Sediment gravity flow frequency offshore central California diminished significantly following the Last Glacial Maximum

A high-resolution multibeam survey from a portion of the San Simeon Channel (offshore Morro Bay, California) captured zone recurring troughs and ridges adjacent to prominent submarine meander bends. Through an integrated study using surveying data, sediment core analysis, radiocarbon dating, stable isotope measurements, we hypothesize that turbidity current event frequency was higher during late Pleistocene than at present conditions. We speculate rise in sea-level following Last Glacial Maximum sequestered sedimentation largely shelf Holocene. This work suggests occurrence gravity flows this region, particularly away any channels, is appreciably lower times continental subaerial exposure.