turbidity current (redirected from turbidity currents)

turbidity current: see ocean.

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turbidity current

Underwater current of abrasive sediments. Such currents appear to be relatively short-lived, transient phenomena that occur at great depths. They are thought to be caused by the slumping of sediment that has piled up at the top of the continental slope, particularly at the heads of submarine canyons. Slumping of large masses of sediment creates a dense slurry, which then flows down the canyon to spread out over the ocean floor and deposit a layer of sand in deep water. Repeated deposition forms submarine fans, analogous to the alluvial fans found at the mouths of river canyons.

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turbidity current [tər′bid·əd·ē ‚kə·rənt]

(oceanography)

A highly turbid, relatively dense current carrying large quantities of clay, silt, and sand in suspension which flows down a submarine slope through less dense sea water. Also known as density current; suspension current.