High resolution 3D seismic data were used for the sequence stratigraphy division of the Upper Miocene-Pliocene deepwater gravity flow deposits in Rakhine Basin

Myanmar.Taking the continuous weak reflections of the TST-HST mudstones and the base of the thick channel incision and lobe sandstones as the third-order sequence boundaries

the upper Miocene-seabed deposits were divided into three third-order sequences

corresponding to the Upper Miocene

Pliocene and Pleistocene-seabed respectively.The Upper Miocene and Pliocene were selected as the focus of this study and were subdivided into three and two fourth-order sequences respectively according to the vertical evolution characteristics of the deepwater architectural elements.Each fourth-order sequence shows similar positive rhythm features of upward decreasing grain size

weakening denudation and lowering sand-to-gross ratio.The third-order sequence boundaries were caused by the regional large marine regressions

while the fourth-order sequence boundaries were resulted from the small-scale marine regressions.The development of sequence stratigraphies was mainly controlled by the sea level change

tectonic uplifting and climate.The sea level change influenced the deposition variation.And the tectonic uplifting and the climate controlled the sediment supply volume which affected the stacking styles of the fourth-order sequence.Especially during 7-8 Ma

the rapid uplifting of the Tibetan strengthened the south Asian monsoon

intensified erosion

and thus increased sediment supply.Consequently

the lobe sandstones increased and the channel incision strengthened during 7-8 Ma.