The geochemical composition of the of the studied sandstones and mudstones suggests a passive rifted continental margin with minor to moderate chemical weathering, possible in a semi-arid/arid paleoclimate. Clastic petrofacies of the sandstones indicate a locally uplifted and syn-rift paleotectonic setting during the main sedimentation stage, passing toward a post-rifting stage of the depositional basin. Small-scale structures within the sedimentary basin affected the depositional patterns of the Heddersvatnet Formation by creating local sites of uplift and erosion, controlling the sediment transport, and defining the accommodation space for deposition. The sedimentation of the Heddersvatnet Formation reflects a tectonic base level fall, which resulted in an accumulation of thick alluvial fan or braidplain sediments near uplifted flank(s) of the sedimentary basin. This was combined with intensive erosion of the basement in the pre-vegetation landscape, which resulted in changes in the hydraulic geometry of flow and sediment discharge of stream channels.
The following criteria, observed from the Heddersvatnet Formation, are suggestive of an ancient alluvial fan and associated braidplain sedimentation: (1) deposition close to the source area; (2) slightly divergent paleoflows; (3) high-energy flows with waning flood-cycles; (4) abundance of poorly sorted and laterally extensive subaerial debris flows, and related streamflows, possible sheetfloods, hyperconcentrated flows, and their associations; (5) great distribution of grain size and lithofacies changes in proximal vs. distal parts; (6) limited suite of sedimentary structures (cross-stratification, ripple-marks, and desiccanation cracks); (7) fault bounded basin (graben) with hanging wall close to uplifted flank(s); (8) paleoslope estimation indicating at least moderate paleotopographic highs; (9) colluvial and scree apron breccias; (10) lack of any typical braided stream channel fill conglomerates and floodplains; and (11) channelized sediment bodies lacking extensive lateral continuity.
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