Turbidites

Turbidites are sediment deposits formed when a dense, sediment-laden underwater flow called a turbidity current moves down a continental slope or underwater canyon. These currents carry a mix of sediments—sand, silt, and clay—which settle out in layers when the flow slows. Over time, these layers create distinctive, graded bedding structures called turbidites. They are important for understanding past underwater environments, resource exploration, and the geological history of ocean basins, as they often contain valuable minerals and fossil records.