The evolution of submarine channels under the influence of Coriolis forces: Experimental observations of flow structures

We present results from experimental gravity and turbidity currents to show that at high latitudes, the Coriolis effect strongly influences the internal flow structure in submarine channel systems. At high latitudes, Coriolis forces deflect the downstream velocity core, and consequently areas of deposition and erosion, to one side of the channel system. Over time, this supports the evolution of low-sinuosity submarine channels. These findings help explain the recently found relation that channels at low latitudes often show strongly sinuous planform geometries, whereas channels at high latitudes tend to be much less sinuous. On the basis of our observations and an existing conceptual model for channel evolution, we propose a process model for sedimentation regimes in turbidity currents, which is applicable to all latitudinal settings. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.