Recent processes of levee formation on the Zaire deep-sea fan

Deposits observed in cores collected on the south levee of the active middle Zaire deep-sea fan are fine-grained turbidites containing abundant thin silt laminae, alternated with clay laminae. Each sequence represents successive spillover of the dilute upper part of a continuous channelised turbidity current. Pulsatory overflows create a low velocity (0.1 m·s−1) overspill current on the levee with duration from a few days to a few weeks. Variations of the hydraulic regime within the overflow generate laminae.