Contourite depositional system after the exit of a strait: Case study from the late Miocene South Rifian Corridor, Morocco

Idealized facies of bottom current deposits (contourites) have been established for fine-grained contourite drifts in modern deep-marine sedimentary environments. Their equivalent the ancient record however are only scarcely recognized due to weathered nature most outcrop. Facies related erosional elements (i.e. channels) depositional systems not yet properly and outcrop appear non-existent. To better understand sequences contourites, upper Miocene South Rifian Corridor (Morocco) is investigated. This system formed by dense palaeo-Mediterranean Outflow Water. Foraminifera assemblages were used age-constraints (7.51 7.35 Ma) determine continental slope domains. Nine based on lithology, grain-size, structures biogenic structures. These subsequently grouped into five associations main interpreted processes (hemipelagic settling, contour currents gravity flows). The vertical succession records tectonically induced, southward migration intermittent behaviour Water, which mainly driven precession millennial-scale climate variations. Tides substantially modulated Water a sub-annual scale. work shows exceptional examples muddy sandy distribution model from proximal slope, channel its adjacent drift, proposed. serves as reference recognition both environments record. Furthermore, establishing hydrodynamics overflow framework provided that improves process-based interpretation deep-water deposits.