Subbottom profiling was performed during four Polarstern expeditions to the southeastern Weddell Sea continental slope, northwest of Lyddan Ice Rise, Antarctica. Analogue records from high resolution, seismic reflection systems (3.5 kHz and Parasound) were used to classify sediment echo types. A comparison between the two systems shows the advantage of the Parasound system. The smaller beam angle produces a higher spatial resolution, which reduces the diffraction hyperbolae considerably. The higher vertical resolution and deeper penetration provide more detailed information concerning seismic stratification. Using four basic echo categories (P = Prolonged, L = Layered D = Diffraction hyperbolae, W = Wedging subbottoms), ten discrete sediment echo patterns were distinguished. Their regional distribution and the depth of acoustic signal penetration into the sediment were mapped. SW-NE trending sediment ridges with channels running parallel on the southeastern side of the ridges were traced in the eastern part of the study area. The prolonged and highly reflective echo types of the channel bottoms indicate deposition of predominantly coarse-grained sediments affected by erosional processes. These channels are interpreted as drainage systems for bottom water currents derived from the shelf and steep upper slope. The flow direction is towards the northeast, counter to the Weddell Gyre. In contrast, the sediment ridges show up to 80 m subbottom penetration and an echo type of distinct, multi-layered reflectors running parallel to subparallel with the surface reflector. The sediments of the ridges are interpreted to be "levee"-sediments, overspilled from the channels and preferentially deposited on the northwestern flank due to the Coriolis force. Sedimentary units separated by wedge shaped reflectors are widespread on the gently inclined terrace in the middle part of the continental slope. These sediments are presumed to be produced by syn-sedimentary slumping and proximal debris flows having a northeastern direction of movement. © 1993.