Carmel Submarine Canyon is cut into the Santa Lucia granodiorite formation and is the only canyon on the California coast which is cut in granite rock. The innermost head of the canyon exhibits a wide, bowl-shaped appearance, not unlike a glacial cirque. Granodiorite outcrops on the submarine terrace on the north and south sides of the canyon and in the north canyon wall. Much of the terrace and upper canyon sides are covered by coarse sand while the interior of the canyon head is covered with fine sand. The canyon is actively transporting sediment to deeper water at the present time. The chief source of sediments is coarse sand which is littorally transported from the mouth of Carmel River. This sand enters the canyon by way of three 'rivers of sand' which extend over the canyon rim and down the slopes. Additional transport of sediment within the canyon head may be the result of slumps and slides lubricated by decomposition of vegetable matter incorporated in the sediments. (Author).