Iceberg Furrow Marks on the Continental Shelf Northeast of Belle Isle, Newfoundland

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences
• Main Authors: Harris, Ian McK., Jollymore, Paul G.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1974
• Subjects: General Earth and Planetary Sciences; Newfoundland; Belle Isle
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/e74-004; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/e74-004

Side-scan sonar imagery indicates the presence of numerous large-scale furrows on the continental shelf northeast of Belle Isle, Newfoundland. The furrows are attributed to the ploughing action of bottom-dragging icebergs. They are typically linear troughs bordered by raised shoulders with an average width of about 30 m, a maximum observed depth of 6.5 m, and a maximum length of at least 3 km. Considered collectively, the furrows have a pronounced north-south trend, which probably reflects the general southerly drift of icebergs in the Labrador Current.