Imbrication fabric as a diagnostic feature for the genetic classification of gravels deposited by fluid-gravity versus sediment-gravity subaerial flows

Gravel transport in subaerial environments occurs through different flows that are conveniently classified as debris flows, debris floods and water flows based on their distinct morpho-sedimentary dynamics and different implications for geomorphic hazard. Because distinctive features allowing gravelly sedimentary bodies to be ascribed to related genetic process are still a matter of discussion, this study aims to establish whether imbrication fabric represents a sedimentological fingerprint potentially applicable towards a more robust genetic classification of gravels. We analysed the fabric of 1007 imbricated clasts from modern and ancient deposits. Our results highlight statistically significant differences between imbrication fabrics in gravels deposited by different flows. Particles imbricated by water flows are typified by low imbrication angles (median of 35°) and elongated clasts oriented perpendicular to the flow. In contrast, debris-flow gravels exhibit high imbrication angles (median of 65°) and elongated clasts oriented parallel to the flow. Debris-flood deposits display elongated clasts both parallel and transverse to the main flow and intermediate values of imbrication angle (median of 47°). We propose that imbrication angles result from the combination of stability-driven selection—a process acting under tractional transport and promoting the remobilization of high-angle imbrication fabrics—and shear-stress-driven overriding—a mechanism leading to the formation of the higher imbrication angles—with the first dominating in water flows and the latter being effective in mass transport processes. The progressive change in imbrication fabrics from fluid-gravity to sediment-gravity flow deposits offers easily quantifiable sedimentological evidence to help in distinguishing genetic processes that contribute to the accumulation of gravels in alluvial and colluvial settings. Analysis of imbrication fabric can add valuable information, particularly as regards the classification of (1) coarse deposits in stratigraphic records and (2) modern debris flood deposits.