The aim of the cruise was to characterize and quantify sediment transfer from the Cassidaigne canyon to adjacent areas by using bauxite tailings also called red mud tailings as a tracer. We aim at understanding the role of bottom currents related to the Northern Current and seasonal upwellings as well as the possible the occurence mass movements in the dispersal of red mud. This survey will help to better understand the development of sedimentary deposits and bodies such as turbiditic channel-levees, terminal lobes and contourites on continental margins.

Specific objectives:

• Survey of red mud distribution (bathymetry, chirp sediment penetrator);
• Characterisation of sedimentary and mechanical properties of red mud;
• Role of seabed boundary layer hydrodynamics in red mud dispersal;
• Numerical modelisation of gravity transport and distal deposits.