RV Pelagia Cruise 64PE372, 27 Jun - 11 Jul 2013. Flow dynamics and sedimentation in an active submarine channel: a process-product approach

Abstract

Novel technologies are providing new opportunities to study the structure and dynamics of submarine sediment-gravity flows; these flows are the dominant process for transfer of sediment into the deep ocean, but are very hard to monitor due their destructive and unpredictable character. The primary aim of 64PE372 was to image the 3D structure of submarine flows passing though a rare example of an active submarine channel system in the southeast Black Sea. The channel system is maintained by through-flow of relatively dense, saline water coming from the Bosporus Strait outflow. ADCP mapping of internal flow structure within and outside the channel was achieved using the NERC Autosub3 Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), supplemented by vertical, vessel-based, CTD profiling, and a fixed CTD mooring in the proximal channel for the duration of the cruise. Sedimentary features associated with the channel were imaged using towed high-resolution sidescan sonar, supported by vessel-based multibeam bathymetry and backscatter, AUV subbottom profiler data, and gravity cores. The 64PE372 cruise built upon a previous cruise to the study area in spring 2010, but was far more successful due to the increased capability of the barter vessel and the improved performance of the AUV.

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