Submarine outcrop and acoustic expression of lithified sediment layers in northwest Providence Channel, Bahamas

Abstract

Visual observations of the wall of Great Bahama Canyon indicate that ledges produced by differential submarine erosion occur at depths like reflectors on high-resolution seismic profiles, suggesting lithologic changes produce acoustic impedance contrasts and therefore reflectors. Quaternary-aged sediments in a core from Little Bahama Bank exhibit changes in lithology (and presumably acoustic impedance) associated with glacial-to-interglacial transitions, which also correspond in depth to seismic reflectors. This supports the concept that reflectors on high-resolution seismic profiles of Bahamian periplatform ooze correspond directly to changes in lithology and may be associated with climate/sea level fluctuations.