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A new model for turbidity current behavior based on integration of flow monitoring and precision coring in a submarine canyon

Symons, W.O.; Sumner, E.J.; Paull, C.K.; Cartigny, M.J.B.; Xu, J.P.; Maier, K.L.; Lorenson, T.D.; Talling, P.J.

A new model for turbidity current behavior based on integration of flow monitoring and precision coring in a submarine canyon Thumbnail


Authors

W.O. Symons

E.J. Sumner

C.K. Paull

J.P. Xu

K.L. Maier

T.D. Lorenson



Abstract

Submarine turbidity currents create some of the largest sediment accumulations on Earth, yet there are few direct measurements of these flows. Instead, most of our understanding of turbidity currents results from analyzing their deposits in the sedimentary record. However, the lack of direct flow measurements means that there is considerable debate regarding how to interpret flow properties from ancient deposits. This novel study combines detailed flow monitoring with unusually precisely located cores at different heights, and multiple locations, within the Monterey submarine canyon, offshore California, USA. Dating demonstrates that the cores include the time interval that flows were monitored in the canyon, albeit individual layers cannot be tied to specific flows. There is good correlation between grain sizes collected by traps within the flow and grain sizes measured in cores from similar heights on the canyon walls. Synthesis of flow and deposit data suggests that turbidity currents sourced from the upper reaches of Monterey Canyon comprise three flow phases. Initially, a thin (38–50 m) powerful flow in the upper canyon can transport, tilt, and break the most proximal moorings and deposit chaotic sands and gravel on the canyon floor. The initially thin flow front then thickens and deposits interbedded sands and silty muds on the canyon walls as much as 62 m above the canyon floor. Finally, the flow thickens along its length, thus lofting silty mud and depositing it at greater altitudes than the previous deposits and in excess of 70 m altitude.

Citation

Symons, W., Sumner, E., Paull, C., Cartigny, M., Xu, J., Maier, K., …Talling, P. (2017). A new model for turbidity current behavior based on integration of flow monitoring and precision coring in a submarine canyon. Geology, 45(4), 367-370. https://doi.org/10.1130/g38764.1

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Dec 28, 2016
Online Publication Date Feb 13, 2017
Publication Date Apr 1, 2017
Deposit Date Feb 22, 2017
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Geology
Print ISSN 0091-7613
Electronic ISSN 1943-2682
Publisher Geological Society of America
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 45
Issue 4
Pages 367-370
DOI https://doi.org/10.1130/g38764.1

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