We investigated surface carbonate sediments at 33 sites on the outer shelf and slope around N ew C aledonia (163°–167° E , 20°–23° S ), at water depths of 75–720 m. Four carbonate sedimentary facies are recognized on the basis of sediment size fractions and predominant constituents: F acies 1, encrusted grains (rhodoliths and macroids), bryozoa, and benthic foraminifera; Facies 2, bryozoa, benthic foraminifera, and mud; Facies...