What is deep-sea fans?

Deep-sea fans, also known as submarine fans, are underwater sedimentary deposits that form at the base of the continental slope. These fans are created by sediment that is carried down from the continental shelf and slope by turbidity currents – submarine avalanches of sediment-laden water.

They are typically found in areas that are subject to strong ocean currents and tectonic activity. Deep-sea fans can be immense; the largest, the Bengal Fan in the Bay of Bengal, covers an area of 1,500,000 km².

Scientists study deep-sea fans to better understand the history of the ocean and the movement of sediment, which in turn can reveal information about ocean currents and climate change. Deep-sea fans can also be significant sites for the exploration and extraction of natural resources such as oil and gas.