The process of formation of the deep water environment

Continental Shelf

The sediment deposited here is mainly material eroded from nearby land, together with
organic remains such as broken sea shells. Sands may be swept along and deposited
by tidal currents, whilst finer mud settles out in calmer (deeper or more sheltered) water.

Cross section of Continental Shelf

Abyssal Plain

On the deep ocean floor, sediment deposition is usually very slow indeed, as the only
sediments to reach this far from land are wind-borne dust and volcanic ash. However,
plankton in the surface waters of the ocean provide a gentle “rain” of organic remains;
the microscopic shells of these organisms form fine-grained oozes that gradually settle
out on the deep sea floor.

Towards the poles, “dropstones” – material melted out of icebergs - also add to the
deep sea sediments.

Turbidity currents

Sediment deposited near the top of the continental slope is not in a good resting place!
Occasional earthquakes may stir up the sediment. This mixture of sediment and water
can flow rapidly down the continental slope and sometimes far out onto the deep ocean
floor. These currents can deposit more material in a few hours than would usually be
laid down over centuries.