In the Neogene, a larger number of carbonate turbidites were deposited during sea-level highstands than during lowstands in the distal position of the Bahamas Transect. Changing sea level influenced the location of turbidite deposition. During highstands, more turbidites were deposited at the lower slope; whereas during lowstands, more turbidites were deposited at the toe of the slope. This shift of turbidite deposition probably records the shift of the carbonate production zone with changing sea level. The generally slight compositional differences of the background sediments and turbidites at the two sites during highstands and lowstands show that on a ramp-like platform changing sea level may move the carbonate production zone upslope or downslope on such a platform geometry without major environmental changes.
The correlation of turbidite deposits within individual sequences documents three different shedding patterns: (1) sequences dominated by highstand shedding, (2) sequences dominated by lowstand shedding, and (3) sequences which show a change from highstand to lowstand shedding. These patterns indicate a complex influence of sea level and platform morphology on turbidite frequency and deposition.
Because turbidites at Sites 1003 and 1007 represent only up to 12% of the sediment column, turbidity currents are not the dominant mechanism for depositing sediment on carbonate slopes. Therefore, the controversy related to highstand or lowstand shedding may only be partly solved by looking at turbidites.