turbidity currents

Turbidity currents are underwater flows of sediment-laden water that occur on the ocean floor. They happen when heavy sediment, often from landslides or river runoff, mixes with water and creates a dense, fast-moving current. These currents travel down the continental slope and can transport sand, mud, and rocks over long distances, shaping the ocean floor. They play a significant role in coastal and marine dynamics, influencing ecosystems and sediment distribution. Understanding turbidity currents helps scientists study underwater landscapes and assess natural hazards like underwater landslides and tsunamis.