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Letter SGeology glossary

Submarine Canyon

A submarine canyon is a steep-sided valley cut into the seabed of the continental slope, often extending well below sea level. These canyons are significant in marine geology for understanding sediment transport, underwater erosion, and the dynamics of turbidity currents.

Diagram of continental margin and ocean floor features (submarine canyon)
Fig. 1 Diagram of continental margin and ocean floor features (submarine canyon)

Source Shepard, F. P. (1972). “Submarine Geology.” Harper & Row.

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