title: Anthropogenic influence on sediment transport in the Whittard Canyon, NE Atlantic.
abstract: Unusual peaks in turbidity were detected in two branches of the Whittard Canyon in June 2013. Enhanced nepheloid layers (ENLs) were defined as layers with concentrations of suspended particulate matter exceeding those of nepheloid layers typically observed in a given region. Here, ENLs had peaks in turbidity and elevated suspended particulate matter concentrations exceeding ~1 mg L(-1) with the largest ENLs measuring between ~2-8 mg L(-1). The ENLs measured ~100-260 m in vertical height and were detected in water depths of between 640 and 2880 m. Vessel Monitoring System data showed that high spatial and temporal activity of potential bottom trawling vessels coincided with the occurrence of the ENLs. Molar C/N ratios of the suspended organic material from the ENLs showed a high degree of degradation. Regular occurrences of such events are likely to have implications for increased sediment fluxes, burial of organic carbon and alteration of benthic and canyon ecosystems.
authors.affiliation: School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland. Electronic address: wilson.m.annette@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Annette M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK.
authors.forename: Kostas
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kiriakoulakis
authors.affiliation: School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Raine
authors.affiliation: Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Hans D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Gerritsen
authors.affiliation: School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK.
authors.forename: Sabena
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Blackbird
authors.affiliation: School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: A Louise
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Allcock
authors.affiliation: School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: White
mesh_terms: D001267:Atlantic Ocean; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry*; D006802:Human Activities; D062070:Hydrology; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis*; D012767:Ships; D014872:Water Movements
chemical_list: D052638:Particulate Matter
keywords: Enhanced nepheloid layers; Resuspension; Suspended particulate matter; Trawling; Turbidity; Whittard Canyon