Abstract : Our main goal is to assess the hydrodynamics of turbidity currents and mudflows and their ability to produce morphological features such as ripples, dunes, antidunes and gullies along their paths. Of particular interest is to elucidate the role played by turbidity currents on the inception of submarine channels and canyons. To this end, understanding the mechanics of sediment erosion, including bedrock, by density currents is another long-term goal of this research.