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Tidally generated sea-floor lineations in Bristol Bay, Alaska, USA

January 1, 1999

Highly reflective linear features occur in water depths of 20-30 m in northern Bristol Bay (Alaska, USA) and are, in places, over 600 m in length. Their length-to-width ratio is over 100:1. The lineations are usually characterized by large transverse ripples with wavelengths of 1-2 m. The lineations trend about N60??E, and are spaced between 20 and 350 m. Main tidal directions near the lineations are N60??E (flood) and S45??W (ebb), which are parallel to subparallel to the lineations. They suggest that the lineations may be tidally generated. The lineations may be bright sonar reflections from a winnowed lag concentrate of coarse sand.

Publication Year 1999
Title Tidally generated sea-floor lineations in Bristol Bay, Alaska, USA
DOI 10.1007/s003670050112
Authors M. S. Marlow, A. J. Stevenson, H. Chezar, R.A. McConnaughey
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Geo-Marine Letters
Index ID 70020953
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse