A research agenda of geological, bio-physical, and geochemical aspects for deep-sea bio-buildups of the Bahamas–Florida region (Bafla)

Deep-sea bio-buildups (ca. 400–1300 m) are remarkably numerous on the floors of inter- and intra-bank channels and bank slopes in the Bahamas and Florida region (Bafla). Deep-sea bio-buildup is used here to encompass all local sea floor relief associated with deep-sea corals including mounds of unconsolidated deposits (bioherms, banks) and lithoherms with onion-like surficial layers that were cemented syndepositionally. Pioneering research on these bio-buildups indicates that they offer an unparalleled opportunity to address the roles of biophysical, geological, and geochemical processes in determining their locations and development. Here we focus on a research agenda for these processes. For each of a selection of key process categories, we present a brief summary of what is known and a selection of research opportunities. The categories are: regional distribution of deep-sea bio-buildups in Bafla; foundations and ages of bio-buildups; baffling of sediment by branched deep-sea corals and other invertebrates; enhanced current velocities and their interactions with bio-buildups; and syndepositional cementation of lithoherms and hardrounds.