Geomorphology of a modern carbonate slope system and associated sedimentary processes: Example of the giant Great Abaco Canyon, Bahamas

The large acoustic data set acquired during the Carambar cruises is composed of high resolution bathymetry, backscatter data and very-high resolution seismic lines which allow for an overview of the morphology and sediment transfer processes from the shallow upper slope to the abyssal plain of a modern carbonate system: the north-eastern slope of the Little Bahama Bank. Surficial distribution of the acoustic facies and echofacies reflects a wide variety of sedimentary processes along and across the slope. The western sector of the Little Bahama Bank is dominated by depositional processes whereas its eastern sector, which is incised in the lower slope by giant canyons, is affected by erosion and bypass processes. Datasets suggest that currents play an important role both in along-slope sedimentary processes and in the abyssal plain. The Antilles Current appears to affect a large part of the middle and lower slopes. The absence of sizeable present-day channel/levee complexes or lobes at the mouth of the canyon - revealed by the bathymetric map - indicates that the southward flowing Deep Western Boundary Current influences modern abyssal sediment deposition. Based on depositional processes and indicators of canyon maturity observed in facies distribution, the current study proposes that differential subsidence affects the eastern versus western part of the bank. The morphology of the Great Abaco Canyon and Little Abaco Canyon, which extend parallel to the platform, and the Little Bahama Bank slope appears to be related to the Great Abaco Fracture Zone.

Automated summary

This study utilizes a large acoustic data set acquired during the Carambar cruises to analyze the morphology and sediment transfer processes of the north-eastern slope of the Little Bahama Bank. The research reveals a variety of sedimentary processes along and across the slope, with the western sector dominated by depositional processes and the eastern sector affected by erosion and bypass processes. The datasets suggest that currents play a significant role in both along-slope sedimentary processes and in the abyssal plain.