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Geomorphology, sedimentary processes and development of the Zenisu deep-sea channel, northern Philippine Sea

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Abstract

The Zenisu deep-sea channel originates on the Izu-Ogasawara island arc, and disappears in the Shikoku Basin of the Philippine Sea. The geomorphology, sedimentary processes, and the development of the Zenisu deep-sea channel were investigated on the basis of swath bathymetry, side-scan sonar imagery, submersible observations, and seismic data. The deep-sea channel can be divided into three segments according to the downslope gradient and channel orientation. They are the Zenisu Canyon, the E–W fan channel, and the trough-axis channel. The sediment fill is characterized by turbidite and debrite deposition and blocky–hummocky avalanche deposits on the flanks of the Zenisu Ridge. In the Zenisu Canyon and the Zenisu deep-sea channel, sediment transport by turbidity currents generates sediment waves (dunes) observed during the Shinkai 6500 dive 371. The development of the Zenisu Canyon is controlled by a N–S shear fault, whereas the trough-axis channel is controlled by basin subsidence associated with the Zenisu Ridge. The E–W fan channel was probably affected by the E–W fault and the basement morphology.

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Acknowledgements

We are indebted to the pilots and support crews of the Shinkai 6500 submersible, ROV Dorphin 3 K, R/V Yokosuka and R/V Natsushima. We also thank Dr. Kodera and Mr. Toizumi for processing the bathymetric data. One of the authors, Dr. Wu Shiguo, wishes to express his gratitude to the Japan Science Promotion Society, the Japan Marine Science & Technology Center, and University of Hamburg for financial support. Financial support was provided also by the National Science Foundation of China (grant no. 40276022) and the Knowledge Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (grant no. KZCX3-SW-219).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, 266071, Qingdao, China

    Shiguo Wu

  2. Japan Marine Science and Technology Center, 105-0003, Tokyo, Japan

    Narumi Takahashi

  3. Ocean Research Institute, University of Tokyo, 164-8639, Tokyo, Japan

    Hidekazu Tokuyama

  4. Institute of Biogeochemistry and Marine Chemistry, University of Hamburg, 20146, Hamburg, Germany

    How Kin Wong

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  1. Shiguo Wu
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  2. Narumi Takahashi
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  3. Hidekazu Tokuyama
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  4. How Kin Wong
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Correspondence to Shiguo Wu.

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Wu, S., Takahashi, N., Tokuyama, H. et al. Geomorphology, sedimentary processes and development of the Zenisu deep-sea channel, northern Philippine Sea. Geo-Mar Lett 25, 230–240 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00367-005-0210-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00367-005-0210-9

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