Turbidity currents move suspended sediment into the ocean. In general, the more sediment, the stronger the turbidity current, but one process may generate turbidity currents from very dilute rivers.
sediments
Posted inResearch Spotlights
An Integrated History of the Australian-Antarctic Basin
The first basin-wide compilation of seismic and geologic data shows that both margins experienced similar sedimentation patterns prior to the onset of Antarctic glaciation.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Arctic Glacial Retreat Alters Downstream Fjord Currents
High-resolution mapping efforts could improve predictions of coastal changes as glaciers shrink around the world.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
New Study Shifts Paradigm of Coastal Sediment Modeling
A new model improves predictions for sediment movement in vegetated shoreline zones and reveals a universal predictor that could change the understanding of coastal landscape evolution.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
New Global Analysis Reveals Amount of Sediment on the Ocean Floor
Researchers calculate that there are ~3.37 × 108 cubic kilometers of sediment on the world’s ocean floor.
Posted inNews
Ancient River Discovery Confirms Mediterranean Nearly Dried Up in the Miocene
Sedimentary deposits reveal a Nile-sized river system flowing from what are today Turkey and Syria.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
When the River Meets the Sea: Estuary Sediments and Hypoxia
Scientists know that low-oxygen dead zones are growing worldwide. New research sheds light on what that will mean for estuary systems if trends continue.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Formation of Sedimentary Deposits: Bypass Versus Mass Extraction
Grain size and sediment delivery pathways from the Ganges delta have been used to model downstream facies changes.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
How Do Turbidity Currents Accelerate?
Flume experiments show that a self-reinforcing cycle can strengthen the currents responsible for transporting large amounts of sediment to the deep oceans.
Posted inNews
Subsurface Imaging Sheds Light on Dead Sea Sinkholes
Using seismic waves, researchers study sediment layering near the Dead Sea to reveal how the area’s numerous sinkholes form.