Topography and Sediments of the Arctic Basin

Abstract

Contours of the Arctic Basin were based on a compilation of all known soundings, largely from recent Russian expeditions. Additional general inferences regarding the bottom topography were derived from indirect considerations, such as distribution of Pleistocene glaciers, character of land topography, positions of earthquake epicenters, and sources and composition of the bottom sediments. It is concluded that the floor of the basin is far more irregular than is indicated by the present sparse soundings. Off Alaska and Canada the basin is deepest and least well sounded.