contourites Sediments that have been deposited by contour currents on the continental rise. The sediments are thinbedded silts, sands, and muds. The sands are well sorted, laminated, or cross-laminated, with many internal erosion surfaces, and there are concentrations of heavy minerals. Both bottom and top contacts of the beds are sharp, and the beds lack great lateral continuity.

contourites Sediments that have been deposited by contour currents on the continental rise. The sediments are thin-bedded silts, sands, and muds. The sands are well sorted, laminated, or cross-laminated, with many internal erosion surfaces, and there are concentrations of heavy minerals. Both bottom and top contacts of the beds are sharp, and the beds lack great lateral continuity.