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Paleoproductivity changes on the inner continental shelf off Itajaí-SC (26º59\'16.8\S - 048º04\'33.6\W) during the Holocene: a multi-proxy approach

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Author(s):
Poliana Carvalho de Andrade
Total Authors: 1
Document type: Master's Dissertation
Press: São Paulo.
Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto Oceanográfico (IO/DIDC)
Defense date:
Examining board members:
Silvia Helena de Mello e Sousa; Cristiano Mazur Chiessi; Maria Virginia Alves Martins
Advisor: Silvia Helena de Mello e Sousa
Abstract

Microfaunal, sedimentological and geochemical analyses from a core collected on the inner shelf off Itajaí, SC, allowed us to recognized , in the last 7,600 years, three phases with different organic matter fluxes and hydrodynamic conditions. The rst phase (7,600 5,000 years cal. B.P.) is characterized by low productivity, evidenced by low values of productivity proxies (organic carbon (Corg), calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and Benthic Foraminífera High Productivity index - BFHP), more intense hydrodynamic regime (dominance of coarser sediments and higher frequencies of Globocassidulina subglobosa) and waters with more oxygen availability (higher values of the Benthic Foraminífera Oxic Index BFOI and relatively high percentages of epifaunal species). The climate during this period was relatively dry and sea-level was approximately 3 m above the present. The second phase (5,000 3,000 years cal. B.P.) is marked by a relative increase in productivity (increase of Corg, CaCO3 and BFHP), hydrodynamical conditions were probably less intense (lower frequencies of G. subglobosa and muddy sediments), and oxygen availability decreased (lower BFOI index values). The climate apparently became progressively more humid and a progressive decline of the sea-level occurred. The third phase (3,000 900 years cal. B.P.) is characterized by a significant increase of productivity (higher percentages of Corg, CaCO3, infaunal and detritivores species, and increase of BFHP index values), probably bottom currents were less intense (muddy sediments and lower frequencies of G. subglobosa) and oxygen contents more restrictive (lower BFOI values). A significant increase in the input of continental material occurs during this period, as highlighted by an increase of Buliminella elegantissima frequencies and increase of the Fe/Ca and Ti/Ca ratios. The increase of productivity could be related to moisture increase throughout the Holocene, due to the intensification of the South American Monsoon system (SAMS) caused by variations in the precession cycle and possibly increased El Niño frequency, which corroborates the increase in rainfall in southern Brazil. The wetter climate and strengthening cold front may have favored the penetration of cold water rich in nutrients from the south, related to the discharge of the Rio de La Plata (AU)

FAPESP's process: 09/01976-6 - Paleoproductivity changes on the inner continental shelf off ITAJAÍ-SC (26°59'16.8''S - 048°04'33.6''W) during the Holocene: a multi-proxy approach
Grantee:Poliana Carvalho de Andrade Furlan
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master