Abstract
A study of the Huapinghsu Channel/Canyon System was conducted with bathymetric profiles, 3.5 kHz echograms and box cores, to investigate morphology and sedimentary features. This channel/canyon system consists of two distinct units: (1)a broad trough-shaped channel which cuts into the shelf, and (2) a narrow V-shaped canyon with steep walls on the upper slope, which merges shoreward with the first channel. It extends from the shelf to the slope and has a total length of about 120 Km. Core samples indicate that coarse-grained sediments are the dominant surface sediments in the channel and adjacent shelves but muddy sediments occur in front of the canyon mouth and nearby slopes. Erosional processes of lateral widening predominated in the channel course on the shelf and intense downcutting was prevalent in the canyon on the upper slope. This channel/canyon system probably was initiated by sediment failure eat the paleo-shelf edge. The canyon head then began to extend shoreward and resulted in a broad channel on the shelf. After later submergence the channel/canyon system has been preserved and enlarged by marine processes and mass wasting. The Huapinghsu Channel/Canyon System on the shelf and slope was apart of seaward sediment-transport systems during the late Pleistocene low-sea-level stand. The subsequent transgression, some 5,000 to 7,000 years ago, inhibited the landward erosion of the channel. Because of cut-off from its main sediment source during the transgression, this channel/canyon system can no longer act as a modern conduit transporting sediments to the sea. The inadequate sediment supply from the China mainland and Taiwan has also prevented modern sediments from filling the submerged Huapinghsu Channel/Canyon System.
Highlights
1.1 Canyon SettingThe continental margin off northeastern Taiwan consists mainly of a broad East China Sea continental shelf, a narrow East China Sea continental slope and the deep southernOkinawa Trough (Figure 1)
The bathymetric chart (Figure 3) and cross-sectional morphology (Figure 4) indicate that this linear depression consists of two distinct units: (1) a broad trough-shaped channel which cuts into the shelf, and (2) a narrow V-shaped canyon with steep walls on the upper slope which merges shoreward into the channel
Based on the finding that Holocene and modem sands from nearby Tawian drainages were restricted to the nearshore areas (Boggs et al, 1979), we suggest that very few sediments were deposited in the Huapinghsu ChanneVCanyon System and those found there are relicts
Summary
The continental margin off northeastern Taiwan consists mainly of a broad East China Sea continental shelf, a narrow East China Sea continental slope and the deep southern. Submarine canyons and canyon-like incisions (narrow linear depressions) are recognized as the most prominent physiographic features on the shelf-slope region off northeastern Taiwan. Bathymetric contours indicate the presence of three major submarine canyons which indent the shelf, cross the slope and extend south-eastward into the southern Okinawa Trough (Figure 1). 1\vo of these canyons were named the Chilung Canyon and the Huapinghsu Canyon by Yu (1992), after a nearby port city and an island near the head of the canyon on the shelf, respectively (Figure 1). The third canyon remained unnamed because of inadequate bathymetric mapping (Yu, 1992)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
