Slope Morphology in Deep Sea Floor of the western Sangihe Arc, North Sulawesi Waters

INDEX SATAL 2010 Exploration that was conducted in June to August 2010 has recorded detailed bathymetric imagery, complemented with CTD measurements and ROV dives in some point of interest to determine the characteristics of deep sea biota and sea bed materials. Sangihe Arc reflects a major bathymetric high in form of a ridge and is an active volcanic region bordering the Cotabato Trench in the western part. Sea floor morphology on the western flank of the ridge shows several conic features indicating seamount morphology. The largest seamount in the explored area, which is known as Kawio Barat seamount, indicates hydrothermal related chimneys and vents. High-resolution bathymetry resulted from this expedition is used to identify the deep sea morphology, submarine volcanoes and the variation and distribution of their products, as well as their eruption types. Slope morphology indicates variety of deep sea materials and habitats. This paper reviews the morphology of the sea floor focusing on the slope morphology and its association with the sea floor habitats, geological and marine processes. A comparison of habitat characteristics in some selected areas with slope morphology is expected to clarify their relationship. A GIS tools is applied to determine slope classification and to obtain slope morphological typology of the explored sea floor.