Geologic Features of the Sea Bottom Around a Municipal Sludge Dumpsite near 39°N, 73°W, Offshore New Jersey and New York: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 94-152

CONCLUSIONS

Mounded sediment deposits at the base of the continental slope, the faults and blocky strata observed in seismic reflection profiles, and the irregular surface morphology of the continental rise, with hills and hillocks, small mounds, boulders and depressions, all can be attributed to submarine landslides that originated on the continental slope. Many separate events or episodes of deposition have taken place, recorded by surface sediments and morphology. Material has been transported across the upper rise by sediment gravity flows through broad low regions. However, the frequency and intensity of the processes that emplaced the present surface deposits, and the causes and triggering mechanisms of mass movements remain to be determined. Whereas variable thickness and faulting in the subsurface strata at the base of the slope show that localized deposition by episodic mass movement and subsequent slumping has been an ongoing process of upper-rise formation, the more current question is how active the region has been historically, post Pleistocene, and what activity is likely to occur in the future.

To recapitulate, click on:
Abstract...
Introduction...
Data and Methods...
(Bathymetric map)
(GLORIA mosaic)
Description of the sea floor...
Discussion...
Conclusions...
References Cited...
Illustrations Summary
****** [an error occurred while processing this directive]