The Diego Cao channel and its morphological depressions (Guadalquivir Bank margin uplift, Gulf of Cadiz). Oceanographic and sedimentary implications | El Canal de Diego Cao y sus depresiones morfológicas (margen del Banco del Guadalquivir, Golfo de Cádiz). Implicaciones oceanográficas y sedimentológicas

VIII Simposio sobre el Margen Ibérico Atlántico (MIA15), del 21 al 23 de septiembre de 2015, Málaga.-- 4 pages, 2 figures

The Diego Cao channel is located on the central-north middle slope of the Gulf of Cadiz. It separates the Bartolomeu Dias and Faro sheeted drift plateaus to the north of the Guadalquivir Bank margin uplift. A striking linear series of circular depressions occur parallel to the channel on the Bartolomeu Dias sheeted drift (western channel flank), while a remarkable amphitheater-shaped escarpment affects the channel eastern flank. Their morphological and high- and medium-resolution stratigraphic analysis allows inferring their origin as the result of a complex interplay between oceanographic (bottom currents), mass-wasting and tectonic processes. All features seem to have a common origin, related to an especially active tectonic phase during the Mid-Pleistocene, probably related to adjustments of the deep structural features. Since then, the action of the bottom currents and the local influence of structural processes have shaped the present-day topography. The Diego Cao channel is re-interpreted as a contourite moat associated to a complex mounded, separated drift that includes the circular depressions. They result from contourite deposition over the erosional surface originated by widespread mass-wasting events during the Mid-Pleistocene

This research is part of the projects MONTERA (CTM-14157-C02-02) and MOWER (CTM-2012-395599-C03) funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitivity. The research of Marga Garcia has been funded by a Juan de la Cierva and a Talentia Grant (Ref. 267226)

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