contourite

Contourites are sediment accumulations formed by contour currents, which are bottom currents flowing parallel to the continental slope. These currents are a significant factor in the formation of continental rises, areas of thick continental material found between the continental slope and the abyssal plain. While the exact strength and sediment-carrying capacity of contour currents are debated, they are believed to play a role in redistributing sediments that are initially moved downslope by gravity-driven processes like turbidity currents. Turbidity currents are dense, abrasive underwater sediment flows that occur at great depths, often originating from the slumping of sediment on the continental slope and depositing sand on the ocean floor to form submarine fans.12