Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2025

Sediment Core Extrusion Method at Millimeter Resolution Using a Calibrated, Threaded-rod
Published on: August 17, 2016
Ocean-bottom seismometers reveal surge dynamics in Earth's longest-runout sediment flows
Pascal Kunath1, Peter J Talling2,3, Dietrich Lange1
1GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Kiel, Germany.
Abstract:
Turbidity currents carve Earth's deepest canyons, form Earth's largest sediment deposits, and break seabed telecommunications cables. Directly measuring turbidity currents is notoriously challenging due to their destructive impact on instruments within their path. This is especially the case for canyon-flushing flows that can travel >1000 km at >5 m/s, whose dynamics are poorly understood. We deployed ocean-bottom seismometers safely outside turbidity currents, and used emitted seismic signals to remotely monitor canyon-flushing events. By analyzing seismic power variations with distance and signal polarization, we distinguish signals generated by turbulence and sediment transport and document the evolving internal speed and structure of flows. Flow-fronts have dense near-bed layers comprising multiple surges with 5-to-30-minute durations, continuing for many hours. Fastest surges occur 30-60 minutes behind the flow-front, providing momentum that sustains flow-fronts for >1000 km. Our results highlight surging within dense near-bed layers as a key driver of turbidity currents' long-distance runout.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Travelling Waves
Water waves, sound waves, and seismic waves are some examples of mechanical waves. For water waves, the wave propagation medium is...
Tidal Forces
Wave Parameters
Rapidly Varying Flow
Damped Oscillations
Although friction and other non-conservative...
Influence of Earth's Curvature and Atmospheric Refraction on Leveling

