Glaciomarine turbidite and current controlled deposits in Prydz Bay, Antarctica

Abstract

A thick sequence (up to 2200 m) of presumed post late Eocene/early Oligocene glaciomarine sediments is inferred to be present on the Prydz Bay continental rise. In the absence of information from drillholes, we correlate to ODP Leg 119 drillsites on the shelf and compare with the seismic reflection pattern of glaciomarine sequences in the Weddell Sea. The inferred glaciomarine sediments in Prydz Bay appear to be deposited in a complex manner, suggesting interaction by both turbidity cur rents and strong bottom currents. Reflection seismic profiles from the lower continental slope and rise shows an abundance of current influenced deposits, such as sediment waves and large sediment ridges with similarities to contourite drifts. In addition, large channel-levee complexes are abundant, suggesting deposition by turbidity currents and other massflow processes. Large channels and sediment ridges trend oblique to the continental margin. The geometry and character of the seismic reflection pattern suggest that the ridges have been deposited under the combined influence of overflow from downslope channelized turbidity currents and strong bottom water flow. The observed sediment waves and the difference along eastern and western channel margins suggest that bottom currents are flowing towards the west. We suggest that the initiation of turbidite sedimentation occurred in the late Eocene-early Oligocene, when the Amery Ice Shelf reached the shelf edge for the first time. Onset of current controlled deposition may possibly be related to the opening of the Drake Passage at the Oligocene/Miocene boundary.