trübungsströme

Trübungsströme, also known as turbidity currents, are underwater currents of water that contain a high concentration of suspended sediment. These currents are formed when a mass of sediment and water becomes unstable and flows down a slope, typically on the seafloor or the bottom of a lake. The sediment can be stirred up by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, underwater landslides, or simply by storm waves or riverine input becoming too concentrated.

The density of the sediment-laden water is greater than the surrounding clear water, causing the trübungsstrom to move downslope due to gravity. These currents can travel great distances and can reach high velocities, eroding the underlying substrate and transporting large amounts of sediment. As the current loses energy, the sediment begins to settle out, forming characteristic deposits known as turbidites. These deposits are often layered and can be important indicators of past geological events and environments.

Trübungsströme play a significant role in shaping submarine landscapes, contributing to the formation of features such as submarine canyons and abyssal plains. They are also crucial in the transport of sediment and nutrients from continental shelves to the deep sea, influencing marine ecosystems. Studying trübungsströme is important for understanding sediment dynamics, geological hazards like submarine landslides, and the long-term evolution of ocean basins.