Recent high-resolution seismic-reflection profiles have revealed the presence of base-of-slope depositional anticlines in the Florida Straits. Depth profiles across Santaren and Nicholas Channels are deepest along the sides of the channels at the slope base. Channel axes are somewhat shoalier due to anticlinal deposits of sediment.

A large anticline of deposition in an area of approximately 3,100 sq km (900 sq naut. mi) has formed adjacent to the Miami Terrace escarpment. Presumably the high energies of the Florida Current have produced this feature on a grand scale by a mechanism believed to be widespread, but little recognized. It is suggested that these asymmetrical base-of-slope anticlines of deposition find their counterparts in ocean-basin seamount-moat-swell sequences, along deep sea channels which are flanked by levees of asymmetrical depositional anticlines, and in most other depositional areas of the sea floor where deep currents flow along scarps of locally steep slopes.

The base-of-slope depositional anticline concept, as applied to "reverse drag" anticlines associated with scarps in the Gulf of Mexico and in the ancient sediments of the Gulf Coast, appears to satisfy the data better than previously proposed models. It is concluded, therefore, that depositional anticlines are widespread in space and time.

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