Mineralogy, and composition of turbidites and background samples at ODP Sites 166-1003 and 166-1007

The lower slope and toe-of-slope sediments of the western flank of the Great Bahama Bank (Sites 1003 and 1007) are characterized by an intercalation of turbidites and periplatform ooze. In general, turbidites form up to 12% of the total mass of the sedimentary column. Based primarily on data from the Bahamas, it has been postulated that steep-sided carbonate platforms shed most of their sediments into the basin during sea-level highstands when the platforms are flooded. This highstand shedding is assumed to be less pronounced along platforms with a ramp-like depositional profile where sediment production is not restricted to sea-level highstand. Miocene to Pliocene sediments recovered in five drill holes during Leg 166 at the western margin of the Great Bahama Bank reveal that turbidite distribution follows a complex pattern that is dependent on several factors such as sedimentation rates, sea-level changes, and slope morphology. […]