Offshore Geomorphological Signatures of an Active Submarine Canyon System

This study investigates the main geomorphological and geohazard signatures of an active canyon system on the continental slope of the western Black Sea, offshore northern Turkey. Using high-resolution data from autonomous underwater vehicles, this study identifies a range of seabed features shaped by downcanyon flows. Erosional features such as scarps, grooves, knickpoints, and cyclic steps are prevalent in confined canyon sections and indicate high-energy sediment transport. Depositional features, including boulder fields and sediment waves, are found in less confined areas where flow velocity decreases. The canyon system shows a complex arrangement of superimposed and compound features, reflecting multiple phases of flushing events. Detailed bathymetric and geophysical analysis reveals that sediment dynamics are influenced by steep slopes, river discharge, and canyon morphology. The findings demonstrate the importance of canyon geomorphology in understanding offshore sedimentary processes and assessing geohazard risks for infrastructure development in deep-water environments.