Submarine valleys of the Antarctic continental margin

Abstract

Types of submarine valleys are discussed on the basis of reference and cartographic materials as well as the 'valleys distribution within separate morphostructural units of the submerged continental margin of Antarctic. When continental shelf changes into continental slope and this one to continental rise, different types of submarine valleys network change correspondingly. The submarine valleys seem to be of more importance for debris removal and distribution than the ice rafting. The most mature submerged erosional forms are near outlet glaciers of the continental ice sheet. Changes of submarine erosional systems at the morphostructures' boundaries are associated with thick aggradation formations. Such formations include sedimentary series at linear troughs at the shelf, submarine fans and continental rise near the foot of the continental slope, as well as sedimentary series within adjacent deep sea depressions.