RESEARCH NEEDS 



Data on the vertical particle flux, sediment transport, and rates of 

 sediment accumulation (processes that influence the fate and effects 

 of contaminants) are needed in the canyons of the North Atlantic area, 

 The lack of this basic information inhibits our ability to make 

 definitive conclusions. 



More information is needed to specify which canyons have fisheries or 

 other special biological characteristics, and which do not. 



Sedimentological , geochemical, and physical oceanographic information 

 is only available for one or two canyons, primarily on the canyon 

 heads. Hypotheses based on this limited data have been proposed to 

 explain environmental processes and patterns in the canyons. 

 Comprehensive studies in a variety of canyon types would improve the 

 ability to predict potential impacts on canyon biota. 



If drilling activity is to occur close to a boundary of a submarine 

 canyon in the mid- or North Atlantic areas, the processes associated 

 with potential impacts should be studied. 



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