Turbidites are sedimentary deposits formed by underwater landslides or sediment flows, known as turbidity currents. These currents occur when sediment-laden water becomes denser than the surrounding water, causing it to flow down slopes on the ocean floor. As the current slows, it deposits layers of sediment, creating a characteristic sequence of fine to coarse materials. The study of turbidites is important in geology and paleoenvironments, as they can provide insights into past oceanic conditions and sedimentation processes. They are often found in deep-sea environments and can be associated with features like submarine canyons and continental slopes.