Recent morpho-sedimentary processes in Dove Basin, southern Scotia Sea, Antarctica: A basin-scale case of interaction between bottom currents and mass movements

Multibeam bathymetric imagery and acoustic sub-bottom profiles are used to reveal distribution patterns of sub-surface sedimentation in Dove Basin (Scotia Sea). The goals the study determine imprint inflow deep Antarctic water masses from Weddell Sea into Scotia Sea, establish factors driving styles contourite deposition discern relative contribution alongslope versus downslope processes construction uppermost late Quaternary sedimentary record basin. most significant morpho-sedimentary features linked contouritic mass movements. Plastered drifts on flanks basin constitute common deposits. Basement-controlled top structural elevations along central ridge, plain scattered flanks. Sheeted occur adjacent banks or restricted In contrast, mounded poorly represented A laterally extensive channel runs ridge. Contouritic channels also identified upper parts lateral slopes. Numerous slide scars slopes evolve semitransparent lens-shaped bodies, with occasional development across-slope channels. Semitransparent lenses intercalated within stratified deposits basin, ridge deepest plain. spatial arrangement morphologies points influence column structure physiography. eastern sub-basin, two different fractions (lower upper) Deep Water (WSDW) leave an owing sloping interface between fractions. is more subdued western limited lower WSDW. surrounding under deep-reaching Circumpolar waters (i.e., Lower Water), which develops both depositional erosional morphologies. cross-section V-shaped morphology occurrence highs drive predominance plastered basement-controlled sediment record. frequent alternation contourites gravity-flow likely due associated over-steepening such as steep slopes, deformed atop basement elevations, thick piles. example a without mounded, mixed hybrid transition slope because boundary —the Water— flows shallower middle slope. This fact underlines relevance position depth shaping feet continental margins.