turbidity current

turbidity current
a turbid, dense current of sediments in suspension moving along the slope and bottom of a lake or ocean. Also called density current.

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Underwater current of abrasive sediments.

Such currents appear to be relatively short-lived, transient phenomena that occur at great depths. They are thought to be caused by the slumping of sediment that has piled up at the top of the continental slope, particularly at the heads of submarine canyons. Slumping of large masses of sediment creates a dense slurry, which then flows down the canyon to spread out over the ocean floor and deposit a layer of sand in deep water. Repeated deposition forms submarine fans, analogous to the alluvial fans found at the mouths of river canyons.

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Universalium. 2010.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • turbidity current — n. a current of highly turbid water carrying large amounts of suspended sediment that increase its density and cause it to flow downward through less dense water along the bottom slope of a sea or lake …   English World dictionary

  • Turbidity current — A turbidity current or density current is a current of rapidly moving, sediment laden water moving down a slope through air, water, or another fluid. The current moves because it has a higher density and turbidity than the fluid through which it… …   Wikipedia

  • turbidity current — Geol. a turbid, dense current of sediments in suspension moving along the slope and bottom of a lake or ocean. Also called density current …   Useful english dictionary

  • turbidity current — noun A fast flowing downhill current (of air or water) that carries silt …   Wiktionary

  • turbidity current — noun an underwater current flowing swiftly downslope owing to the weight of sediment it carries …   English new terms dictionary

  • turbidity current — turbid′ity cur rent n. gel a turbid, dense current of sediments in suspension moving along the slope and bottom of a lake or ocean …   From formal English to slang

  • current — currently, adv. /kerr euhnt, kur /, adj. 1. passing in time; belonging to the time actually passing: the current month. 2. prevalent; customary: the current practice. 3. popular; in vogue: current fashions. 4. new; present; most recent: the… …   Universalium

  • Current (fluid) — A current in a fluid is the magnitude and direction of flow within that fluid. An air current presents the same properties for a gaseous medium. Kinds of fluid currents include. Boundary current Current (stream), a current in a river or stream… …   Wikipedia

  • density current — Geol., Oceanog. See turbidity current. * * * Any current in either a liquid or a gas that is kept in motion by the force of gravity acting on small differences in density. A density difference can exist between two fluids or between different… …   Universalium

  • density current — Geol., Oceanog. See turbidity current. * * * density current, 1. Physics. the passage by gravity of a liquid or gas through or around a fluid of slightly different density. 2. = turbidity current. (Cf. ↑turbidity current) …   Useful english dictionary

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