Deep-water contourite systems: modern drifts and ancient series, seismic and sedimentary characteristics

Contourites are a widespread but poorly known group of sediments linked to the action of powerful bottom currents in deep water. Although we know they are especially common along continental margins and through oceanic gateways, they have been surrounded by the controversy since they were first recognized in the early 1960s. Where correctly recognized and decoded they can provide one of the keys to our better understanding of bottom water circulation and of the ocean-climate link. They are part of the spectrum of deposits that confronts the oil industry as exploration moves into progressively greater water depths. This memoir is an important outcome of the International Geological Correlation Project 432 on Bottom Currents, Contourites and Paleocirculation. It includes 30 papers involving over 75 key scientists from around the world. Following an introductory state-of-the-art paper by the editors, there are 25 separate case studies on modern drifts and four on ancient contourite series. This volume is dedicated to the memory of Charlie Hollister (1936-1999), one of the founding fathers and pioneers of contourite research. Also available: Economic and Palaeoceanographic Significance of Contourite Deposits - Special Publication No 276 - ISBN 9781862392267 3D Seismic Technology - Geological Society Memoirs M0029 - ISBN 9781862391512 The Geological Society of LondonFounded in 1807, the Geological Society of London is the oldest geological society in the world, and one of the largest publishers in the Earth sciences.The Society publishes a wide range of high-quality peer-reviewed titles for academics and professionals working in the geosciences, and enjoys an enviable international reputation for the quality of its work.The many areas in which we publish in include:-Petroleum geology-Tectonics, structural geology and geodynamics-Stratigraphy, sedimentology and paleontology-Volcanology, magmatic studies and geochemistry-Remote sensing-History of geology-Regional geology guides