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A hypothesis for the formation of a mud bank in the Gulf of Papua

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Abstract

The riverine mud that escapes retention in the estuaries and enters the Gulf of Papua appears to be transported southeastward, across depth contours, by the prevailing currents in a series of wind-driven events. The mud deposits to the southeast of the rivers, at the mid-shelf region within a depth range of 40–60 m. Mud transported farther eastward is carried down the continental rise. Coarser riverine sediment (silt and sand) is deposited closer inshore. On the outer shelf (depth >60 m) relict carbonate debris dominates. The area of mud has maximum rates of pelagic and benthic productivity in the gulf.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Australian Institute of Marine Science, P.M.B. No. 3, 4810, Townsville M.C., Queensland, Australia

    E. Wolanski & D. M. Alongi

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  1. E. Wolanski
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  2. D. M. Alongi
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Wolanski, E., Alongi, D.M. A hypothesis for the formation of a mud bank in the Gulf of Papua. Geo-Marine Letters 15, 166–171 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01204459

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01204459

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