Freshwater ice rafting: an additional mechanism for the formation of some high-latitude submarine pockmarks

Submarine pockmarks are common features on high-latitude continental shelves, yet the mechanisms for their formation are poorly understood. Here we propose an additional mechanism for the formation of high-latitude pockmarks involving freshwater ice rafting. Freshwater seeping upward through the sed...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geo-marine letters 1999-09, Vol.19 (1-2), p.164-168
Main Authors: Paull, C. K., Ussler III, W., Borowski, W. S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Marine
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Summary:Submarine pockmarks are common features on high-latitude continental shelves, yet the mechanisms for their formation are poorly understood. Here we propose an additional mechanism for the formation of high-latitude pockmarks involving freshwater ice rafting. Freshwater seeping upward through the sediments freezes at the sediment-water interface when bottom waters are below 0 degree C. Thin layers of the frozen water containing some sediment are buoyant and can rise off the bottom as small ice rafts, thereby excavating a seafloor depression over time. Sediment in the ice rafts becomes entrained in bottom currents and is dispersed over a wide area.
ISSN:0276-0460
1432-1157
DOI:10.1007/s003670050104