Direct observation of intense turbidity current activity in the Zaire submarine valley at 4000 m water depth

A large turbidity current was detected in the Zaire submarine valley at 4000 m water depth. Current meters, turbidimeter and sediment trap deployed on a mooring located in the channel axis, although they were damaged, recorded the signature of a very high energy event. An average velocity of more than 121 cm s(-1) was measured 150 m above the channel floor. Coarse sand and plant debris were collected at 40 m height. The turbidity current clearly overflowed the edges of the valley as demonstrated by the large quantity of turbiditic material (464 mg organic carbon m(-2) d(-1)) found in the sediment trap moored 13 km south from the channel axis. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.