Proximal continental shelf

Today, as a result of the post-glacial high sea levels, most river-transported fine-grained material is deposited in the estuaries and on the flat iimer shelves in the immediate proximity of river mouths. Only a small proportion is transported over the edge of the shelf onto the continental slope. These processes account for the development of mud belts on the shelf, of which 5 types... 

The continental margin off the coast of Northwest Africa is an area of upweUing and marine productivity with special characteristics (a) a wide shelf area, (b) a wide zone of upweUing, and (c) proximity to a large dust source— the Saharan desert. The Canary Islands divide a northern area of primary productivity and accumulation of organic matter (OM) and a southern area. Accumulation of marine OM is supplemented by input of Saharan dust containing adsorbed terrigenous OM. 

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