Continental slope morphology in the Santos Bifurcation area of influence

• Grant number: 23/05107-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: August 01, 2023
• End date: July 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Oceanography - Geological Oceanography
• Principal Investigator: Michel Michaelovitch de Mahiques
• Grantee: Maria Carolina da Silva Nogueira de Matos
• Host Institution: Instituto Oceanográfico (IO). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 20/14356-5 - The Santos Bifurcation: present and past, AP.TEM

Abstract

Passive continental margins have been divided and classified in different ways over the decades based on their morphological components. However, the definitions proposed by the International Hydrographic Organization about the components and physiographic provinces of the margins based on their gradients were not enough to understand the sedimentary processes. Thus, studies focused on the exploration of hydrocarbons used concepts such as geomorphology and slope geometry for new classifications and categorizations.Geomorphology and its variations are the result of tectonics, changes in relative sea level and hydrodynamic processes. These change the geomorphology of the slope mainly when it is associated with the interface of water masses and bottom currents. Thus, the relationship of morphology with the flow patterns of bottom currents and water masses allows the reconstitution of paleocurrents and past oceanic circulation.In this project, we aim at the morphological and stratigraphic characterization of the continental slope around the latitude of 28ºS, as the water column in this region has a unique feature in its vertical structure. That is, at intermediate depths, the South Equatorial Current splits into two branches, called the Santos Bifurcation, having a branch that is oriented to the north, feeding the Intermediate West Contour Current, with its opposite direction to the superficial and deep current. And the branch that faces south, joining with the Brazil Current. The vertical structure and orientation of currents along the continental slope potentially leads to the occurrence of morphological features and depositional zones.Therefore, the main objective of this project is to verify the influence of the Santos Bifurcation on the bottom morphology of the slope between the parallels of 25º S and 29º S, based on mathematical models that best represent the geomorphological and stratigraphic patterns; and its interaction with hydrodynamic agents.