The seabed morphology and the sub-superficial characteristics of the Cristóbal Colón diapir
located on the continental slope of the Gulf of Cadiz have been analysed from data obtained in the
framework of the LIFE+INDEMARES/CHICA project. The aim of this study is to recognize the
morphological features and the geological processes generated by the bottom water masses and their
influence on the habitats and associated benthic communities. The NACW affects the generation of
morphological features on the summit, revealing that different oceanographic conditions favoured the
carbonate mound growth in the past. The interface between the NACW and the MOW sweeps the bottom
from the SE to the NW and the presence of benthic communities dominated by filter feeders on the
contouritic drift indicates that this current is strong enough to favour the availability of nutrients and
organic particles and to develop both the contouritic deposits on the SE flank and the moats on the N and
W flanks.Versión del edito
