Describe how a turbidity current forms and moves. How does graded bedding form? (D)

Turbidity currents are underwater downward-moving currents, formed by a mix of sediment and water that becomes destabilized, often due to external forces like earthquakes or storms. This mixture is denser than the surrounding water, causing it to flow down physical gradients. As it moves, the current gains speed, eroding more sediment and increasing its density and flow speed. These currents can erode submarine canyons and travel great distances across the seafloor. Graded bedding, on the other hand, is a sedimentary layering that forms as these cylinders deposit sediment on the seafloor. As the current decreases in energy and slows down, the larger, heavier sediment particles begin to settle on the seafloor. The smaller particles, such as clay and silt, remain suspended in the water for longer and eventually settle on top of the larger particles. This pattern of layering with the coarsest material settling first and the finer material settling last is known as graded bedding.