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Rapidly-migrating and internally-generated knickpoints can control submarine channel evolution

Author

Listed:
  • Maarten S. Heijnen

    (National Oceanography Centre
    University of Southampton)

  • Michael A. Clare

    (National Oceanography Centre)

  • Matthieu J. B. Cartigny

    (University of Durham)

  • Peter J. Talling

    (University of Durham)

  • Sophie Hage

    (University of Southampton
    University of Calgary)

  • D. Gwyn Lintern

    (Geological Survey of Canada)

  • Cooper Stacey

    (Geological Survey of Canada)

  • Daniel R. Parsons

    (University of Hull)

  • Stephen M. Simmons

    (University of Hull)

  • Ye Chen

    (University of Hull)

  • Esther J. Sumner

    (University of Southampton)

  • Justin K. Dix

    (University of Southampton)

  • John E. Hughes Clarke

    (University of New Hampshire)

Abstract

Submarine channels are the primary conduits for terrestrial sediment, organic carbon, and pollutant transport to the deep sea. Submarine channels are far more difficult to monitor than rivers, and thus less well understood. Here we present 9 years of time-lapse mapping of an active submarine channel along its full length in Bute Inlet, Canada. Past studies suggested that meander-bend migration, levee-deposition, or migration of (supercritical-flow) bedforms controls the evolution of submarine channels. We show for the first time how rapid (100–450 m/year) upstream migration of 5-to-30 m high knickpoints can control submarine channel evolution. Knickpoint migration-related changes include deep (>25 m) erosion, and lateral migration of the channel. Knickpoints in rivers are created by external factors, such as tectonics, or base-level change. However, the knickpoints in Bute Inlet appear internally generated. Similar knickpoints are found in several submarine channels worldwide, and are thus globally important for how channels operate.

Suggested Citation

  • Maarten S. Heijnen & Michael A. Clare & Matthieu J. B. Cartigny & Peter J. Talling & Sophie Hage & D. Gwyn Lintern & Cooper Stacey & Daniel R. Parsons & Stephen M. Simmons & Ye Chen & Esther J. Sumner, 2020. "Rapidly-migrating and internally-generated knickpoints can control submarine channel evolution," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-020-16861-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16861-x
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    Cited by:

    1. Peter J. Talling & Megan L. Baker & Ed L. Pope & Sean C. Ruffell & Ricardo Silva Jacinto & Maarten S. Heijnen & Sophie Hage & Stephen M. Simmons & Martin Hasenhündl & Catharina J. Heerema & Claire McG, 2022. "Longest sediment flows yet measured show how major rivers connect efficiently to deep sea," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-15, December.

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