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

Deposits observed in cores collected on the south levee of the active middl e Zaire deep-sea fan are fine-grained turbidites containing abundant thin s ilt laminae, alternated with clay laminae, Each sequence represents success ive spillover of the dilute upper part of a continuous channelised turbidit y current. Pulsatory overflows create a low velocity (0.1 m.s(-1)) overspil l current on the levee with duration from a few days to a few weeks. Variat ions of the hydraulic regime within the overflow generate laminae. (C) 2001 Academie des sciences / Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.