TY - JOUR
T1 - Glacial morphology and post-glacial contourites in northern Prince Gustav Channel (NW Weddell Sea, Antarctica)
AU - Camerlenghi, Angelo
AU - Domack, Eugene
AU - Rebesco, Michele
AU - Gilbert, Robert
AU - Ishman, Scott
AU - Leventer, Amy
AU - Brachfeld, Stefanie
AU - Drake, Allison
PY - 2001/9/1
Y1 - 2001/9/1
N2 - We present the results of a marine geophysical investigation of the northern Prince Gustav Channel. By comparative analysis of multibeam bathymetric data, single channel seismic reflection profiles, underway chirp sonar data, ADCP current data and sediment coring, we define the main morphological elements of the area. In particular we define the glacial morphogenesis in relation to the excavation of inner shelf basins and troughs along structural discontinuities and lithologic boundaries. We identify streamlined surfaces that testify to the grounding of ice and past ice flow directions. These glacial forms are found only on glacial tills preserved in the deepest part of the basins, while net erosion to bedrock has occurred elsewhere. Since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), the relict glacial morphology has been draped by hemipelagic and diatomaceous mud, and bottom currents have played a major role in focusing sedimentation within small depocentres, that we define as contouritic drifts. Based on shallow sediment architecture and supported by direct measurements, we propose that the direction of bottom water flow is from the outer shelf into the Prince Gustav channel as a result of a combinations of tidal currents and ice shelf-related thermohaline circulation.
AB - We present the results of a marine geophysical investigation of the northern Prince Gustav Channel. By comparative analysis of multibeam bathymetric data, single channel seismic reflection profiles, underway chirp sonar data, ADCP current data and sediment coring, we define the main morphological elements of the area. In particular we define the glacial morphogenesis in relation to the excavation of inner shelf basins and troughs along structural discontinuities and lithologic boundaries. We identify streamlined surfaces that testify to the grounding of ice and past ice flow directions. These glacial forms are found only on glacial tills preserved in the deepest part of the basins, while net erosion to bedrock has occurred elsewhere. Since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), the relict glacial morphology has been draped by hemipelagic and diatomaceous mud, and bottom currents have played a major role in focusing sedimentation within small depocentres, that we define as contouritic drifts. Based on shallow sediment architecture and supported by direct measurements, we propose that the direction of bottom water flow is from the outer shelf into the Prince Gustav channel as a result of a combinations of tidal currents and ice shelf-related thermohaline circulation.
KW - Antarctica
KW - Contourite drifts
KW - Glacial morphology
KW - Prince Gustav Channel
KW - Weddell Sea
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0036053327&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1023/A:1016399616365
DO - 10.1023/A:1016399616365
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:0036053327
SN - 0025-3235
VL - 22
SP - 417
EP - 443
JO - Marine Geophysical Research
JF - Marine Geophysical Research
IS - 5-6
ER -