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Reducing multiple contaminations in reflection seismic data remains one of the primary challenges in marine seismic data processing. Besides geological settings, its effectiveness is also dependent on the multiple removal methods. In this study, we undertook two legacy 2D multi-channel seismic data crossing the accretionary wedge off SW Taiwan to test the efficiency of various multiple-attenuation scenarios. The tectonic domain has resulted from the incipient arc-continent collision between the northern rifted margin of the South China Sea and the Luzon volcanic arc. The wedge extends from shallow water to deep water bathymetries, hence promoting both short-period and long-period multiples within the seismic records. A cascade of de-multiple methods was tested to attenuate multiple energy under various seafloor bathymetry and tectonic areas. The first step relies on the periodicity nature of multiples. Spatial dependent predictive deconvolution in the x-t domain was performed to attenuate reverberations and improve temporal resolution in the time domain. Wave-equation multiple attenuation (WEMA) was applied to suppress the water layer multiples based on a combination of numerical wave extrapolation in the shot domain through water layer and water bottom reflectivity. Surface-related multiple elimination (SRME) aimed to attenuate the residual water bottom multiple and peg-leg multiple by assuming surface-related multiples can be kinematically predicted via convolution of pre-stack seismic traces at possible surface multiple reflection locations. The second step exploits the spatial move-out difference behavior between primaries and multiples. Parabolic Radon transforms far-offset multiples by subtracting noise energy in the τ-p domain, whereas the frequency-wave number (F-K) filter aimed to eliminate any residual multiples energy in the F-K domain. Predictive deconvolution improved seismic resolution and suppressed sea-bottom reverberation energy in the continental and lower wedge slopes, but not in the upper wedge slope. WEMA, Radon filter, and F-K filter reduced multiples energy both at the continental slope and wedge slope; whereas SRME made minimal impact on both areas. Since the reflection seismic datasets stretch diverse tectonic environments and water depth, there was no single multiple attenuation method capable to suppress multiples in all tectonic environments and bathymetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed original and published seismic data to investigate the distribution and characteristics of subsurface fluid flow features in the gas hydrate provinces along the northeastern South China Sea (SCS) continental slope, including Jiulong Ridge, Horseshoe Ridge, Pointer Ridge, and Formosa Ridge. Numerous features indicating the presence/migration of hydrocarbons, such as bottom simulating reflections (BSRs), bright spots, gas chimneys, and fluid flow through faults, are identified. The results reveal that the hydrofracturing-induced gas chimneys act as the primary conduits for the overall focused fluid flow in the study area, though fluid flow along permeable faults is also observed at Pointer Ridge. Thirty-three gas chimneys identified are categorized into two types depending on their capability for focused fluid flow migrating into the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ). The type-I chimneys that transport fluids into the GHSZ contribute to gas hydrate formation and may even lead to seafloor seepage. Buried by a considerable thickness of sediments, the type-II chimneys cannot directly contribute to generating gas hydrate and surface seepage. Our results suggest that the sedimentary processes and fluid accumulation significantly control the development of gas chimneys in the study area. Since the focused fluid flow conduits that indicate overpressured fluids are critical pathways that feed gas into the GHSZ and form gas hydrates, utmost attention should be paid to them during hydrocarbon exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimates of the sub‐seabed fluid flow rates are important for understanding hydrological budgets, biogeochemical cycles, and physical properties of the sediments. Fluid flow rates and directions, however, are difficult to measure, particularly beneath the seafloor. We developed a rapid method to estimate regional fluid migration rates using an extensive database of seismic reflection profiles taken offshore SW Taiwan. We observe bottom‐simulating reflector (BSR) that deflects toward the seafloor near thrust faults that indicate localized heat flow variations. At these sites, advecting warm pore fluids transport heat to shallower depths and force the BSR shallower. Our 2D steady‐state numerical method quantifies the fluid flow rates required to cause such thermal anomalies. We found that fluid flow rates near the trench of the accretionary wedge range between 0.1 and 16 m3 yr−1 m−1, with slower and faster rates generally associated with slope basin discontinuities and faults, respectively. To evaluate the fluid pattern evolution from subduction to collision, we studied three transects: one along the Manila subduction zone in the south and two in Taiwan's initial collision zone in the north. We quantified the fluid budget and partitioning of fluid flow between focused discharge through faults and diffusive flow through the wedge. Faults in Taiwan's accretionary wedge capture on average 25% of the total dewatering flux in the younger subduction zone and 38.5% in the tectonically mature collision zone. Our method provides estimates of fluid migration rates along convergent plate boundaries, and contributes to our understanding of focused fluid flow processes in many other regions. Plain Language Summary: Fluids play a key role in many subduction zone processes. However, quantitative constraints on flow expulsion rates and directions are limited. Efficient upward fluid migration through subbottom conduits can be generated tectonically, such as faults. Faults are ubiquitous along convergent margins; yet, a quantitative understanding of their impact on regional fluid budgets, flow rates, and distribution at vent sites remains unclear. We developed a rapid numerical method to constrain 2D focused fluid flow rates using seismically derived thermal structure and applied it to the subduction‐collision zone system off SW Taiwan. To study the influence of long‐term tectonic processes on the fluid budget, we remotely mapped the distribution and amount of focused fluid flow across the convergent margin, using a widespread shallow subbottom temperature field derived from a spatially dense seismic data set covering an area of more than 25,000 km2. We combined the results with other previously published geophysical data sets to calculate the margin fluid budget. We found stronger fluid advection from depth along the collision zone, where thicker sediments are deformed more intensively. Our approach to quantify fluid fluxes is applicable to a range of tectonic regimes and can provide critical insight into local, regional, or even global fluid budget estimates. Key Points: Developed a method to quantify fluid flow rates from BSR‐based temperature dataIdentified fluid partitioning patterns off SW Taiwan from subduction to collisionFocused fault‐related flow controls the local depth of the hydrate stability zone [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, are stored in hydrates beneath the seafloor. Sea level changes can trigger massive methane release into the ocean. It is not clear, however, whether surficial seafloor processes can cause comparable discharge. Previously, fluid migration was difficult to study due to a lack of spatially dense seismic and thermal observations. Here we examine a gas hydrate site at Four‐Way‐Closure Ridge off SW Taiwan using a high‐resolution 3‐D seismic cube, together with bottom‐simulating reflections (BSRs) mapped in the cube, a thermal probe data set, and 3‐D thermal modeling results. We document, on a scale of tens of meters, the interaction between surficial sedimentary processes, fluid flow, and a dynamic gas hydrate system. Fluid migrates upward through dipping permeable strata in the limb, the slope basin, and along thrust faults and ridge‐top normal faults. The seismic data also reveal several double BSRs that underlie seabed sedimentary sliding and depositional features. Abrupt changes in subsurface pressure and temperature due to the rapid seabed sedimentary processes can cause a rapid shift of the base of the gas hydrate stability zone. This shift may be either downward or upward and would result in the accumulation or dissociation of hydrate in sediments sandwiched by the double BSRs, respectively. We propose that dynamic surficial processes on the seafloor together with shallow focused fluid flow affect hydrate distribution and saturation at depth and may even result in methane expulsion into the ocean if such localized features are common along convergent plate boundaries. Plain Language Summary: Gas hydrates are ice‐like compounds in marine sediments. Shallow surface dynamic processes may affect the hydrate saturation beneath the seabed. We combine 3‐D seismic and thermal probe data, with numerical geothermal modeling to investigate the geological processes controlling the distribution and formation of gas hydrates beneath thrust ridge anticlines. We also study fluid flow patterns under the seabed and found that localized fluid flow and rapid surficial erosional processes have significantly altered the temperature and pressure conditions of hydrate bearing sediment strata at depth, ultimately influencing gas hydrate formation and dissociation. We propose to conduct hydrate exploration close to thrust anticlines, where such active processes might enrich the saturation of gas hydrates or even influence fluid emission into the ocean if similar processes are widespread along continental margins. Key Points: Mass wasting and rapid sedimentation can generate double BSRs and enhance hydrate saturationRapid seabed processes might trigger hydrate dissociation and active venting of methane and other fluids in shallow sedimentary sectionFocused fluid flow updip along the slope basin strata can locally enhance the hydrate saturation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To systematically quantify the production, consumption, and migration of methane, 210 sediment cores were collected from offshore southwestern Taiwan and analyzed for their gas and aqueous geochemistry. These data, combined with published results, were used to calculate the diffusive methane fluxes across different geochemical transitions and to develop scenarios of mass balance and constrain deep microbial and thermogenic methane production rates within the accretionary prism. The results showed that methane diffusive fluxes ranged from 2.71 × 10−3 to 2.78 × 10−1 and from -1.88 × 10−1 to 3.97 mmol m−2 d−1 at the sulfate-methane-transition-zone (SMTZ) and sediment-seawater interfaces, respectively. High methane fluxes tend to be associated with structural features, suggesting a strong structural control on the methane transport. A significant portion of ascending methane (>50%) is consumed by anaerobic oxidation of methane at the SMTZ at most sites, indicating effective biological filtration. Gas compositions and isotopes revealed a transition from the predominance of microbial methane in the passive margin to thermogenic methane at the upper slope of the active margin and onshore mud volcanoes. Methane production and consumption at shallow depths were nearly offset with a small fraction of residual methane discharged into seawater. The flux imbalance arose primarily due to the larger production of methane through deep microbial and thermogenic processes at a magnitude of 1512-43,096 Tg Myr−1 and could be likely accounted for by the sequestration of methane into hydrate forms, and clay absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Distribution and architecture of slope basins across a continental slope vary as a consequence of accommodation forming, sediment dispersal rates, canyon cutting, sediment filling and different sediment transporting mechanisms. The area offshore Southwestern Taiwan is generally recognized as having active tectonics and high sediment deposition rates. In the Gaoping Slope, slope basins are formed by the developments of folds, faults and diapiric intrusions. Portions of the sediments discharged from the Taiwan mountain belt have been trapped in these basins in the Gaoping Shelf and Gaoping Slope. The rest of the sediments were transported to deep sea areas through submarine canyons. This complex system of folds, faults, diapirs, slope basins, submarine canyons, and sediment deposits has also readjusted the morphology of the Gaoping Slope. This study examines the linkage between accommodation spaces of tectonic and sedimentary processes in the Gaoping Slope through seismic facies analysis. Four seismic facies which include convergent-symmetrical facies, convergent-baselapping facies, chaotic facies, and parallel and drape facies, and different deposition patterns have been recognized in the Gaoping Slope basins. The thick mud layers which are regarded as the source of diapiric intrusions are first observed beneath the basin. Strata records show that the accommodation spaces in various slope basins have increased or decreased during different stages of basin evolution. Because of the competition between regional tectonism (accommodation space variations) and sediment routing distance from provenance to depository (sediment input variations), most under-filled basins lie in the lower slope domain in the Gaoping Slope, but also in the upper slope domain east of the Gaoping Submarine Canyon. This observation suggests that in the inner Gaoping Slope west of the Gaoping Submarine Canyon, sediment deposition rate is higher than the basin subsidence rate, the topography of the upper slope domain there is “healed”, and most sediments are overfilled in the slope basins now. Besides the sequential steps of sedimentary disposal in the filling-and-spilling model, we have also observed evidences which indicate that mass movements and submarine canyons in the area have significantly changed the sediment dispersal patterns in the slope basins of the Gaoping Slope. We suggest that although filling-and-spilling is a key sedimentary process in the Gaoping Slope, tectonic activities, mass wasting events and canyon feeding processes have diversified sediment transporting mechanisms from the inner to outer slopes in the area offshore Southwest Taiwan. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A dense seismic reflection survey with up to 250-m line-spacing has been conducted in a 15 × 15 km wide area offshore southwestern Taiwan where Bottom Simulating Reflector is highly concentrated and geochemical signals for the presence of gas hydrate are strong. A complex interplay between north–south trending thrust faults and northwest–southeast oblique ramps exists in this region, leading to the formation of 3 plunging anticlines arranged in a relay pattern. Landward in the slope basin, a north–south trending diapiric fold, accompanied by bright reflections and numerous diffractions on the seismic profiles, extends across the entire survey area. This fold is bounded to the west by a minor east-verging back-thrust and assumes a symmetric shape, except at the northern and southern edges of this area, where it actively overrides the anticlines along a west-verging thrust, forming a duplex structure. A clear BSR is observed along 67% of the acquired profiles. The BSR is almost continuous in the slope basin but poorly imaged near the crest of the anticlines. Local geothermal gradient values estimated from BSR sub-bottom depths are low along the western limb and crest of the anticlines ranging from 40 to 50 °C/km, increase toward 50–60 °C/km in the slope basin and 55–65 °C/km along the diapiric fold, and reach maximum values of 70 °C/km at the southern tip of the Good Weather Ridge. Furthermore, the local dips of BSR and sedimentary strata that crosscut the BSR at intersections of any 2 seismic profiles have been computed. The stratigraphic dips indicated a dominant east–west shortening in the study area, but strata near the crest of the plunging anticlines generally strike to southwest almost perpendicular to the direction of plate convergence. The intensity of the estimated bedding-guided fluid and gas flux into the hydrate stability zone is weaker than 2 in the slope basin and the south-central half of the diapiric fold, increases to 7 in the northern half of the diapiric fold and plunging anticlines, and reaches a maximum of 16 at the western frontal thrust system. Rapid sedimentation, active tectonics and fluid migration paths with significant dissolved gas content impact on the mechanism for BSR formation and gas hydrate accumulation. As we begin to integrate the results from these studies, we are able to outline the regional variations, and discuss the importance of structural controls in the mechanisms leading to the gas hydrate emplacements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Off southwest Taiwan, a west-advancing orogenic wedge has obliquely impinged on the northern continental slope of the South China Sea (SCS) margin. We analyzed a dense grid of multi-channel seismic profiles to reveal the tectonic features in this oblique collision setting. In the upper SCS slope and adjacent to the accretionary wedge, the rifted continental margin is characterized by a deep-seated, oceanward-dipping, listric and active normal fault with rotated hangingwall strata beneath the slope. To the west of this slope segment, the mid-Oligocene to Recent post-breakup sediments show prograding and aggrading shelf-margin clinoforms that cover a series of small, possibly Paleogene, rift basins. In the submarine accretionary wedge, a series of west-vergent, NNW-striking fold-and-thrust structures characterizes the lower wedge, which can be further divided into frontal and rear segments with distinct structural features. The frontal segment is characterized by four west-vergent blind thrusts with gently folded limbs. In contrast, the rear, arcward segment is characterized by west-vergent, emergent and imbricate thrusts with tilted beds truncated at the hangingwalls. Strata within slope basins are tilted arcward, with dips that increase with depth, indicating continued relative uplift along thrust planes during sedimentation. Pulsed thrust activity is further evidenced by an array of arcward-dipping unconformable surfaces with westward onlapping strata in the basins. Longitudinal sedimentary tapering of pre-orogenic sediments correlates strongly with curvature of the submarine frontal accretionary belt, suggesting that pre-orogenic sediment thickness is the major control on the geometry of frontal structures. The preexisting SCS slope that lies obliquely in front of the advancing accretionary wedge has impeded the advancing of frontal folds resulting in a successive termination of folds against and along strike of the SCS slope. The existence of the SCS slope also leads the strike of impinging folds with NNW-trend to turn more sharply to a NE-strike, parallel to strike of the SCS slope. Our analysis shows that the pre-orogenic mechanical/crustal heterogeneities and seafloor morphology exert strong controls on the thrust-belt development in the incipient Taiwan arc-continent collision zone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pointer Ridge is a gas hydrate prospect on the South China Sea continental slope offshore SW Taiwan. It is characterized by densely distributed bottom simulating reflections (BSRs), active gas seepage, and potential sandy gas hydrate reservoirs. To understand how the fluids have migrated toward the seafloor, and the role of geological processes in the gas hydrate system, we have collected and analyzed high-quality 2D and 3D reflection seismic data. We first mapped the spatial distribution of the BSRs, and interpreted a major normal fault, Pointer Ridge Fault (PR Fault). The NE-SW trending fault dips to the east, and separates the erosional regime to the west from the depositional regime to the east. One active vent site was identified directly above the PR Fault, while another is located on a topographic high to the west of the fault. On the hanging block of the fault we found at least one major unconformity. The seismic data indicate refilled channels with coarser-grained sediments in the hanging wall of the normal fault. Seismic attribute analysis shows subsurface fluid conduits and potential gas hydrate reservoirs. We propose two types of gas chimneys, which are separated by the fault. Gas plumes derived from hydroacoustic data are mostly from the footwall block of the fault. We infer that fluid flow is more active in the erosional environment compared to the depositional one, and that this is the result of reduced overburden. The methane-bearing fluids migrate upward along the PR Fault and chimneys and form hydrates above the base of the gas hydrate stability zone. Based on seismic interpretation and seismic attribute analysis, we postulate that the channel infill constitutes the most promising hydrate reservoirs in this geological setting. In the surveyed area of Pointer Ridge these channels occur mainly below the gas hydrate stability zone. • Present original 2D/3D seismic data to reveal the geologic setting of a potential gas hydrate prospect off SW Taiwan. • Active fluid flow processes are studied by analyzing water column and seismic data. • A conceptual model is proposed for the gas hydrate system of Pointer Ridge by detailed seismic attribute analysis. • Potential gas hydrate reservoirs that might be targets for future exploration are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the Lichi mélange has been studied intensively over the last decade, its enigmatic nature has generated debates regarding its origin and evolution. Two prominent models have been proposed to explain the Lichi melange: the olistostrome model with slumping sediments and the tectonic collision model with intensive shearing. Neither model can explain what causes the interpreted slumping and complex faulting processes for the sediments. Here, we study the Lichi melange using a time–space equivalence approach, in which the tectonics of the offshore continuation of the Lichi mélange should represent an earlier stage in its evolution. Our study of marine multichannel seismic data suggested that the backthrusts in the accretionary prism propagate arcward above and within the deforming forearc and arc basement to incorporate the sediment and basement materials into the rear of the accretionary prism. Therefore, we proposed the “retrowedge evolution model” whose novel key feature is that the irregular topography of the arc basement affects the taper angle of the retrowedge. The retrowedge has a greater taper than the minimum taper of the prowedge, so the slope can be steeper, and thus favors gravitational failure. Such processes would generate complex faulting and slumping processes in the backthrusted forearc ridge and basin. In sum, this retrowedge model reconciles the mixture of slumping and faulting processes found in the Lichi mélange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Southern Taiwan and its offshore area lie in the region where the Luzon volcanic arc initially collides with the rifted China continental margin. Because of the incipient arc-continent collision, the structures vary markedly along-strike the collision zone so as the patterns of seismicity. We use new seismic reflection profiles and integrate existing data to reveal major tectonic features and potential seismogenic faults of the study area. The accretionary wedge in the incipient arc-continent zone can be divided into the lower slope, upper slope, and backthrust domains, respectively. These structural domains reflect different aspects of wedge deformation, and exhibit significant structural variations along-strike. Reflection seismic data show that the prominent seismogenic structures in the Taiwan incipient collisional wedge include: (1) frontal decollement beneath the lower-slope domain, (2) out-of-sequence thrusts bordering the lower-slope and upper-slope domains, (3) megathrust that cuts into the oceanic (?) basement beneath the upper-slope domain, and (4) the Chaochou-Hengchun faults in the onshore upper-slope domain. Thermal regime for those structures indicates that the megathrust and part of frontal decollement are seismogenic. The geometry of the frontal decollement, out-of-sequence thrusts and megathrust is analogous to those observed along the Nankai prism of Japan, so that they are possibly capable of generating great earthquakes as shown in the Nankai Trough. Beneath the lower and upper-slope domains off SW Taiwan, the seismicity is characterized by mantle earthquakes with the accretionary wedge being largely aseismic. We interpret the lack of prominent seismicity within the accreted wedge to result from excess fluid pressure that has significantly weakened the wedge materials and fault zones and therefore results in less seismicity. The predominant mantle earthquakes beneath the accretionary wedge, however, may result from water-enriched mantle materials infiltrated during previous Mesozoic subduction event and later rift events. The volatile contents may have significantly reduced the rigidity of the mantle, leading to the mantle being more susceptible for brittle deformation and hence anomalously high seismicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Along offshore to the east of southern Taiwan, different stages of subduction and collision occur simultaneously along strike of the convergent boundary. As a result, the evolution of the Luzon arc and its forearc basin can be studied from the younger subduction zone to the south to the collision zone to the north. Examining more than 8000 km of seismic lines, we analyzed the seismic stratigraphy of strata in a forearc basin and its successive basins in the collision zone, to study the processes related to arc collapse and forearc basin closure. The study area presents three evolutional stages: intra-oceanic subduction, initial arc–continent collision, and arc–continent collision. We divided 9 seismic sequences in the forearc basin and found older, sub-parallel basin-fill sequences (4–9) and younger, divergent sequences (1–3). Isochron maps of the sequences were used to interpret different deformation modes and their areal extends. On the arc side of the basin of the subduction and initial collision zones, we found relatively undisturbed strata, showing little arc deformation. On the trench side, the growth strata in sequences 1 through 3 are the result of recent tectonic wedging along the rear of the accretionary prism. Tectonic wedging and back-thrusts incorporate the forearc strata into the rear of the accretionary prism until they close the forearc basin at a region with a 2200 m basement relief. This relief is not caused by active deformation, as young flat forearc strata lap onto it and mark the transition from initial collision to collision where many growth strata to the north suggest abrupt increase in active arc basement deformation. The (1) deforming basement, (2) back-thrusts, and (3) other sedimentary processes affect the architecture of the successive basins in the collision zone until the arc is juxtaposed to the rear of the fold and thrust belt on land. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

15 Ma ago, a major plate reorganization occurred in East Asia. Seafloor spreading ceased in the South China Sea, Japan Sea, Taiwan Sea, Sulu Sea, and Shikoku and Parece Vela basins. Simultaneously, shear motions also ceased along the Taiwan–Sinzi zone, the Gagua ridge and the Luzon–Ryukyu transform plate boundary. The complex system of thirteen plates suddenly evolved in a simple three-plate system (EU, PH and PA). Beneath the Manila accretionary prism and in the Huatung basin, we have determined magnetic lineation patterns as well as spreading rates deduced from the identification of magnetic lineations. These two patterns are rotated by 15°. They were formed by seafloor spreading before 15 Ma and belonged to the same ocean named the Taiwan Sea. Half-spreading rate in the Taiwan Sea was 2 cm/year from chron 23 to 20 (51 to 43 Ma) and 1 cm/year from chron 20 (43 Ma) to 5b (15 Ma). Five-plate kinematic reconstructions spanning from 15 Ma to Present show implications concerning the geodynamic evolution of East Asia. Amongst them, the 1000-km-long linear Gagua ridge was a major plate boundary which accommodated the northwestward shear motion of the PH Sea plate; the formation of Taiwan was driven by two simple lithospheric motions: (i) the subduction of the PH Sea plate beneath Eurasia with a relative westward motion of the western end (A) of the Ryukyu subduction zone; (ii) the subduction of Eurasia beneath the Philippine Sea plate with a relative southwestward motion of the northern end (B) of the Manila subduction zone. The Luzon arc only formed south of B. The collision of the Luzon arc with Eurasia occurred between A and B. East of A, the Luzon arc probably accreted against the Ryukyu forearc. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Kenting Plateau is characterized by unusual low relief surfaces that straddle the topographic crest of the northern Manila accretionary prism off southern Taiwan at 400–700 m water depth. Multibeam bathymetric data, reflection seismic data, Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) data, surface grab samples, and sediment cores were collected in and around the Plateau to identify evidence of erosion in the Kenting Plateau and understand how the morphological evolution has been influenced by submarine erosion over geological time scales. The most distinctive feature on the Kenting Plateau is a 3 km × 7 km bean-shaped flat elevated platform (Kuroshio Knoll) revealed by multibeam bathymetry. Seismic data show almost no reflections beneath the seafloor and erosional truncations at the seafloor, especially in the Plateau's eastern half, evidencing widespread erosion. The P-wave velocity of the gravels recovered from the top of the Plateau ranges from 2.2 to 4 km/s. After comparing the velocity with the borehole data from nearby basin the burial depth of the parent rocks was found to be around 2 to 4 km below the seafloor, indicating that the parent rocks have been uplifted and gravels were formed due to erosion of the Plateau. The truncation of the seafloor shown on seismic sections suggests significant erosion on the Plateau. Sand content of the sediment cores decreases away from the Plateau, suggesting that sediment transport is effective in this area with high energy deposition, thereby accumulating coarse sediments on the Plateau and removing fine particles away from it. The presence of a dune field migrating northward of the Plateau, parallel to the Kuroshio Current also evidences active sediment transport in the area. Flow velocity of the Kuroshio Current observed from the ADCP data is very high, reaching up to 1.8 m/s on top of the Kuroshio Knoll (SE domain). We thus interpret that the observed intense erosion is caused by the Kuroshio Current, while the uplift of the Kenting Plateau is partially due to isostatic rebound caused by sediment removal through erosion and compression of the accretionary wedge. The higher sedimentation rate and coarser in grain size during sea level lowstand (20,000–12,000 yrs. BP) suggests that the erosion was more intense during the glacial period compared to that of deglacial period (< 12,000 yrs. BP) as seen from the MD97–2145 core. Submarine erosion is predominant throughout the Plateau, and it controls the geomorphology of the Plateau, especially the Kuroshio Knoll. • Ocean current plays an essential role in shaping ocean floor. • Observed Kuroshio Current in the Kenting Plateau is up to 1.8 m/s. • Intense Kuroshio Current shaped the Kuroshio Knoll into flat topped elevated surface. • The parent rocks of the gravels were buried 2 to 4 km below the seafloor. • Decrease in grain size and sand content away from the Plateau indicates the Plateau acts as source for the sand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]