Tracing geochemical footprints in surface sediments of the southwest atlantic margin: a journey through the Santos, Campos, Pelotas, and Punta del Este Basins

Author(s)

dos Santos, Rosangela Felicio ; Figueira, Rubens Cesar Lopes ; Burone, Leticia ; de Rezende, Carlos Eduardo ; de Mahiques, Michel Michaelovitch

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: GEO-MARINE LETTERS; v. 45, n. 1, p. 13-pg., 2025-03-01.

Abstract

This study investigated the geochemical characteristics of bulk metal (Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ti, Ba, Cr, Sc, Sr, and V) contents in 76 sediment samples from the upper to middle continental slope of the Southwestern Atlantic margin, ranging in depth from 234 to 1538 m below sea level and spanning latitudes from 21 degrees S to 37 degrees S. This research aims to identify the primary geochemical indicators that can be used to interpret the sediment sources and interbasin relationships among the Campos, Santos, Pelotas, and Punta del Este Basins. Building on previous conceptual models, this work examines the influence of Argentinean and Paran & aacute; Basin sources. Additionally, the effectiveness of linear discriminant analysis (LDA) in identifying geochemical differences between sediment basins in the southwestern Atlantic margin is explored, and a correct discrimination of more than 95% is obtained. This study delves into depositional conditions and sediment sources, and the metal signatures in each one of the basins are evaluated. The distribution of sediments and their relationships with ocean circulation patterns are also examined. This comprehensive analysis enhances our understanding of sediment dynamics and geochemical indicators in the context of the complex oceanographic and geological setting of the Southwestern Atlantic margin. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/14356-5 - The Santos Bifurcation: present and past
• Grantee: Michel Michaelovitch de Mahiques
• Support Opportunities: Research Program on Global Climate Change - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/22194-0 - Anomalous bottom features on the upper slope off Southern Brazil
• Grantee: Michel Michaelovitch de Mahiques
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 10/06147-5 - Increase of the research capabilities in oceanography and related sciences in São Paulo State, Brazil
• Grantee: Michel Michaelovitch de Mahiques
• Support Opportunities: Research Program on Global Climate Change - Regular Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/08266-2 - Continental slope morphological features on the SE Brazilian Margin: active tectonics versus modern oceanographic conditions
• Grantee: Michel Michaelovitch de Mahiques
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants