01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-09-0359 |
| Title of Abstract | Submarine Slope Failures and Canyons along the Northwestern continental margin of India using High-Resolution Bathymetry data |
| Authors | Ashitha K K*, Bijesh C M, Priyesh Kunnummal |
| Organisation | NCPOR |
| Address | NCPOR Vasco da Gamma, Goa, India Pincode: 403804 E-mail: ashithakk99@gmail.com |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Oral |
| Abstract | The evolution of continental margins is influenced by a complex interaction of diverse factors, including tectonics, sedimentary deposition, subsidence, neotectonic activities, and oceanographic processes. Among these mechanisms, mass wasting is considered pivotal in shaping morphological features and sediment distribution patterns from continental slopes to deep-sea basins. Canyon inception and development are generally related to processes acting in submarine environments, which include downslope eroding sediment gravity flows and/or upslope erosion produced by retrogressive slope failures. The northwestern continental margin of India is recognized as a dynamic region where processes such as slumping, mass movements, and canyon incision contributed to the development of complex seafloor morphology. In this study, we utilized high-resolution multi-beam bathymetry data to characterize the morphological features of the northwestern continental margin of India, acquired by NCPOR, covering the region from the shelf edge to the lower slope. The data reveals the presence of submarine slope failures and canyon system in the continental slope including landslide scars, gullies, knickpoints, sediment waves, and scour features etc. The canyon system was grouped into distinct morphological types, including (i) canyons with relatively straight courses, (ii) tributary-type canyons that converge and join into a single main canyon, and (iii) canyons exhibiting prominent branching patterns at their heads. Morphometric analysis of the identified canyons was carried out to determine the parameters such as thalweg length, width, canyon length, depth range, sinuosity, and slope. The results from this study highlight the complex interplay between sedimentary processes, slope failures, and tectonic factors in shaping the geomorphology of the northwestern continental margin of India. This work underscores the broader significance of detailed seafloor mapping for advancing understanding of the submarine morphology, geohazard assessment, benthic habitat studies and resource exploration in the Arabian Sea. |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | Submarine canyons, Geomorphology, Bathymetry, Geohazards |
| For Awards | yes |
| Date Of Birth | 24-06-1999 |
| ECSN Registration Number | IIOE2-ECSN-0181 |