Exploring the Underworld: The geomorphology and sediments of subduction trenches MASTS Webinar with Heather Stewart (British Geological Survey) - Free

Subduction related trenches commonly display complex geomorphologies as a result of normal faulting, mass flow deposits, volcanism, accretion, canyons, inherent spreading fabric and formation of sedimentary basins. Not only controlling seafloor substrate heterogeneity, these features also form complex habitats for benthic fauna. Additionally, the funnelling of organic sediments, controlled by local topography and trench shape, to the trench axis is reported to influence biomass distribution in these dynamic environments.

Over the last 5 years, the author has participated on four projects studying 17 trenches within the Pacific, Atlantic, Southern, and Indian oceans, providing an insight into global trench processes.