Formation Of Sediment Waves Research Articles

Distribution, characteristics, and processes of formation of sediment waves along the Indian north-eastern continental margin

Muddy, upslope-migrating sediment waves, with their crestal lines parallel to the bathymetric contours, are the dominant geomorphic elements in the entire lower slope along the Indian north-eastern continental margin. Wave dimensions are maximum with high but differing degrees of sediment accretions on the upslope and downslope sides of wave crests and with most upslope wave migrations in the northeastern part of the study area, having relatively low seafloor gradients. The wave dimensions decrease with lower as well as differing degrees of sediment accretions on both sides of wave crests and with lower upslope wave migrations in the southwestern parts of the study area, having steeper seafloor gradients. Within each area of the lower slope, starting from updip, wave dimensions increase to their maximum at some distance downdip with optimal low seafloor gradients. Farther downdip, the wave dimensions decrease even with lower seafloor gradients continuing. Also, within each area, at the base of the wave intervals, the waves are small and grow into larger features with more sediment accretions in the upper intervals.The distribution and characteristics of sediment waves observed along the Indian margin are indicative of deposition by down-slope moving, unconfined turbidity currents that have evolved from other sediment gravity flows derived from several point sources updip. Along-slope bottom currents are least likely agents of wave deposition here. We interpret that the spatial and temporal variations in wave dimensions are due to the variations in seafloor gradients, turbidity current flow characteristics, frequency, duration and total number of flow events in space and time.

Deepwater sedimentary bedforms in a mobile substrate terrain: Examples from the central Gulf of Mexico Basin

We have used high-resolution geophysical data to investigate depositional and erosional bedforms in two geomorphologic provinces of the deepwater central Gulf of Mexico Basin: (1) the Mad Dog and Atlantis areas in the Sigsbee Escarpment region and (2) the Holstein minibasin within the salt canopy in the slope. Multibeam bathymetry indicates that the seafloor relief in the study areas is highly irregular because it is influenced by the dynamic behavior of underlying salt bodies resulting in the development of diverse bathymetric features. Side-scan images reveal erosional furrows of different morphologies at the base of the Sigsbee Escarpment that are oriented subparallel to the escarpment. Wide and sinuous furrows overlie mass transport deposits (MTDs), whereas, in other areas along strike, narrow rectilinear furrows are found beneath MTDs. The furrow fields in the Sigsbee Escarpment are located within a large series of erosional features that are linked to the action of westward flowing bottom currents associated with topographic Rossby waves that manage to rework sediments at water depths up to 2000 m. The interaction between the bottom current flow and the seafloor is likely influenced by the MTD’s irregular top surface relief and lateral changes in the escarpment’s morphology resulting in the development of complex sinuous furrow morphologies. North of the escarpment, subbottom profiles indicate a series of buried sediment waves found in the southern rim of the Holstein minibasin. Sediment wave morphometry indicates wavelengths ranging from 116 to 339 m and wave heights between approximately 0.8 and 2.4 m. Sediment waves were likely formed by turbidity currents as they exited the minibasin. The vertical change in topographic relief from the minibasin to the salt high led to variations in flow thickness and flow velocity of turbidity currents passing over the minibasin’s open rim. Consequently, these changes in flow regime led to the formation of sediment waves.

Sediment waves on the Santa Catarina Plateau (western South Atlantic)

High-resolution seismoacoustic and multibeam data revealed a large field of sediment waves covering the Santa Catarina Plateau on the Brazilian Southern Margin. Within the field several zones were determined: a zone of large sediment waves (up to 70 m in height), a zone of smaller sediment waves (15–30 m in height) and a zone of buried sediment waves. The correlation of the seismoacoustic and multibeam data with the results of numerical modeling of bottom current velocities showed a strong influence of bottom currents on the formation of sediment waves. The process of wave burial in the northern part of the field can be caused by the interplay between gravity flows from the continental slope and bottom currents.

Morphological features and associated bottom-current dynamics in the Le Danois Bank region (southern Bay of Biscay, NE Atlantic): A model in a topographically constrained small basin

The present-day morphology of the Le Danois Bank region has been investigated based on bathymetric and high to ultra-high resolution seismic reflection data. The involved bottom-current processes are associated with the Eastern North Atlantic Central Water, the Atlantic Mediterranean Water and the Labrador Sea Water. Sediments originating from various canyon systems along the Cantabrian Margin and the Asturias continental shelf are transported by downslope and alongslope processes towards the Le Danois intraslope basin. The background flow velocities of bottom currents are all below the threshold (8–10 cm/s) of generating plastered and mounded geometries of contourite drifts. However, bottom currents are locally accelerated (up to 25 cm/s) due to the presence of the Le Danois Bank and the Vizco High, creating a furrow and three moats and generating six plastered drifts, three elongated mounded and separated drifts at different depth intervals. The extension and distribution of the drifts are controlled by slope morphology and/or bottom current velocities. Unlike contourite drifts along other continental slopes, a single contourite drift (the Gijón Drift) with a lateral variation in drift geometry and internal structure indicates the interaction of bottom currents with different flow dynamics. Additionally, scouring of active bottom currents and rapid sedimentation rate of contourite drifts may be at the origin of slope instability events. Besides contourite drifts, internal waves may have induced the formation of sediment waves. In the Le Danois intraslope basin, multiple sedimentary processes work together and shape the present-day seafloor. Bottom currents are focused due to deflection on complex topographical obstacles within a relatively small basin setting, and create a wide variety of sedimentary features, including contourite drifts. The resulting sedimentary features thus have more frequent lateral variations, a feature typical for topographically constrained small basins.

The role of internal waves in the late Quaternary evolution of the Israeli continental slope

Internal waves are widely present in world's oceans propagating in stratified ocean layers such as the seasonal pycnocline. At continental shelves and slopes, breaking of internal waves may create turbulence of sufficient energy to erode and transport sediments. In this study, we investigate the late Pleistocene to Recent impact of internal waves on the morphology of the Israeli Mediterranean continental slope. Based on mooring data, we show that the internal wave spectrum on the upper slope contains significant energy at near-inertial and semidiurnal tidal frequencies. Sediment subbottom profiler data show two fields of nearly contour parallel sediment waves located in water depths of 80 m–130 m and 190 m–350 m, respectively. A zone of flat seafloor morphology and remarkably constant slope inclination of 1.0°–1.2° separates both sediment wave fields. The entire stretch of seafloor between 80 m and 350 m corresponds to depths of major ocean density stratification, supporting the propagation of internal waves. In addition, this area is critically inclined with respect to semidiurnal internal tides and supercritically inclined with respect to near-inertial waves, two scenarios previously related to internal wave breaking. We propose that breaking internal waves control the inclination of the Israeli continental slope and contribute to sediment starvation within the zone of flat seafloor morphology. The formation of sediment waves is attributed to high-frequency trailing internal waves of similar wavelengths as sediment waves, observed within a seismic image of the water column. We correlate subbottom profiler data to a radiocarbon dated sediment core. No sediment waves formed from 16 cal ka–8 cal ka, indicating that the seafloor impact of internal waves ceased during a time of rapid sea level rise and fresh water input in the Eastern Mediterranean realm. The end of this period coincides with the formation of sapropel S1.

Architecture and morphodynamics of subcritical sediment waves in an ancient channel–lobe transition zone

AbstractIn modern systems, submarine channel–lobe transition zones show a well‐documented assemblage of depositional and erosional bedforms. In contrast, the stratigraphic record of channel–lobe transition zones is poorly constrained, because preservation potential is low and criteria have not been established to identify depositional bedforms in these settings. Several locations from an exhumed fine‐grained base of slope system (Unit B, Laingsburg depocentre, Karoo Basin, South Africa) show exceptional preservation of sandstone beds with distinctive morphologies and internal facies distributions. The regional stratigraphic context, lack of a basal confining surface, wave‐like morphology in dip section, size and facies characteristics support an interpretation of subcritical sediment waves within a channel–lobe transition zone setting. Some sediment waves show steep (10 to 25°) unevenly spaced (10 to 100 m) internal truncation surfaces that are dominantly upstream‐facing, which suggests significant spatio‐temporal fluctuations in flow character. Their architecture indicates that individual sediment wave beds accrete upstream, in which each swell initiates individually. Lateral switching of the flow core is invoked to explain the sporadic upstream‐facing truncation surfaces, and complex facies distributions vertically within each sediment wave. Variations in bedform character are related to the axial to marginal positions within a channel–lobe transition zone. The depositional processes documented do not correspond with known bedform development under supercritical conditions. The proposed process model departs from established mechanisms of sediment wave formation by emphasising the evidence for subcritical rather than supercritical conditions, and highlights the significance of lateral and temporal variability in flow dynamics and resulting depositional architecture.

Formation of sediment waves by turbidity currents and geostrophic flows: A discussion

A condition for the existence of sediment waves under turbidity currents as antidunes with the requirement of a slope gradient ≥3.0×10−3 is deduced. Data show no such waves on slopes <2.5×10−3, but some contourite mudwaves occur on slopes as low as 4.4×10−4. However the latter also occur on slopes >3×10−3 so no clear distinction is possible. Where turbidity current channels cross sediment drifts, or geostrophic flows traverse turbidite fans, the origin of most mudwaves will need to be determined by reference to internal features and context. A key problem is deposition of mud as antidunes from turbidity currents where even the waning flow is probably well above the critical erosion velocity for a clear flow. Deposition must occur from high concentration flows well above clear water critical depositional stresses. Once a wavy bed is set up, subsequent deposition may occur via the lee-wave mechanism proposed for contourite waves under a gradient Froude Number >1. A steep angle (<45°) between crest and flow axes is typical of GF waves, which may be dunes or antidunes, whereas TC waves tend to be orthogonal, but data on this discriminant are sparse.

Seismic geomorphological reconstructions of Plio-Pleistocene bottom current variability at Goban Spur

High-resolution single channel sparker reflection seismic data revealed the presence of large-scale sediment waves nearby DSDP Site 548, located on Goban Spur. They developed in a gentle terraced environment which contrasts with the canyon-incised Celtic margin, and the relatively smooth Porcupine Seabight to the north. Based upon the morphological characteristics of the observed seabed and buried sediment waves, energetic alongslope bottom currents are thought to be the driving mechanism for the sediment wave development. These currents are driven on their turn by an enhanced internal tide regime that could be attributed to the introduction of the Mediterranean Outflow Water. The DSDP Site 548 downhole geophysical data and the seismic stratigraphic analysis allowed the differentiation of three sequences that relate to evolutionary stages since the lower Pliocene. The sequences are bounded by local erosional events, associated with mass wasting events, which seem to occur roughly synchronously to major northern hemisphere glaciations, respectively during the Lower Pleistocene (~2.5 to 2.15Ma), and the Middle Pleistocene (~0.45Ma). The lower sequence (from ~4.5 to ~2.15Ma) shows no morphological evidence of bottom-current driven sedimentation. It is however settled over a smooth erosional surface which could indicate the introduction of the Mediterranean Outflow Water. The intermediate sequence is characterised by large-scale sediment waves that have gradually developed in close association with palaeo-seafloor irregularities. It is inferred that the sedimentation resumed with a relative bottom current energy increase. The youngest sequence recorded active sediment wave formation, similar to the previous sequence. Although the Goban Spur sediment waves cannot be regarded as contourite drifts as such, their stratigraphic evolution corresponds to other well-documented contourite depositional systems, influenced by the Mediterranean Outflow Water.

Morphobathymetric analysis of the large fine-grained sediment waves over the Gulf of Valencia continental slope (NW Mediterranean)

Detailed analysis of recently acquired swath bathymetry, together with high-resolution seismic profiles and bottom sediment samples, revealed the presence of large-scale fine-grained sediment waves over the Gulf of Valencia continental slope. As many other deep-water sediment waves, these features were previously attributed to gravitational slope failure, related to creep-like deformation, and are here reinterpreted as sediment wave fields extending from 250m depth to the continental rise, at ~850m depth. Geometric parameters were computed from the high-resolution multibeam dataset. Sediment wave lengths range between 500 and 1000m, and maximum wave heights of up to 50m are found on the upper slope, decreasing downslope to minimum values of 2m high. Sediment waves on the lower part of the slope are quasi-stationary vertically accreting, whereas they show an upslope migrating pattern from the mid-slope to the upper part of the continental slope. High-resolution seismic profiles show continuous internal reflectors, with sediment waves merging down-section and sediment wave packages decreasing in thickness downslope. These sediment packages are thicker on the crest of each individual sediment wave and thinner on the downslope flank. 210Pb analyses conducted on sediment cores collected over the sediment wave fields also indicate slightly higher sediment accumulation rates on the wave crests. Sediment wave formation processes have been inferred from contemporary hydrodynamic observations, which reveal the presence of near-inertial internal waves interacting with the Gulf of Valencia continental slope. Internal wave activity is suggested to be the preferential mechanism for the transport and deposition of sediment, and the maintenance of the observed sediment wave fields.

Sediment Wave Formation Caused by Erosional and Depositional Turbidity Currents: A Numerical Investigation

Results are presented from two-dimensional direct numerical simulations of sediment wave formation via a succession of erosional and depositional turbidity currents. For currents propagating down a slope, we observe the formation of upstream migrating periodic sediment waves. The strength of the wave formation process is discussed as function of the governing dimensionless parameters.

Deep-water sediment wave formation: linear stability analysis of coupled flow/bed interaction

A linear stability analysis is carried out for the interaction of an erodible sediment bed with a sediment-laden, stratified flow above the bed, such as a turbidity or bottom current. The fluid motion is described by the full, two-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations in the Boussinesq approximation, while erosion is modelled as a diffusive flux of particles from the bed into the fluid. The stability analysis shows the existence of both Tollmien–Schlichting and internal wave modes in the stratified boundary layer. For the internal wave mode, the stratified boundary layer acts as a wave duct, whose height can be determined analytically from the Brunt–Väisälä frequency criterion. Consistent with this criterion, distinct unstable perturbation wavenumber regimes exist for the internal wave mode, which are associated with different numbers of pressure extrema in the wall-normal direction. For representative turbidity current parameters, the analysis predicts unstable wavelengths that are consistent with field observations. As a key condition for instability to occur, the base flow velocity boundary layer needs to be thinner than the corresponding concentration boundary layer. For most of the unstable wavenumber ranges, the phase relations between the sediment bed deformation and the associated wall shear stress and concentration perturbations are such that the sediment waves migrate in the upstream direction, which again is consistent with field observations.

Sediment waves with a biogenic twist in Pleistocene cool water carbonates, Great Australian Bight

Sediment waves composed of fine-grained carbonate ooze with in-place bryozoans are a characteristic element of the Pleistocene of the Great Australian Bight (GAB). The low-amplitude and strongly elongate sediment waves are up to 10 km long, 1 km wide, 40 m high, and oriented sub-parallel to contours immediately off the shelf–slope break. They are asymmetrical, showing up-slope migration, and mainly occur in trains. The sediment waves were drilled during ODP leg 182 in 1998, and were interpreted as biogenic reef mounds. New high-quality seismic and multibeam bathymetry data were acquired on the Galathea 3 expedition in 2006, allowing description of the morphology and internal architecture of the sediment waves in unprecedented detail, leading to an alternative interpretation of their formation. Most sediment waves were initiated by preferential deposition on the landward side of irregular erosion surfaces. Sediment wave accretion took place under the influence of density driven currents, which decelerated up the landward-dipping flanks and accelerated down the seaward-dipping flanks of the sediment waves. The currents are interpreted as dense water cascades formed by summer evaporation and strong winter cooling by analogy with oceanographic processes in the present day GAB. The lithological composition varied with climate and sea level, but sediment wave formation did not. Sediment waves formed and accreted during both glacials and interglacials in contrast to the previous interpretations, which involved growth in glacial periods only. Bryozoans influenced the depositional environment by adding sediment, trapping fine-grained particles, and stabilizing the muddy sea floor. This caused the sediment waves to gain a more prominent sea floor relief than most muddy siliciclastic sediment waves formed by similar depositional processes. The interpretation of the sediment waves as purely biogenic build-ups is rejected, and the sediment waves are most appropriately described as biogenically-influenced sediment waves.

NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF GRAVEL BED DEFORMATION ON THE BASIS OF PARTICLE MOTION ANALYSIS

Numerical simulation of sediment wave formation was conducted in the present study. Saltation model has been extended in order to analyze the entire motion of particle which starts by being picked-up from a bed and ceases its motion by depositing on it. The procedure in which a mutual collision between moving particles can be explained physically was newly invented here to consider the effect of interaction between them. Based on such models, the multi-particle motion can be analyzed simultaneously. In this paper, the gravel bed deformation which is caused by each particle motions was predicted under the same condition of flume experiment.

Sedimentary processes in the Selvage sediment‐wave field, NE Atlantic: new insights into the formation of sediment waves by turbidity currents

An integrated geophysical and sedimentological investigation of the Selvage sediment‐wave field has revealed that the sediment waves are formed beneath unconfined turbidity currents. The sediment waves occur on the lower continental rise and display wavelengths of up to 1 km and wave heights of up to 6 m. Wave sediments consist of interbedded turbidites and pelagic/hemipelagic marls and oozes. Nannofossil‐based dating of the sediments indicates a bulk sedimentation rate of 2·4 cm 1000 years–1, and the waves are migrating upslope at a rate of 0·28 m 1000 years–1. Sediment provenance studies reveal that the turbidity currents maintaining the waves are largely sourced from volcanic islands to the south. Investigation of existing models for sediment‐wave formation leads to the conclusion that the Selvage sediment waves form as giant antidunes. Simple numerical modelling reveals that turbidity currents crossing the wave field have internal Froude numbers of 0·5–1·9, which is very close to the antidune existence limits. Depositional flow velocities range from &lt;6 to 125 cm–1. There is a rapid increase in wavelength and flow thickness in the upper 10 km of the wave field, which is unexpected, as the slope angle remains relatively constant. This anomaly is possibly linked to a topographic obstacle just upslope of the sediment waves. Flows passing over the obstacle may undergo a hydraulic jump at its boundary, leading to an increase in flow thickness. In the lower 15 km of the wave field, flow thickness decreases downslope by 60%, which is comparable with results obtained for other unconfined turbidity currents undergoing flow expansion.

Sediment waves on the monterey fan levee: A preliminary physical interpretation

Sediment waves on the deep ocean floor occur mostly on the lower continental rise on slopes of 1° or less. Previous studies show that their amplitude and wavelength vary greatly, but little is known about their shape in plan. A detailed survey of a 30-km 2 area of abyssal-depth sediment waves associated with the levee of the Monterey fan valley shows a pattern of sinuous crests and troughs with parallel, well-bedded internal structure. Material in the upper 1 m of sediment consists predominantly of bioturbated, muddy coccolith ooze. A single thin, silty horizon can be correlated between adjoining waves. On the basis of measured wave dimensions and an estimate of flow velocity we use a simple two-layer model for water movement to infer approximate flow parameters. The sediment waves are considered to be formed most likely by low-velocity (10 cm/s), low-concentration turbidity flows approximately 100–800 m thick. This interpretation emphasizes the role of low-speed, low-concentration turbidity currents in the downslope movement of fine-grained material. This type of transport—deposition regime explains the formation of sediment waves very well except for certain waves occurring on depositional ridges in the deep ocean.

Current-controlled, abyssal microtopography and sedimentation in Mozambique Basin, southwest Indian Ocean

The Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) activity and the variations in the abundance and grain size of the terrigenous sediments, derived from Africa and Madagascar land masses, are reflected in different types of microtopography in the Mozambique Basin. In southerly areas, where the sediment supply is much less, the bottom-current activity has resulted in the presence of manganese nodules, a thin veneer of sediments, and the absence of sediment waves. Farther north, along the marginal areas of the basin where the fine-grained sediments from the Africa—Madagascar source have been supplied in abundance, wavy bedforms have been generated by AABW. Wavy bedforms do not exist even in the northerly areas if coarse-grained, turbidite sediments are present on the sea floor. The continuation of acoustic reflectors from the zone of turbidites in the central areas of the basin into the zone of sediment waves along the margins, and the lithology and structures in sediment cores from these zones suggest that the turbidity-current-fed, fine-grained sediments were deposited as wavy bedforms by AABW flow. Thus, sediment waves formed readily during Pleistocene times. The enrichment of quartz and displaced Antarctic diatoms, and the relatively low kaolinite/chlorite ratios in the sediments, the north-pointing current lineations on the sea floor, the lack of any perceptible sedimentary fill in the troughs of waves, and the dense nepheloid layer in the westerly areas of the Mozambique Basin, attest to the current-controlled sedimentation and generation of wavy bedforms during Holocene time also. The formation of sediment waves in the Mozambique Basin can be modeled after a fluvial antidune mechanism. This model envisages that internal waves, focussed on a benthic boundary layer cap, have been locked in phase with sediment waves in the presence of an 8–10 cm/sec current in the Mozambique Basin. A density contrast of 2·10 −6 g/cm 3 appears to exist at the tops of benthic boundary layers in the Mozambique Basin and is quite sufficient for supporting the internal waves. The densiometric Froude number calculated for a 60–280 m thick boundary layer in the basin is close to unity or greater, and is compatible with the antidune model.

Sediment waves on the Moroccan continental rise

A nearly continuous zone of sediment waves is present on the lower continental rise off western Morocco which parallels the regional bathymetric trends. The individual sediment waves within the zone migrate upslope with time and, in general, also trend parallel to the regional bathymetric contours. These observations suggest that geostrophic contour currents are responsible for the formation of sediment waves. Physical oceanographic measurements and sea-floor photographs indicate only a very weak bottom circulation in this region. This suggests either that strong bottom currents are not essential for the formation of sediment waves or that relatively stronger bottom currents flowed along the continental margin of Morocco in the recent past. Turbidity flows may also influence the distribution of these sediment waves.