Distribution of sub-bottom sedimentary features in the Wandel Sea, Northeast Greenland

Abstract

Off Northeast Greenland, the Wandel Sea extends between Morris Jesup Rise and Gakkel Ridge as an area where rapid environmental changes are driven by complex interactions between the ice sheet, ocean, and sea ice. However, geological data that can illuminate long-term trends are virtually missing. We hereby present novel sub-bottom and swath bathymetry data acquired on the Arctic margin of Northeast Greenland in 2024. They allow characterization of the regional sedimentary features, which provide unique insights into the recent cryospheric and oceanographic history of Northeast Greenland. Mega-scale glacial lineations and iceberg plough marks point to extensive glacial activity on the continental shelf, where potentially two northeastward flowing ice streams reached the shelf edge during recent glacial periods. Extensive mass transport deposits in the area are interpreted as glaciogenic debris flows, thus, further supporting recent cross-shelf glaciations. Finally, the described asymmetric channel-levee systems and sediment waves suggest a southward-flowing oceanic bottom current as the Arctic Throughflow. The results of this study provide context for further research concerning sedimentary control factors along the Northeast Greenland margin.

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