Éditeur(s) : Elsevier
Résumé : We present results from multibeam bathymetric data acquired during 2005 and 2006, in the region of maximum slip of the 26 Dec. 2004 earthquake (Mw 9.2). These data provide high-resolution images of seafloor morphology of the entire NW Sumatra forearc from the Sunda trench to the submarine volcanic arc just north of Sumatra. A slope gradient analysis of the combined dataset accurately highlights those portions of the seafloor shaped by active tectonic, depositional and/or erosional processes. The greatest slope gradients are located in the frontal 30 km of the forearc, at the toe of the accretionary wedge. This suggests that long-term deformation rates are highest here and that probably only minor amounts of slip are accommodated by other thrust faults further landward. Obvious N-S oriented lineaments observed on the incoming oceanic plate are aligned sub-parallel to the fracture zones associated with the Wharton fossil spreading center. Active strike-slip motion is suggested by recent deformation with up to 20-30 m of vertical offset. The intersection of these N-S elongated bathymetric scarps with the accretionary wedge partly controls the geometry of thrust anticlines and the location of erosional features (e.g. slide scars, canyons) at the wedge toe. Our interpretation suggests that these N-S lineaments have a significant impact on the oceanic plate, the toe of the wedge and further landward in the wedge. Finally, the bathymetric data indicate that folding at the front of the accretionary wedge occurs primarily along landward-vergent (seaward-dipping) thrusts, all unusual style in accretionary wedges worldwide. The N-S elongated lineaments locally act as boundaries between zones with predominant seaward versus landward vergence.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters (0012-821X) (Elsevier), 2008-11 , Vol. 275 , N. 3-4 , P. 201-210

Droits : 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2008/publication-5166.pdf
DOI:10.1016/j.epsl.2008.04.053
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/5166/

Éditeur(s) : Pergamon-elsevier Science Ltd
Résumé : We report the northernmost and deepest known occurrence of deep-water pycnodontine oysters based on two surveys along the French Atlantic continental margin to the La Chapelle continental slope (2006) and the Guilvinec Canyon (2008) The combined use of multibeam bathymetry seismic profiling CTD casts and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) made it possible to describe the physical habitat and to assess the oceanographic control for the recently described species Neopycnodonte zibrowii These oysters have been observed in vivo in depths from 540 to 846 m colonizing overhanging banks or escarpments protruding from steep canyon flanks Especially in the Bay of Biscay such physical habitats may only be observed within canyons where they are created by both long-term turbiditic and contouritic processes Frequent observations of sand ripples on the seabed indicate the presence of a steady but enhanced bottom current of about 40 cm/s The occurrence of oysters also coincides with the Interface between the Eastern North Atlantic Water and the Mediterranean Outflow Water A combination of this water mass mixing internal tide generation and a strong primary surface productivity may generate an enhanced nutrient flux which is funnelled through the canyon When the ideal environmental conditions are met up to 100 individuals per m(2) may be observed These deep-water oysters require a vertical habitat which is often incompatible with the requirements of other sessile organisms and are only sparsely distributed along the continental margins The discovery of these giant oyster banks illustrates the rich biodiversity of deep-sea canyons and their underestimation as true ecosystem hotspots (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved
Deep-sea Research Part I-oceanographic Research Papers (0967-0637) (Pergamon-elsevier Science Ltd), 2010-12 , Vol. 57 , N. 12 , P. 1561-1572

Droits : 2010 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00023/13419/14034.pdf
DOI:10.1016/j.dsr.2010.09.002
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00023/13419/

Éditeur(s) : Elsevier
Résumé : To better understand the recent motion of the Pacific plate relative to the Rivera plate and to better define the limitations of the existing Rivera-Pacific plate motion models for accurately predicting this motion, total-field magnetic data, multibeam bathymetric data and sidescan sonar images were collected during the BART and FAMEX campaigns of the N/O L'Atalante conducted in April and May 2002 in the area surrounding the Moctezuma Spreading Segment of the East Pacific Rise, located offshore of Manzanillo, Mexico, at 106 degrees 16'W, between 17.8 degrees N and 18.5 degrees N. Among the main results are: (1) the principle transform displacement zone of the Rivera Transform is narrow and well defined east of 107 degrees 15'W and these azimuths should be used preferentially when deriving new plate motion models, and (2) spreading rates along the Moctezuma Spreading Segment should not be used in plate motion studies as either seafloor spreading has been accommodated at more than one location since the initiation of seafloor spreading in the area of the Moctezuma Spreading Segment, or this spreading center is not a Rivera-Pacific plate boundary as has been previously assumed. Comparison of observed transform azimuths with those predicted by the best-fit poles of six previous models of Rivera-Pacific relative motion indicate that, in the study area, a significant systematic bias is present in the predictions of Rivera-Pacific motion. Although the exact source of this bias remains unclear, this bias indicates the need to derive a new Rivera-Pacific relative plate motion model.
Tectonophysics (0040-1951) (Elsevier), 2008-06 , Vol. 454 , N. 1-4 , P. 70-85

Droits : 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2008/publication-4486.pdf
DOI:10.1016/j.tecto.2008.04.013
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/4486/

Éditeur(s) : Springer
Résumé : Based on new multibeam bathymetric data, seismic-reflection profiles and side-scan sonar images, a great number of submarine failures of various types and sizes was identified along the northern margin of the Ligurian Basin and characterized with 3 distinct end-members concerning their location on the margin, sedimentary processes and possible triggering mechanisms. They include superficial landslides mainly located in the vicinity of the main mountain-supplied rivers and on the inner walls of canyons (typically smaller that 10(8) m(3) in volume: Type 1), deep scars 100-500 m high along the base of the continental slope (Type 2), and large-scale scars and Mass Transport Deposits (MTDs) affecting the upper part of the slope (Type 3 failures). The MTDs are located in different environmental contexts of the margin, including the deep Var Sedimentary Ridge (VSR) and the upper part of the continental slope in the Gulf of Genova (Finale Slide and Portofino Slide), with volumes of missing sediment reaching up to 1.5 x 10(9) m(3). High sedimentation rates related to hyperpycnal flows, faults and earthquake activity, together with sea-level fluctuations are the main factors invoked to explain the distribution and sizes of these different failure types.
Marine Geophysical Research (0025-3235) (Springer), 2011-03 , Vol. 32 , N. 1-2 , P. 225-243

Droits : Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00043/15387/14028.pdf
DOI:10.1007/s11001-011-9123-3
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00043/15387/

Éditeur(s) : Society for Sedimentary Geology
Résumé : The Kramis deep-sea fan extends over 45 km at the base of the western Algerian continental slope between 2000 and 2550 m water depth and covers an area of approximately 1200 km2. The Kramis Fan was initiated after Messinian time, evolved during the Plio-Quaternary, and, is still active, as proved by submarine cable breaks during the 1954 Orléansville earthquake. The Kramis Fan is fed by two perpendicular canyons: the Kramis Canyon and the Khadra Canyon, merging in a single E–W-oriented channel confined at the foot of the slope. It is strongly asymmetric with a super-developed levee on the right-hand side of the channel, the Kramis Ridge. Based on recent multibeam, side-scan sonar, and sediment core data (Maradja, 2003 and 2005, Prisma, 2004, and Prisme, 2007 cruises), we describe the morphology and internal structure of the fan and particularly the sediment ridge, showing marked lateral changes in the sediment-wave morphology and their association with a series of large scours in the intermediate part of the ridge aligned in the continuity of the Khadra Canyon direction. Overall, the Kramis Ridge is formed by turbidity currents overspilling the ridge crest, which is 100 m above the channel floor, with two exceptions. In the distal part of the ridge the subdued ridge-crest height probably causes continuous overspill, testified by sediment waves migrating parallel to the channel. The scours occur in the intermediate part of the ridge where the ridge height is only 50–60 m; scours are interpreted as the result of cyclic steps due to flow stripping of currents provided by the intersection of the Khadra Canyon with the Kramis Canyon and Channel system. The scours probably postdate the main growth of the Kramis Ridge and induce the local erosion of the ridge, which could correspond to a new channel initiation cutting the ridge. The superposition or the interaction of flows with different directions is responsible of the amplification of the size of the sediment waves with erosional downside flanks and their transformation in scours. The Kramis Fan provides a clear example of flow interaction to explain the presence of large sediment waves and scours on modern submarine fans.
SEPM Special Publication (1060-071X) (Society for Sedimentary Geology), 2012 , Vol. 99 , P. 293-308

Droits : 2012 SEPM (Society for Sedimentary Geology)
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00129/24021/21978.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00129/24021/

Éditeur(s) : Elsevier Sci Ltd
Résumé : The eastern Demerara Plateau offshore French Guiana was surveyed in 2003 during the GUYAPLAC cruise (multibeam bathymetry and acoustic imagery, 6-channel seismic reflection and 3.5 kHz echo-sounding). The data show the "post-transform" Cenozoic that the series located on the outer part of the plateau (below c. 2000 m) contain at least twelve stacked mass transport deposits (MTDs) that have recorded a history of large-scale slope failure, as well as two main normal fault sets that provide possible pathways for upward fluid migration through the series, reaching at high as the uppermost MTDs. Seabed data show that the area above the failures is characterized by circular-to-elongate (slope-parallel) depressions interpreted as fluid seeps (pockmarks), some of them have been modified by along slope currents. We suggest that the development of the MTDs to results from the combinaiton of the presence of fluid overpressure at depth the geometry of the margin's deep structure, in particular the existence of a 'free borderlateral border' on the outermost plateau. Our results also emphasise the role of stratigraphic decollements within the Cenozoic series.
Marine And Petroleum Geology (0264-8172) (Elsevier Sci Ltd), 2013-09 , Vol. 46 , P. 287-303

Droits : 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00157/26850/25316.pdf
DOI:10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2013.06.010
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00157/26850/

Éditeur(s) : Elsevier
Résumé : The French Guiana transform margin and Demerara abyssal plain have been recently surveyed in the framework of the EXTRAPLAC French Program of extension of the continental shelf (Guyaplac survey, Ifremer-IFP-SHOM-IPEV). Based on the interpretation of some of the data collected during the Guyaplac survey (Simrad-EM12 multibeam bathymetric data, backscatter imagery, and 3.5 kHz profiles), the area can be divided into three morphostructural domains. (1) The western Guiana margin, including a part of the Demerara plateau, an important bathymetric relief prolonging the continental platform off Guiana and Surinam. This domain is bounded by (1a) the NWSE trending northern border of the Demerara plateau which appears quite steep and corresponds to a transform segment of the margin, (1b) the N-S eastern border of the Demerara plateau which corresponds to a divergent segment of the margin. The Demerara plateau shows a segmented morphology, low slope gradients, and a very rough surface (ripples perpendicular to the slope direction). NNW-SSE structural steps seem to correspond to collapses of 100 km long blocs towards the east. Slumps initiate along these directions. The observed rough bathymetry seems to be related to creeping processes. At a greater scale (seismic data), this part of the margin has been totally destabilized (numerous imbricate transparent masses rooted at about 0.5 s.t.w.t.t. below seafloor). The NW-SE trending northern border of the Demerara plateau corresponds to a cliff-like continental slope, probably slightly smoother than other transform margins (Ghana/cote d'Ivoire margin). The N-S eastern border of Demerara plateau is characterized by numerous small-scale imbricate slumps. Some of these failures seem to be emplaced in the prolongation of the NNW-SSE structural steps identified on the Demerara plateau. (2) The eastern Guiana margin corresponds to a NW-SE oriented gullied transform margin segment. The associated continental slope is very steep and characterized by numerous imbricate slumps and related debris flows. Some undulated masses, probably corresponding to creeping sediments or to older mass-wasting events are still imprinted on bathymetry. This transform margin segment is nearly entirely destabilized and eroded. (3) The Demerara abyssal plain. This domain is characterized eastwards by channels belonging to the Amazon turbidite system and westwards, at the foot of Demerara continental slope, by sediment waves probably created by contour currents. To conclude, it seems that there is a strong relationship between the structure (transform and divergent segments) and the emplacement of recurrent slope instabilities. These are probably related to the steepness of the slopes but also to subsidence histories generating in some cases huge deep-seated collapses of the whole margin. Fluid ascents are common everywhere in the area, probably enhancing slope instability. Their origin is not constrained but the black shales or Cretaceous organic-rich layers could be good candidates.
Marine and Petroleum Geology (0264-8172) (Elsevier), 2009-05 , Vol. 26 , N. 5 , P. 711-723

Droits : 2008 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2009/publication-6856.pdf
DOI:10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2008.02.010
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/6856/

Éditeur(s) : Elsevier
Résumé : The ZoNeCo programme is devoted to the evaluation of the marine resources of the Economic Zone of New Caledonia. The results are essentially dependent on the quality of the seafloor mapping. From 1993 to 1996, four geological and geophysical surveys using the EM12 DUAL multibeam echosounder provided swath-mapping and acoustic imagery data of the seafloor of selected sites on the northern and southern parts of the Norfolk ridge, the Loyalty basin, around the Loyalty islands and in the westernmost part of the Economic Zone of New Caledonia. The accuracy of these documents shows the morphology of the seafloor in detail and allows rocky substratum to be differentiated from muddy bottom. It allows favorable emplacements of future exploratory fishing surveys to be determined. The benefits of swath mapping are illustrated by the Halipro 2 deep sea trawling cruise (1996) which used the swath mapping data of ZoNeCo 1 cruise (1993) on the southern prolongation of the New Caledonia mainland and Loyalty Islands.
Le programme ZoNéCo a pour objectif l'évaluation des ressources marines de la zone économique de Nouvelle-Calédonie. Les résultats du programme dépendent essentiellement de la qualité de la cartographie des fonds marins. De 1993 à 1996, au cours de quatre campagnes bathymétriques et géophysiques, une couverture bathymétrique et d'imagerie a été effectuée en utilisant le sondeur multifaisceaux EM 12 DUAL sur des sites choisis sur les segments Nord et Sud de la ride de Norfolk, dans le bassin des Loyauté, autour des îles Loyauté ainsi qu'à l'ouest de la zone économique de Nouvelle-Calédonie. La qualité des cartes obtenues permet de préciser la morphologie du fond mais aussi de différencier un substratum rocheux d'un substratum couvert par des sédiments et d'identifier les sites favorables à la réalisation de campagne de pêche exploratoire. Les bénéfices de la bathymétrie multifaisceaux sont illustrés, à partir des données de ZoNéCo 1 (1993), par la campagne de chalutage profond Halipro 2 (1996) sur la prolongation méridionale de la Grande Terre de Nouvelle-Calédonie et des îles Loyauté.
Oceanologica Acta (0399-1784) (Elsevier), 1999-11 , Vol. 22 , N. 6 , P. 641-650

Droits : 1999 Ifremer / CNRS / IRD / Editions scientifique et mtdicales Elsevier SAS
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/1999/publication-833.pdf
DOI:10.1016/S0399-1784(00)88955-0
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/833/

Résumé : The use of acoustical systems in various human activities in the ocean (industry, defence, science) raises the issue of their impact upon marine mammals populations. Several serious accidents linked to the use of naval sonars led the military, industrial and scientific communities to investigate the potential dangers of their own activity. This report aims at identifying the risks for the cetaceans linked to the use of acoustic and seismic systems currently used for oceanographic science. The analysis proposed here stays within the frame of bibliography synthesis and elementary modelling, and brings no new scientific elements on the topic. An overview of the status of cetacean populations is given first, with a summary of the possible acoustical threats. Risks are classified and described, insisting on the cases of massive stranding events. The present status of knowledge about auditory characteristics of cetaceans is summarised, and the definition of an objective threshold for acoustical risk is discussed ; the usually-admitted values are finally retained, despite of their evident limitations. The report presents also the emission characteristics of the various acoustic and seismic systems used in oceanographic, emphasising the ones operated by Ifremer; for the potentially harmful ones (according to the currently-used criteria) a model is proposed for the radiated acoustical intensity field, giving the extent of risk areas. This analysis concludes to the harmlessness of most systems, excepted heavy seismics and at a lesser degree low-frequency multibeam echosounders. Finally a variety of possible mitigation measures are presented and discussed; the regulations imposed by some countries are detailed. The report finally recommends both short-term measures aimed at limiting the potential risks, and longer-term actions for participating in the general effort of scientific and technological research in this field.
L'emploi des systèmes acoustiques dans les diverses activités humaines en milieu océanique (industrielles, de défense, scientifiques) pose le problème de leur impact sur les populations de mammifères marins. L'évidence de plusieurs événements graves liés à l'utilisation de sonars navals a amené les communautés militaires, industrielles et scientifiques à s'interroger sur les dangers potentiels de leurs propres activités. Le présent rapport tente de cerner les risques, pour les Cétacés, liés à l'emploi des systèmes acoustiques et sismiques couramment mis en oeuvre pour la recherche océanographique. L'analyse proposée ici reste à un niveau de synthèse bibliographique et de modélisation élémentaire, et n'offre pas d'éléments scientifiques nouveaux sur la question. On commence par donner un panorama de la situation des populations de cétacés et des agressions sonores qui les menacent. Les risques acoustiques sont répertoriés et décrits, en insistant sur les cas avérés d'échouages massifs. L'état actuel de connaissances sur les caractéristiques auditives des cétacés est résumé, et la définition d'un seuil objectif de risque acoustique est discutée ; on retient par défaut les valeurs de seuils généralement admises actuellement, en dépit de leurs limitations évidentes.

Droits : info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2007/rapport-2390.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/2390/

Éditeur(s) : Elsevier Science Bv
Résumé : Volcaniclastic successions are well-described in volcanic arc setting but rare in hotspot environments. The present work proposes a facies model of volcaniclastic sedimentation related to basaltic hotspot volcanoes as exemplified by the Piton de la Fournaise volcano (La Réunion Island). The facies model is based on a multi-scale approach combining high-resolution multibeam and backscatter data, deep-water photographs, side scan imagery and Kullenberg piston cores. Data show that a wide range of gravity flows and erosional features develop in the active volcaniclastic sedimentary system. Coastal and submarine instabilities are the main processes shaping the volcano's submarine morphology. Meanwhile, the evolution and dynamics of the sedimentary system are strongly linked with the morpho-structural evolution of the subaerial part of the volcano. The proposed model is characterized by a cyclic succession of stages: (1) a growing stage during which sedimentary activity is mainly restricted to proximal and mid-slope areas; (2) a collapse stage that entirely reshapes the morphology of the submarine slopes; and (3) an erosional stage related to a slow down of volcanic activity, enabling the development of large deep-sea fans.
Marine Geology (0025-3227) (Elsevier Science Bv), 2013-03 , Vol. 337 , P. 35-52

Droits : 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00137/24798/22939.pdf
DOI:10.1016/j.margeo.2013.01.004
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00137/24798/