Schematic representation of processes occurring at the head of the canyon. As the plume lifts off over high-salinity ocean water, settling is enhanced by flocculation and reduction of turbulence due to strong stratification. As the plume is advected seaward mixing occurs at the pycnocline and the plume thins. Sediments settling out just seaward of the bar either travel downslope as a hyperpycnal plume or are deposited and travel downslope as a turbidity current resulting from slope failure. Intermediate turbid layers may form as ambient water is entrained and suspended sediment spreads out over isopycnal surfaces.