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6069094 
Journal Article 
Hudson submarine canyon head offshore New York and New Jersey: A physical and geochemical investigation 
Rona, P; Guida, V; Scranton, M; Gong, D; Macelloni, L; Pierdomenico, M; Diercks, AR; Asper, V; Haag, S 
2015 
Yes 
Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography
ISSN: 0967-0645
EISSN: 1879-0100 
121 
213-232 
WOS:000365379500020 
Hudson Canyon is the largest shelf-sourced canyon system off the east coast of the United States, and hosts a productive ecosystem that supports key fisheries. Here we report the results of a multi-year interdisciplinary study of the geological, geochemical, and physical oceanographic features and processes in the canyon that underpin that ecosystem. High-resolution multi-beam bathymetric and backscatter data show that the contrasting morphology of the two perpendicularly oriented branches at the head of the Hudson Canyon is indicative of different states of geomorphological activity and sediment transport. Tightly spaced ridges and gullies extend perpendicularly towards the canyon axis from the canyon walls. Numerous depressions are found at the base of the canyon walls or along the canyon axis at depths from 300m to 600m. Elevated concentrations of dissolved methane in the water column, where the highest density of depressions occur, suggests that methane is actively venting there. The topography and reflective floors of circular depressions in canyon walls and their association with methane maxima suggest that these represent active methane gas release-collapse pockmarks with carbonate floors. Patterns of irregular, low-relief, reflective depressions on the canyon floor may also represent methane release points, either as gas release or cold-seep features. The presence of methane maxima in a region of strong advective currents suggests continuous and substantial methane supply. Hydrographic observations in the canyon show that multiple layers of distinct inter-leaved shelf (cold, fresh) and slope (warm, salty) water masses occupy the head of the canyon during the summer. Their interactions with the canyon and with each other produce shifting fronts, internal waves, and strong currents that are influenced by canyon topography. Strong tidal currents with along-canyon-axis flow shear help to drive the advection, dispersion and mixing of dissolved materials in the water column that likely help support the rich canyon ecosystem. 
Hudson Canyon; Seafloor mapping; Geomorphology; Methane; Pockmarks; Hydrography; Canyon circulation