Late Pleistocene channel–levee development on Monterey submarine fan, central California

 Much of the modern upper (proximal) Monterey fan is a channel–levee complex, the Upper Turbidite Sequence (UTS), that was deeply eroded after the channel breached a volcanic ridge to reach a deeper base level. Ages of sediment samples collected with the ALVIN submersible from the deepest outcrop within the channel–levee system, 390 m below the adjacent western levee crest, indicate that the UTS deposits accumulated at ≥1 m ka^-1 during the last 500 ka. Neogene and Early Pleistocene sediment accumulation on the fan prior to the UTS was much slower (<0.03 m ka^-1), and underlying turbidite systems(?) had substantially different morphologic expression(s). Received: 10 February 1998 / Revision received: 6 July 1998     

Probabilistic analysis for wave‐induced submarine landslides

Abstract

When waves propagate over the ocean floor, they induce a change of hydrodynamic pressure, positive under the crest and negative under the trough. These pressure changes may cause shear failure in soft sediments and lead to submarine landslides. This paper presents a general analytical procedure for evaluating the probability of wave‐induced failure in offshore clay sediments. Both the wave and the un‐drained shear strength of clay sediments are considered random. Numerical results of some analyses are also presented.     

Pore‐water pressure measurements: Mississippi delta submarine sediments

Abstract

A pore‐water pressure probe (piezometer) was implanted in Mississippi delta sediments at a preselected site (Block 28, South Pass area, 29°00´N, 89°15´W) 145 m from an offshore production platform (water depth approx. 19 m) in September 1975. Total pore‐water pressures (u_w ) were monitored for extended periods of time at depths of approximately 15 and 8 m below the mudline concurrently with hydrostatic pressures (u₈ ) measured at depths of 15 m and approximately 1 m below the mudline. Relatively high excess pore‐water pressures, u_e = (u_w ‐u₈ ), were recorded at the time of probe insertion measuring 99 kPa (14.4 psi) at 15 m and 50 kPa (7.3 psi) at 8 m. Six hours after the probe was implanted, excess pore pressures were still high at 81 kPa (11.8 psi, 15 m) and 37 kPa (5.4 psi, 8 m). Pore pressures appeared to become relatively constant at the 8‐m depth after 7 h had elapsed, and at the 15 m depth after 10–12 h. Excess pore‐water pressures averaged 72 kPa (10.4 psi, 15 m) and 32 kPa (4.6 psi, 8 m) prior to the initial effects of Hurricane Eloise, which passed in close proximity to the probe site. Significant variations in pressures were recorded during storm activity. As the effects of the storm subsided, excess pore‐water pressures began to decline slightly at the 15‐m depth; however, concurrently at the 8‐m depth, pore pressures began to increase gradually. During the period of 21–25 days after the probe was implanted, excess pore pressures appeared to become more constant, averaging 24 kPa (3.5 psi) at 15 m and 43 kPa (6.2 psi) at the 8‐m depth. The presence of methane, a common occurrence in these delta muds, may have influenced, or contributed to, the total pore‐water pressures measured during this experiment.     

Forces on a smooth submarine pipeline in random waves — A comparative study

Forces on a smooth submarine pipeline, fixed horizontally near a plane boundary, have been investigated under random wave conditions. The submarine pipeline was subjected to Pierson-Moskowitz spectrum (P-M spectrum) at various energy levels. The water particle kinematics were computed based on the linear random wave model and the Morison equation was chosen as the wave force predictor model. The inline hydrodynamic coefficients of drag and inertia were evaluated using two different methods, one in the frequency domain and the other in the time domain. Five mathematical formulations were considered for the analysis of transverse wave forces and these were compared in terms of the correlation coefficient. The transverse force was also analyzed in terms of the transverse root mean square (rms) coefficient. The inline hydrodynamic coefficients of drag and inertia and the transverse rms coefficient were correlated with the Keulegan-Carpenter number or period parameter, the relative clearance of the pipeline from the bed and the depth parameter. Finally, the results of the random wave tests were compared with those of regular waves under similar pipeline conditions.     

Are midwater shrimp trapped in the craters of submarine volcanoes by hydrothermal venting?

The biology of Kick’em Jenny (KEJ) submarine volcano, part of the Lesser Antilles volcanic arc and located off the coast of Grenada in the Caribbean Sea, was studied during a cruise in 2003. Hydrothermal venting and an associated biological assemblage were discovered in the volcanic crater (∼250 m depth). Warm water with bubbling gas emanated through rock fissures and sediments. Shrimp (some of them swimming) were clustered at vents, while other individuals lay immobile on sediments. The shrimp fauna consisted of 3 mesopelagic species that had no prior record of benthic or vent association. We suggest that these midwater shrimp, from deeper water populations offshore, were trapped within the crater during their downward diel vertical migration. It is unknown whether they then succumbed to the hostile vent environment (immobile individuals) or whether they are potentially opportunistic vent residents (active individuals). Given the abundance of submarine arc volcanoes worldwide, this phenomenon suggests that volcanic arcs could be important interaction sites between oceanic midwater and vent communities.     

Geological overview of the Angola–Congo margin,the Congo deep-sea fan and its submarine valleys

The Congo deep-sea fan is one of the largest fans in the world still affected by presently active turbidity currents. The present activity of deep-sea sedimentary processes is linked to the existence of a direct connection between the Congo River estuary and the Congo canyon head that allows relatively continuous sediment feeding of the deep-sea environment, in spite of a wide continental shelf (150 km). Because of this important activity in terms of sedimentary processes, the deep-sea environment of the Congo–Angola margin presents major interests concerning physical, chemical and biological studies near the seafloor.The main aim of this paper is to present the initial geological context of the BioZaire Program, showing a synthesis of the major results of the ZaïAngo Project including (1) the brief geological setting of the Congo–Angola margin, (2) the structure of the modern Congo deep-sea fan, (3) the sedimentary architecture of the recent Congo turbidite system (from the canyon to the distal lobes) and (4) the recent and present turbidite sedimentation. In order to provide useful information and advice relevant to biological and geochemical studies across the Congo sedimentary system, this article is particularly focused on the present sedimentary processes and the present activity of turbidity current along the Congo canyon and channel.     

The brightness reversal of submarine sand waves in “HJ-1A/B” CCD sun glitter images

The brightness reversal of submarine sand waves appearing in the small satellite constellation for environment and disaster monitoring and forecasting("HJ-1A/B") CCD sun glitter images can affect the observation and depth inversion of sand wave topography. The simulations of the normalized sun glitter radiance on the submarine sand waves confirm that the reversal would happen at a specific sensor viewing angle, defined as the critical angle. The difference between the calculated critical angle position and the reversal position in the image is about 1, which is excellent in agreement. Both the simulation and actual image show that sand wave crests would be indistinct at the reversal position, which may cause problems when using these sun glitter images to analyze spatial characteristics and migration of sand waves. When using the sun glitter image to obtain the depth inversion, one should take the advantage of image properties of sand waves and choose the location in between the reversal position and the brightest position. It is also necessary to pay attention to the brightness reversal when using "HJ-1A/B" CCD images to analyze other oceanic features, such as internal waves, oil slicks, eddies, and ship wakes.     

Radon and radium isotopes as tracers of submarine groundwater discharge – Results from the Ubatuba,Brazil SGD assessment intercomparison

We determined groundwater flow rates shortly after the wet season into an embayment near Ubatuba, Brazil as part of an international intercomparison experiment for submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) assessment techniques. Our estimated rates were determined by the combined use of continuous radon measurements and assessment of radium isotope patterns. The spatial distribution of the short-lived radium isotopes (²²³Ra and ²²⁴Ra) provided the means for independent evaluations of radon losses by mixing and atmospheric evasion. We were thus able to construct a well-constrained mass balance for radon that included a groundwater flux term. Our results showed that the groundwater discharge into this embayment from the fractured crystalline rock aquifer is not steady-state but varies with tidal modulation and rain-induced forcing. Tidally modulated and rain-induced flow rates were comparable during this period. The SGD rates estimated from radon ranged from 1 cm/day to 29 cm/day (cm³/cm² day) with a mean and standard deviation of 13 ± 6 cm/day. These estimates were mostly similar to a dye-dilution automatic seepage meter (15 ± 19 cm/day) and were within the broad ranges estimated by manual and continuous heat seepage meters but lower than indicated by an artificial tracer test performed nearshore.     

Using radium isotopes to evaluate the uncertainty of submarine groundwater discharge in the northeast and entirety of Daya Bay

Submarine groundwater discharge(SGD), which can be traced using naturally occurring radium isotopes, has been recognized as a significant nutrient source and land-ocean interaction passage for the coastal waters of the Daya Bay, China. However, uncertainties in assessing SGD fluxes must still be discussed in detail. In this study, we attempted to utilize the Monte Carlo method to evaluate the uncertainties of radium-derived SGD flux in the northeast and entirety of the Daya Bay. The results show...     

Cold seeps associated with a submarine debris avalanche deposit at Kick’em Jenny volcano,Grenada (Lesser Antilles)

Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) exploration at the distal margins of a debris avalanche deposit from Kick’em Jenny submarine volcano in Grenada has revealed areas of cold seeps with chemosynthetic-based ecosystems. The seeps occur on steep slopes of deformed, unconsolidated hemipelagic sediments in water depths between 1952 and 2042 m. Two main areas consist of anastomosing systems of fluid flow that have incised local sediments by several tens of centimeters. No temperature anomalies were observed in the vent areas and no active flow was visually observed, suggesting that the venting may be waning. An Eh sensor deployed on a miniature autonomous plume recorder (MAPR) recorded a positive signal and the presence of live organisms indicates at least some venting is still occurring. The chemosynthetic-based ecosystem included giant mussels (Bathymodiolus sp.) with commensal polychaetes (Branchipolynoe sp.) and cocculinid epibionts, other bivalves, Siboglinida (vestimentiferan) tubeworms, other polychaetes, and shrimp, as well as associated heterotrophs, including gastropods, anemones, crabs, fish, octopods, brittle stars, and holothurians. The origin of the seeps may be related to fluid overpressure generated during the collapse of an ancestral Kick’em Jenny volcano. We suggest that deformation and burial of hemipelagic sediment at the front and base of the advancing debris avalanche led to fluid venting at the distal margin. Such deformation may be a common feature of marine avalanches in a variety of geological environments especially along continental margins, raising the possibility of creating large numbers of ephemeral seep-based ecosystems.     

Impact of dredging and dumping on the stability of ebb–flood channel systems

The impact of dredging and dumping on the morphologic stability of the tidal channels is investigated using morphologic field observations for the Westerschelde estuary dating back to 1955. The results are used to verify the theoretical concept presented by Wang and Winterwerp (2001). This concept states that a critical threshold for the amount of sediment dumping exists above which a channel system in equilibrium may become unstable and degenerate. The value of this threshold amounts to 5–10% of the total sediment transport capacity. Verification of this concept using field observations is not straightforward as the morphology of tidal channel often changes as a result of both natural processes and human interferences, i.e. the channels are not in equilibrium. In addition, the morphological timescales associated with channel degeneration are large (decades to centuries). Verification of the theory thus requires a careful analysis of abundant morphological data and numerical modeling of sediment transports. The results of such analyses presented in this study confirm the existence and the approximate magnitude of the critical level for dumping that follows from theory. Refined guidelines are derived to use the theoretical concept as an engineering tool for the evaluation and design of strategies for dumping in estuarine multi-channel systems. In the absence of the required morphological data the indicative theoretical level of 5–10% can be used to obtain a first estimate of the dump capacity in two-channel systems.     

Slide block (?) of Jurassic sandstone and submarine channels in the basal Upper Cretaceous of the Viking Graben: Norwegian North Sea

Seismic-facies analysis of a seismically-anomalous sequence of mid-Cretaceous (Cenomanian-Turonian) basin fill in Lease Block 34/8, Viking Graben, Norwegian North Sea, reveals a possible slide block (?) composed of Jurassic-age Brent Group strata that apparently detached from the adjacent structural high (34/8 structure) and slid downslope onto Lower Cretaceous sediments in the Viking Graben floor. In addition, this mid-Cretaceous sequence contains two broad submarine channels that trend southward into the graben from the southern tip of the slide block (?) and the adjacent structural high. The channels appear to be erosional features formed by turbidity currents and mass-wasting processes. The Brent slide block (?) may represent an additional hydrocarbon prospect within the lease Block 34/8.     

A submarine landslide complex affecting the Jan Mayen Ridge, Norwegian–Greenland Sea: slide-scar morphology and processes of sediment evacuation

Swath-bathymetry data and 2D multichannel seismics reveal for the first time an up to ~60 km wide amphitheater-shaped slide scar on the eastern flank of the Jan Mayen Ridge, a micro-continent in the Norwegian–Greenland Sea. The scar opens southeastward where it continues as a narrower, topographically controlled translational area. It includes secondary scars, as well as channels and escarpments. Based on the identification of secondary scars, the slide is classified as a slide complex and the total volume of missing sediments was estimated at ~60 km³. From the overall shape of the scar, the upslope widening from a bottleneck- or channel-like bypass-area, the failure is inferred to have had a retrogressive development. The absence of ridges, slabs and sediment blocks indicates that the failed sediments have been evacuated entirely. The smaller channels were formed from single or repetitive smaller flows post-dating the large failure events.     

Inhibition of P-glycoprotein transport: a mechanism for endocrine disruption in the channel catfish?

P-glycoprotein (pgp), an efflux transporter localized in a variety of tissues including the intestinal mucosa, renal tubules and bile canaliculi, is known to participate in the disposition of a variety of chemicals, including steroid hormones. This study examined the relationship of pgp to the movement into the bile of the hormone estradiol (E2), and the potential for transport interactions between the environmental pollutant nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE) and E2. Biliary-cannulated in situ-prepared isolated perfused livers were used to assess pgp transport function. E2, in competitive transport preparations with Rhodamine 123 (Rho123), a pgp substrate, demonstrated significant decreases in Rho123 transport into bile, as did the prototypic inhibitor and substrate verapamil. [3H]E2 (0.28 nM) transport into bile was significantly reduced with either 20 M NPE or verapamil. These results suggest that E2 is a substrate and/or modulator for the catfish biliary pgp transporter, and that NPE potentially influences biliary transport and excretion of E2.     

Megabenthic diversity patterns and community structure of the Blanes submarine canyon and adjacent slope in the Northwestern Mediterranean: a human overprint?

The composition and structure of megabenthic communities in the Blanes canyon and adjacent open margin (Northwestern Mediterranean) were studied. The aim was to assess the effect of the canyon and commercial fishing intensity on the community composition and structure of benthic megafauna by (i) describing the megabenthic community composition, (ii) quantifying faunal abundance and biomass and (iii) describing community structure with MDS analyses and biodiversity indices. The results are compared between three sites (canyon head, canyon wall and open margin) located between 435 m and 700 m. Samples were collected using a commercial bottom trawl between April 2003 and March 2004. These sites are exploited by the local fishing fleet that targets the rose shrimp Aristeus antennatus . A total of 131 megabenthic species were identified from the three sites, with fishes and decapod crustaceans being the most speciose, most abundant and of higher biomass. The species richness, abundance and biomass of non-crustacean invertebrates were low. There were no significant differences in total abundance and biomass between the three sites. However, community structure analysis suggests that the open margin community is significantly different from the canyon head and canyon wall, with a lower species richness, lower diversity and lower evenness. The open margin community also reflects a higher degree of disturbance compared to the two canyon habitats. The results indicate that there is a canyon effect on the community structure of benthic megafauna, but this may be modulated by differing fishing pressure, which adds an additional factor to margin heterogeneity.     

Near-surface electromagnetic, rock magnetic, and geochemical fingerprinting of submarine freshwater seepage at Eckernf?rde Bay (SW Baltic Sea)

Submarine groundwater discharge in coastal settings can massively modify the hydraulic and geochemical conditions of the seafloor. Resulting local anomalies in the morphology and physical properties of surface sediments are usually explored with seismo-acoustic imaging techniques. Controlled source electromagnetic imaging offers an innovative dual approach to seep characterization by its ability to detect pore-water electrical conductivity, hence salinity, as well as sediment magnetic susceptibility, hence preservation or diagenetic alteration of iron oxides. The newly developed electromagnetic (EM) profiler Neridis II successfully realized this concept for a first time with a high-resolution survey of freshwater seeps in Eckernf?rde Bay (SW Baltic Sea). We demonstrate that EM profiling, complemented and validated by acoustic as well as sample-based rock magnetic and geochemical methods, can create a crisp and revealing fingerprint image of freshwater seepage and related reductive alteration of near-surface sediments. Our findings imply that (1) freshwater penetrates the pore space of Holocene mud sediments by both diffuse and focused advection, (2) pockmarks are marked by focused freshwater seepage, underlying sand highs, reduced mud thickness, higher porosity, fining of grain size, and anoxic conditions, (3) depletion of Fe oxides, especially magnetite, is more pervasive within pockmarks due to higher concentrations of organic and sulfidic reaction partners, and (4) freshwater advection reduces sediment magnetic susceptibility by a combination of pore-water injection (dilution) and magnetite reduction (depletion). The conductivity vs. susceptibility biplot resolves subtle lateral litho- and hydrofacies variations.     

Documenting channel features associated with gas hydrates in the Krishna–Godavari Basin,offshore India

During the India National Gas Hydrate Program (NGHP) Expedition 01 in 2006 significant sand and gas hydrate were recovered at Site NGHP-01-15 within the Krishna–Godavari Basin, East Coast off India. At the drill site NGHP-01-15, a 5–8 m thick interval was found that is characterized by higher sand content than anywhere else at the site and within the KG Basin. Gas hydrate concentrations were determined to be 20–40% of the pore volume using wire-line electrical resistivity data as well as core-derived pore-fluid freshening trends. The gas hydrate-bearing interval was linked to a prominent seismic reflection observed in the 3D seismic data. This reflection event, mapped for about 1 km² south of the drill site, is bound by a fault at its northern limit that may act as migration conduit for free gas to enter the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ) and subsequently charge the sand-rich layer. On 3D and additional regional 2D seismic data a prominent channel system was imaged mainly by using the seismic instantaneous amplitude attribute. The channel can be clearly identified by changes in the seismic character of the channel fill (sand-rich) and pronounced levees (less sand content than in the fill, but higher than in surrounding mud-dominated sediments). The entire channel sequence (channel fill and levees) has been subsequently covered and back-filled with a more mud-prone sediment sequence. Where the levees intersect the base of the GHSZ, their reflection strengths are significantly increased to 5- to 6-times the surrounding reflection amplitudes. Using the 3D seismic data these high-amplitude reflection edges where linked to the gas hydrate-bearing layer at Site NGHP-01-15. Further south along the channel the same reflection elements representing the levees do not show similarly large reflection amplitudes. However, the channel system is still characterized by several high-amplitude reflection events (a few hundred meters wide and up to ~ 1 km in extent) interpreted as gas hydrate-bearing sand intervals along the length of the channel.     

Impacts of channel dredging on hydrodynamics and sediment dynamics in the main channels of the Jiaojiang River Estuary in China

Channel dredging in estuaries increases water depth and subsequently impacts sediment dynamics and morphology. The Jiaojiang River Estuary is dredged frequently owing to heavy shipping demands. In this study,the effects of different dredging schemes on siltation were assessed through numerical modeling. The sediment model of the Jiaojiang River Estuary utilized an optimized bottom boundary layer model that considered the bed sediment grain size and fluid mud, and this model was calibrated using ...