Quantitative Morphological Analysis of Submarine Canyon-channel Systems on the U.S. Atlantic Continental Margin

TitleQuantitative Morphological Analysis of Submarine Canyon-channel Systems on the U.S. Atlantic Continental Margin
Publication TypeThesis
Year2011
AuthorsKuenzel, NA
Degree and ProgramMaster of Science
DegreeEarth Sciences/Ocean Mapping
Number of Pages473
Date Published09/2011
UniversityUniversity of New Hampshire
LocationDurham, NH
KeywordsAtlantic continental margin, Canyon channels, quantitative morphological analysis

Mulitbeam data of the Atlantic continental margin was used to quantify morphologic parameters of 15 canyon channels between Cape Hatteras and Georges Bank. Detailed morphologic comparison of channel parameters identified two different morphologies; Type I, U- and V-shaped with well-defined channels walls, and Type II, an incised channel bordered by terraces. Eight canyon channels are Type I whereas 7 are mixed Type I and II. Channel wall relief is the foremost differentiating parameter between Type I channels and either decreases with increased distance down-channel or increases to a maximum between the 3250 and 4000 m isobaths. Entrenchment co-occurs with steeper local seafloor slope and may reflect channel equilibrium status. The magnitude of entrenchment may be affected by riverine discharge and confinement. A north-south variation in the magnitude of channel wall relief indicates differences in margin processes. Longitudinal profiles of the channels also show a north-south relationship that reflects regional slopes.