett, 2013; Plint, 2014; Schieber, 2016; Boulesteix et al ., 2019). The OMA observed in laminae II are interpreted to be ancient examples of ‘marine snow’, which was associated with primary marine organic productivity (Macquaker et a l ., 2010).…”

The role of siliciclastics in carbonate fabric diversity and preservation: A case study from the Neoproterozoic carbonate − siliciclastic Horse Thief Springs Formation, Death Valley

“…These features may be the result of tectonic faulting, brecciation of sandy micritic dolostones, or by shear produced by energetic, turbulent flow associated with sediment gravity flows (e.g. Plint, 2014). Most soft-sediment deformational structures are not visible in outcrop, yet Unit 2a contains convoluted and crinkly intercalated laminae of sandy dolostone and fine-grained sandstones (Fig.…”