Contourite
![Bottom current flow in the Gulf of Cadiz[7]](/uploads/202501/06/Contourite_bottom_water_flow_IODP_Gulf_of_Cadiz2827.png)
![Bedform phase diagram for contourites (Stow et al. 2009)[14]](/uploads/202501/06/Contourite_bedform_diagram_Stow20092827.png)
![Sparker seismic line showing elongate drifts in the Gulf of Cadiz [7]](/uploads/202501/06/Contourite_sparker_seismic_elongate_drift2827.png)
![Contourite sheets shown in reflection seismic data off the coast of Portugal[7]](/uploads/202501/06/Contourite_sheets_seismic_gulf_of_cadiz2827.png)
A contourite is a sedimentary deposit commonly formed on continental rise to lower slope settings, although they may occur anywhere that is below storm wave base. Countourites are produced by thermohaline-induced deepwater bottom currents and may be influenced by wind or tidal forces. The geomorphology of contourite deposits is mainly influenced by the deepwater bottom-current velocity, sediment supply, and seafloor topography.