Processes on the precipice : seafloor dynamics across the upper Malta-Sicily escarpment

Abstract

The Malta-Sicily Escarpment (MSE) is a steep, sediment-undersupplied, carbonate escarpment incised by a series of submarine canyons. In this study we present data acquired from the upper MSE during the Eurofleets-funded CUMECS cruise to document a complex seafloor morphology comprising gullies, canyon heads, mass movement scars, channels, contourites and escarpments. The evolution of the upper MSE has been driven by the interaction of fault activity, sedimentary activity related to hemipelagic, pelagic and contouritic sedimentation, and seafloor incision by bottom current activity. Submarine mass movements play a key role in canyon development – they control the extent of lateral and headward extension, facilitate tributary development, remove material from the continental shelf and slope, and feed sediment into the canyons.