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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 57 (1973)

Issue: 2. (February)

First Page: 244

Last Page: 264

Title: Currents Along Floors of Submarine Canyons

Author(s): Francis P. Shepard (2), Neil F. Marshall (2)

Abstract:

Recordings of currents along the floors of submarine canyons off California and Baja California have provided insight into the nature of their movements. The records indicate that currents of less than 50 cm/sec alternate between upcanyon and downcanyon directions at periods ranging from about 20 minutes to more than 12 hours. In general, the longer periods, some of them related to tides, are found at the deeper stations (more than 250 m), but shorter periods, probably related to internal waves, predominate at the shallower stations. In all but four of 45 recordings in canyons, the net movement was found to be downcanyon. Velocities usually are higher in downcanyon flows, and the duration of flow usually is longer. These currents have sufficient Previous HitvelocityTop during the peaks f many flows to transport sand in appreciable quantities down the canyon axes. Velocities are at least as high at the deep as at the shallow stations in the same canyon.

Variation in wind and wave conditions appears to have little if any effect on canyon currents except during major storms. Fragmentary evidence indicates that more powerful currents operate at rare intervals along the canyons. A device has been installed that we hope will provide better evidence of high-speed flows.

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