Interaction between alongslope and downslope sedimentary processes in the Alboran Sea during the Pliocene and Quaternary

Abstract

Several morphosedimentary signatures produced by the interaction between alongslope and downslope sedimentary processes have been identified in the Pliocene and Quaternary records as well as on the present-day seafloor of the Alboran Sea. The scenarios of interaction move between two-end-members: from bottom currents dominating gravity flows to gravity flows dominating contour currents. In between these extreme cases, the alternation and balancing of both processes can occur; bottom current activity influencing the gravity flows has been also detected. Although interaction occurs in the Spanish and Moroccan margins, it is especially complex and varied on the Spanish margin, with regional and local effects on the turbidite systems. In contrast, the interaction on the Moroccan margin primarily inhibits the formation of canyons and related fan lobe deposits.