The erosive power of the Malvinas Current: Influence of bottom currents on morpho-sedimentary features along the northern Argentine margin (SW Atlantic Ocean)

Sediment deposits formed mainly under the influence of bottom currents (contourites) are widely used as high-resolution archives for reconstructing past ocean conditions. However, driving processes Contourite Depositional Systems (CDS) not entirely understood. The aim this study is to establish a clearer link between contourite features and oceanographic that form them. morphosedimentary characteristics large CDS were analysed together with current dynamics along northern Argentine continental margin. This combines multibeam bathymetry, seismo-acoustic data, sediment samples, vessel-mounted Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (VM-ADCP) data numerical modelling currents. contouritic include terraces (La Plata Terrace, Ewing Terrace) an abraded surface connecting terraces, well smaller erosional depositional like moats, erosion surfaces on waves drifts. Measured modelled near-bottom vigorous (up 63 cm/s at 150–200 m above seafloor) where moats present, relatively weak (below 30 cm/s) La Terrace Terrace. Generally, follow upper middle slope morphology. Decreasing velocity water masses flowing northward leads less finer deposits. ADCP hydrodynamic model show formation eddies near seafloor which probably lead small even though it environment. Overall, contributes better understanding can help future reconstructions conditions based sedimentary structures.