Morphosedimentary evolution of the Belgica Mound Drift: Controls on contourite depositional system development in association with cold-water coral mounds

Small-scale contourite drift is an important component of continental margins that can record information about complex oceanographic processes. The Belgica Mound Drift is one example of a small-scale contourite drift. It is formed under the influence of cold-water coral (CWC) mounds and represents one of the most distal contouritic expressions influenced by the Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW) in the NE Atlantic Ocean. Three distinct evolutionary stages have been identified from new high-resolution pseudo-3D reflection seismic data, each associated with a significant change in paleoceanography, affecting both bottom-current intensity and sediment input. The pre-drift stage (Pliocene–Early Pleistocene) corresponds to the regional RD1 erosive event, which was caused by the reintroduction of the MOW in the Porcupine Seabight, creating a distinct paleotopography that will influence all ensuing sedimentary processes. The second stage (Early Pleistocene–Middle Pleistocene) is the contourite drift inception in two distinct centres of growth, strongly steered by topographic obstacles such as the CWC mounds. During the third and final stage (Middle Pleistocene–present day), the contourite drift is developed under a more stable but less dynamic environment, characterised by more continuous and mounded aggradational stratification. The final stage of the contourite drift is related to the Middle Pleistocene Transition, with a spatially variable reduction in the MOW-related bottom currents and sediment input. The spatial and temporal evolution of this drift shows that its present-day morphology is controlled by the location of initial growth. Evolving moat morphology indicates that the intensity of the bottom currents generally increases during the drift evolution. This research presents a crucial paradigm for advancing our knowledge of elucidating the complexities of smaller-sized contourite systems in diverse oceanic environments. • High-resolution pseudo-3D dissection of a contourite drift. • Initial centres of growth still dominate present-day drift morphology. • Dynamic evolution of the drift influenced by bottom currents and CWC mounds. • Belgica Mound Drift documents temporal variability of a distal MOW. • Moderate MOW bottom current intensity from Middle Pleistocene onwards.