Quaternary sedimentary regime on the Berthois Spur (Ray of Biscay)

A study of cores from the Celtic Margin shows that high terrigenous accumulation rates occurred at the end of isotopic stage 3 and during isotopic stage 2. These high rates prevailed during rapid changes from relatively warm conditions (Alesund interstadial) to maximum glacial condition. The input of terrigenous material may have culminated with the blockage of the North Sea by an ice sheet and the diversion of NW European flumes toward the Celtic Margin. The uppermost sediments are in a state of overconsolidation as the consequence of erosional processes following the episod of high sediment supply.