This proposal aims to study the sedimentary series deposited under the influence of

alongslope bottom currents; contourites. In the Gulf of Cadiz, significant contourite sequences

have been deposited by the temporally variable Mediterranean Outflow Water, strongly

influenced by palaeoclimatological changes. Recently, similar contourite deposits have been

discovered along the Moroccan margin, in association with cold-water coral ecosystems.

Through geophysical and palaeoceanographic techniques, this multidisciplinary project will

endeavour to improve our understanding of the depositional processes involved in the creation

of a contouritic facies. Extensive geophysical investigations of core data, using computed

tomography, combined with a detailed characterisation of the past bottom water mass

variability, will allow to contribute significantly to propose state-of-the-art and integrated

diagnostic criteria for contourites. It will also better assess the role of the different contourite

facies types in a hydrocarbon system as potential source rock, reservoir or cap rock.

Additionally, through correlation with high-resolution seismic profiles, this project will assist

to unravel the Plio-Pleistocene evolution of the Atlantic Moroccan margin. This project will

be carried out in a strong international context (e.g. IODP Leg 339), providing a large part of

the available data. Additional core data will be acquired during the R/V Marion Dufresne

EuroFLEETS GATEWAY cruise in 2013.