Subaqueous sediment density flows: Depositional processes and deposit types

Abstract Submarine sediment density flows are one of the most important processes for moving sediment across our planet, yet they are extremely difficult to monitor directly. The speed of long run‐out submarine density flows has been measured directly in just five locations worldwide and their sediment concentration has never been measured directly. The only record of most density flows is their sediment deposit. This article summarizes the processes by which density flows deposit sediment and proposes a new single classification for the resulting types of deposit. Colloidal properties of fine cohesive mud ensure that mud deposition is complex, and large volumes of mud can sometimes pond or drain‐back for long…

• SR
  Sight Research UK

  Awards: noc010011, bosc01001
• NE
  Natural Environment Research Council

  Awards: noc010011, bosc01001