The natural range of submarine canyon-and-channel longitudinal profiles

We differentiated 20 submarine canyon-and-channel longitudinal profiles across various types of continental margins on the basis of relative convexity or concavity, and according to their similarities to best-fitting mathematical functions. Profiles are visually differentiated into convex, slightly concave, and very concave groups, each of which generally corresponds with a continental-margin type and distinct depositional architecture. Profile groups generally reflect the competing influences of uplift and construction of depositional relief of the seafloor and its degradation by erosion related to mass wasting. Longitudinal-profile shape provides a basis for classifying deep-sea sedimentary systems, linking them to the geomorphic processes that shape continental margins.