Migrating sediment waves created by turbidity currents in the northern South China Basin

Abstract

Research Article| November 01, 1979 Migrating sediment waves created by turbidity currents in the northern South China Basin John E. Damuth John E. Damuth 1Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory of Columbia University Palisades, New York 10964 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1979) 7 (11): 520–523. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1979)7<520:MSWCBT>2.0.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation John E. Damuth; Migrating sediment waves created by turbidity currents in the northern South China Basin. Geology 1979;; 7 (11): 520–523. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1979)7<520:MSWCBT>2.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract A large (∼ 25,000 km2) field of migrating sediment waves on the gently dipping seaward wall of the Manila Trench in the northern South China Basin parallels the trench floor for 450 km and extends up the wall to 900 m above the trench floor. Wavelengths range from 200 m to 5 km, and amplitudes range from 5 to 50 m. The internal structure of the waves generally suggests upslope migration. These waves have characteristics common to migrating waves that were deposited by thermohaline (contour) currents at other locations throughout the world. However, the regional setting and sediments of these South China Sea waves, together with the apparent absence of contour-current activity within the South China Basin indicate that the waves probably formed by turbidity currents or related down-slope flows that moved southward along the Manila Trench floor. These sediment waves thus demonstrate that downslope, gravity-induced flows can create fields of migrating waves that are of regional extent and are morphologically identical to sediment waves deposited by thermohaline-induced contour currents. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.