Sedimentary Sources for the Brazilian Equatorial Margin between the Last Glacial Maximum and Recent

• Grant number: 23/12162-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2023
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Oceanography - Geological Oceanography
• Principal Investigator: Luigi Jovane
• Grantee: Lívia Flores Costa
• Host Institution: Instituto Oceanográfico (IO). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 16/24946-9 - Sea-level changes and Global Monsoon System: clues from marine cores in Brazil, AP.PFPMCG.TEM

Abstract

The Brazilian Equatorial Margin (MEB) is located in the western portion of the oceanTropical Atlantic, developed mainly during the Middle Cretaceous after theopening of the central Atlantic Ocean. The continental margin of Brazil is of the typepassive and has remained at approximately the same equatorial latitude since itsformation, standing out with the presence of several offshore basins. Understandingfrom its sedimentary sources deduces the influence of the dominant processes oftransport and sedimentation over geological time. In this way, this studyseeks to provide measurements of neodymium isotopes and x-ray fluorescence oftestimonies collected at MEB, specifically in the Potiguar Basin region. To therelationships between neodymium and samarium isotopes characterize isotopic signaturesthat are able to provide identification of their likely source areas. When ifusing the x-ray fluorescence method, information is obtained on the reasons fordifferent elements, being able to provide approximations about the provenancesediment, in addition to acting as indicators for weathering processes.The testimonies used to apply such techniques hold information from theLast Glacial Maximum. The understanding of environmental conditions in periodspast can provide information about the current climate and predictions of changesfuture climates. As a result of the study, it is expected to characterize the origin ofsediments deposited on the equatorial margin, in addition to understanding the correlationbetween sedimentary deposits and environmental changes since the Last MaximumGlacial until recent.