Factors controlling the morphology and internal sediment architecture of moats and their associated contourite drifts

The interaction of sedimentary systems with oceanographic processes in deep-water environments is not well understood yet, despite its importance for palaeoenvironmental reconstructions, and a full understanding source-to-sink sediment transport. aim this study to improve the how contourite moats, elongated depressions formed by bottom currents associated drifts, develop link between moat-drift system morphology current dynamics. This provides systematic comparison 185 cross-sections distributed at 39 different locations worldwide, detailed analysis six moats that cover wide range typical geological hydrodynamic settings. Additionally, situ measured data were analysed better hydrodynamics moat morphology. median all profiles across reveals 50 m relief, width 2.3 km, relief ratio 0.022, slope angle 6°, drift 3° concave-up shaped Moats can be over 100 km long. Some are driven erosion while others depositional primarily exist due differential sedimentation inside compared alongside moat. A new sub-classification based on their stratigraphy proposed. classification distinguishes depending degree versus deposition. No relation found latitude or examples. combined indicate steeper focuses more than gentle slope, resulting an increase relief–width angle. Thus, insights into ocean morphology, which thereby affects evolution poorly system.