Interpretation of Seafloor Characteristics in the Western Arabian Sea
Abstract
The objective of this study was to provide a regional geologic interpretation of seafloor geotechnical composition, shallow subbottom stratigraphy, and geomorphology of the western Arabian Sea. Too few samples of the seafloor have been taken in this area to map the region from direct measurement. To provide regional coverage we used data from bathymetry, GLORIA side-scan, and echo sounding lines to supplement core samples obtained by academic institutions and NAVOCEANO Much of the western Arabian sea basin is covered with pelagic-to-hemipelagic sediments to depths of >2-3 m The exceptions are (1) the shelves and the current-swept shoal area near Socotra Island where carbonate sand and hardgrounds are more common; (2) canyons and gullies on the continental slope where slumping exposes over-consolidated deposits and contributes coarse, poorly-sorted debris to the canyon axes; (3) ridge crest regions; and (4) lobes of massive sands at the mouths of distributary channels on the Indus Fan.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA412925
Entities
People
- David A. Ross
- Stephen A. Swift
Organizations
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution