Turbidite deposition and the origin of the Madeira Abyssal Plain

Abstract
Extensive investigations in the Madeira Abyssal Plain have revealed thick sequences of turbidites. Individual turbidites can be correlated over an area of 2° × 2°, and their emplacement can be shown to coincide with glacial onsets and terminations. The turbidites originate on the NW African margin and contain up to 2% organic carbon. They are virtually ungraded massive silts and clays, some with coarser basal layers.