Submarine canyons and related features in the Alboran Sea: continental margins and major isolated reliefs

Abstract

Vázquez, J. T. ... et al.-- Submarine Canyon Dynamics in the Mediterranean and Tributary Seas - An integrated geological, oceanographic and biological perspective, 15-18 April 2015, Sorrento, Italy.-- 14 pages, 5 figures.-- This is a contribution of the Continental Margins Research Group (CMRG- 2009SGR1071, Generalitat de Catalunya), Geosciences Marine Research Group (GEMAR - lEO) and Littoral and Marine Geophysical and Geological Research Group (RNM 0328, PAIDI)The analysis of a data set of multibeam bathymetry plus high resolution seismic and parametric profiles allow us to characterize the geomorphologic units on the Alboran Sea-floor as well as the evolution of morpho-sedimentary systems along the Pliocene and Quaternary, later than the main erosive Messinian event. Since the opening of the Gibraltar Straits, the sedimentary evolution of this basin has been controlled by the interchange of water masses between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Basin physiography is also a consequence of the Pliocene-Quaternary compression which has progressively uplifted the sourrounding reliefs and deforms the interior and the margins of the basin. On this scenario, several submarine canyons and gullies have been developed in this basin which traverse especially the northern margin and the flanks of the Northern Alboran Ridge, without affecting the African margins. This fact must be related to the action of bottom contour currents which constitute the main morpho-sedimentary process. The influence of water masses distributed the sedimentary input carried by rivers and coming from the erosion of surrounding ranges. In the southern margin of this basin this influence is stronger and inhibits the development of transversal submarine canyonsFunding for this research was provided by the following projects: CONTOURIBER, MONTERA, TOPOMED, MOWER, and VIA TARPeer Reviewe