submarine canyon

views updated May 08 2018

submarine canyon Deep, steep-sided valley cut into the continental shelf or slope, whose axis slopes seaward at up to 80 m/km. The development of submarine canyons is thought to have originated through erosion by turbidity currents. However, few turbidity currents have been recorded from the submarine canyons that have been studied.

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY

submarine canyon

views updated May 17 2018

submarine canyon A deep, steep-sided valley cut into the continental shelf or slope, the axis of which slopes seaward at up to 80 m/km.

A Dictionary of Ecology MICHAEL ALLABY

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submarine canyon

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