Sedimentological description of 5 gravity cores from the Faroe-Shetland Channel

Five gravity cores were taken from the continental slope north of the Shetland Isles as part of a transect from the shelf (150 m water depth) to the base of slope (100 m). A total of 19 cores were taken, the other 14 of which were sampled using a multicorer. The 5 gravity cores were taken in water depths between 790 and 990 m with the intention of identifying whether contouritic sediments were forming or had formed at sea bed in the study area. Such sediments have been recovered in equivalent depths to the south, and have been identified in backscatter both south and north of the study area. As a result of equipment failure these 5 cores were not split and described on board ship. Details of the cruise including core locations and sampling methods are given in Leslie (2002). The 5 cores have been logged using a binocular microscope. Rough, handwritten logs are appended at the back of the report. The trends described are a qualitative assessment of core character. The discussion is based on a preliminary examination based on subjective observations and is not meant to be taken as a conclusive interpretation of the cores.