Suspended sediment transport from the Gironde estuary (France) onto the adjacent continental shelf

Current velocity and suspended sediment concentration measurements at anchor stations in the downstream extremity of the Gironde estuary indicate that during periods of high river discharge, a significant amount of suspended sediment is transported out of the estuary onto the adjacent continental shelf. The vertical profile of the residual (non-tidal) suspended sediment flux is similar to that of the residual current velocity, with a net upstream flux near the bottom and an overlying seaward-directed transport. The overall, depth-integrated result is a net seaward transport of suspended sediment out of the estuary. It appears that this net seaward transport varies directly with tidal amplitude.Aerial photography and water sampling indicate that during high river inflow, the downstream extremity of the turbidity maximum extends onto the continental shelf at ebb tide. The tidal and coastal current patterns of the inlet and inner shelf induce a northward transport of the turbid estuarine water, and at each tidal cycle, a certain amount of suspended sediment leaves the estuary; part of this sediment is deposited in a silt and clay zone on the continental shelf.     

Phosphorus fractionation in surface sediments of the Amazon continental shelf

The aim of this study is to separate various fractions of phosphorus in surface sediments of the Amazon continental shelf and compare them with other areas of the Brazilian shelf. Surface sediments were collected from the river-mouth transect (RMT) and open-self transect (OST). The extraction techniques available in the literature have been used to separate the following forms: Fe-PO₄, Al-PO₄, Ca-PO₄, and associated organic matter. The results indicate that the concentrations of phosphorus are uniform in the study area and may be compared with many other nonpolluted environments. Among the inorganic forms, Ca-PO₄ is dominant in all the samples, and Fe-PO₄ is present in lower concentrations. Al-PO₄ is more significant on the Amazon continental shelf than other parts of the Brazilian coast and other coastal environments of the world.     

Organic matter composition of the continental shelf and bathyal sediments of the Cretan Sea (NE Mediterranean)

The seasonal, spatial and bathymetric changes in the distribution of chloroplastic pigments (Chl a, phaeopigments and CPE), TOC, TON, ATP, bottom water nutrient content and the main biochemical classes of organic compounds (lipids, proteins and carbohydrates) were recorded from May 1994 to September 1995 over the continental margin of northern Crete. The concentration of chloroplastic pigment equivalents (CPE) was always low, dropping dramatically along the shelf-slope gradient. Microbial activity (ATP) also dropped sharply beyond the continental shelf following a distribution pattern similar to TOC and TON. Lipid, protein and carbohydrate concentrations, as well as biopolymeric carbon were comparable to those reported for other more productive areas, however, the quality of the organic matter itself was rather poor. Thus, carbohydrates, the dominant biochemical class, were characterised by being highly (80–99%) refractory, as soluble carbohydrates represented (on annual average) only 6% of the total carbohydrate pool. Protein and lipid concentrations strongly decreased with depth, indicating depletion of trophic resources in the bathyal zone. Proteins appeared to be the more degradable compounds and indeed the protein to carbohydrate ratios were found to decrease strongly in the deeper stations. Organic matter content and quality decreased both with increasing distance from the coast and within the sediment. All sedimentary organic compounds were found to vary between sampling periods, with the changes being more pronounced over the continental shelf. The different temporal patterns of the various components suggest a different composition and/or origin of the OM inputs during the different sampling periods. The amount of material reaching the sediments below 540 m is extremely low, suggesting that most of the organic material is decomposed and/or utilised before reaching the sea floor. In conclusion, the continental shelf and bathyal sediments of the Cretan Sea can be considered, from a trophic point of view, as two different subsystems.     

Glauconite grains in continental shelf sediments around the Korean Peninsula and their depositional implications

Glauconite grains are an important component of the surficial sediments on the Korean continental shelf. Relatively high glauconite contents (>20%) occur near Huksan Island in the Yellow Sea and on the outer shelf of the southern East Sea where they are associated with relict, sandy sediments. By contrast, glauconite grains are rare (<1%) in clay-dominated sediments. The grains can be classified into four major categories: (1) very abundant, green to dark green, spheroidal and lobate grains displaying bulbous and honeycomb exteriors with well-developed surface cracks; (2) dark green, discoidal grains with poorly defined cracks; (3) scarce, moderately dark green, accordion-shaped grains characterized by series of closely spaced, parallel surface ridges; (4) scarce, green to dark green, foraminifer-shaped grains. Microprobe analyses as well as optical microscopy and SEM observations show that most grains are composed of mineral mixtures (e.g., quartz, mica, feldspar) rather than a single mineral species. The mineralogy, morphology, and textural properties suggest that the grains may have formed mainly by replacement of fecal pellets, and the alteration of mica and clays which have filled foraminifera tests. The high potassium contents, rosette-shaped clay structures, and bulbous shapes reflect an “evolved” (mature) stage of glauconitization. Glauconite grains in Korean shelf sediments are presumably relict, and have been produced by the reworking of older glauconitic sediments during the Holocene sea-level transgression. Received: 4 October 1999 / Revision accepted: 18 May 2000     

Interstitial water chemistry of the inner continental shelf sediments off the gironde estuary

The interstitial water composition ( , alkalinity, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Sr²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺) and the cation exchange capacity (CEC) were determined for the muddy sediments of the continental shelf off the Gironde Estuary (France), in the area where the sediment represents the deposit of the muddy suspension of the river. In comparison with seawater concentrations, the pore waters below 10 cm depth, show depletions of and Ca²⁺ and below a 30 cm depth show depletions of Mg²⁺. Inversely, the upper 10 cm an enrichment of Ca²⁺ concentration, and an increase of K⁺ concentration to a 40 cm depth. High values of are observed at the top 4 cm. Alkalinity enrichment is observed along the length of the core. Applying the alkalinity models for the sediment below a 10 cm depth demonstrates generally that calculated alkalinities are higher than the measured ones. Ca²⁺ dissolution occurs at the first 10 cm and authigenic carbonate precipitation starts beneath that level. Mg²⁺ depletion is accompanied by bicarbonate loss. This proves that Mg²⁺ depletion is due to a Mg-silicate reaction. The result of the CEC does not confirm the Mg²⁺ uptake by clay minerals in exchangeable site, under reducing conditions. Diffusion and bioturbation play an important role in the pore water concentration at the top of the core.     

Quaternary stratal architecture of the Barcelona prodeltaic continental shelf (NW Mediterranean)

The Barcelona continental shelf is part of a 6–20 km wide canyon-bounded shelf located off the city of Barcelona (NE Spain). This study integrates newly acquired high-resolution single channel seismic reflection profiles and available lithological information of the Barcelona shelf to describe its late Quaternary architecture and the role of global glacio-eustatic fluctuations and local factors in its development.

Four major sequence boundaries are identified throughout the seismic dataset. They are tentatively correlated with the four last 4th order (100–120 ka) high-amplitude late Quaternary glacio-eustatic lowstands. Most of the stratigraphic record is formed by falling stage systems tracts with forced-regressive deposits, which confers a general progradational vertical stacking pattern. Transgressive systems tracts are represented by continuous units confined directly off river sources and on previously eroded surfaces. Stillstand deposits are difficult to recognize in the available dataset. The uppermost seismic unit corresponds to the Holocene shore-parallel Besos and Llobregat joint prodelta affected by the prevailing south-westward circulation.

The general architecture of the late Quaternary Barcelona shelf deposits is determined by global glacio-eustatic cycles. However, the lateral variability of the seismic units depends largely on local factors such as (i) the position of sediment sources (essentially the Llobregat River); (ii) differential subsidence and, especially, sediment compaction; (iii) erosive processes such as canyon incision, mass wasting or wave base dynamics; and (iv) underlying geomorphic restrictions.     

Sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in marine sediments from southern and northern areas of the Norwegian continental shelf

Variability in levels and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in sediments from one large sea area off the coast of northern Norway (“North area”, NA) have been compared to similar data from another large area off the coast of southern Norway (“South area”, SA). Samples from NA were collected at the Norwegian continental shelf in south-western Barents Sea and north-eastern Norwegian Sea. Samples from SA were from the Norwegian Trench and the Skagerrak. Sediment cores have been dated, characterised by grain size distribution (GS) and organic carbon content (TOC), and the composition of PAH and geochemical biomarkers (alkanes and triterpanes) studied to provide an insight into the different sources of PAH. Generally, PAH levels are higher in sediments from SA compared to NA. A mixture of pyrogenic and petrogenic sources contribute to PAH levels in SA, while the contents of petrogenic PAH is negligible in surface sediments in NA. At some locations in NA, petrogenic PAH levels are elevated in the deepest sediment layers from pre-industrial times, indicating a natural input of petroleum through seepage. Occurrence of elevated levels of microbial hopanoids (hopenes) in the deepest sediment layers at some locations both in the north and the south indicate the presence of petroleum.     

Relationship between hydrology and seasonal distribution of suspended sediments on the continental shelf of the Bay of Biscay

Numerous oceanographic cruises (with hydrology, water sampling, drift current measurements) carried out since 1980 on the continental shelf of the Bay of Biscay, together with available NOAA/AVHRR infra-red images, form the basis of a proposed explanation for the processes responsible for the distribution of suspended sediments on the shelf. The seasonal hydrographic structure of continental shelf waters is of paramount importance in sediment distribution. In summer, there is an horizontal stratification of water masses, and suspended sediment distribution is closely related to the thermo-haline structure. A fresher water mass with less suspended material lies on a thicker and more turbid homogeneous layer. During winter, when sediment discharge from the rivers often reaches its annual maximum, an oceanic thermo-haline wedge occurs on the shelf at around −100 m. As a result, winter turbidity values on the outer continental shelf are low (comparable to summer values), and a permanent nepheloı̈d layer is never observed. The wedge, which lasts for several months, may act as a filter, preventing transport to the slope. High turbidities on the external shelf and the continental slope are only measured in spring, when the thermo-haline wedge disappears. It seems possible that during winter time, suspended materials brought by rivers are deposited in the “Grande Vasière” (the “large mud patch”). It is postulated that the position of this mud patch is linked to the long-term stable location of the thermo-haline front that separates oceanic waters from the colder and less salty coastal waters.     

Resuspension potential of surficial sediments in Saguenay Fjord (Québec,Canada)

A flash flood that occurred in July 1996 in the Saguenay area (Québec, Canada), deposited a bed of cohesive sediments, average of 10–60 cm thick, over an area of 65 km² of the deep fjord basin of the upper Saguenay Fjord. Because this turbidite covered contaminated sediments, the resuspension potential of surficial sediments is an important parameter in determining the efficiency of the 1996 layer as a natural capping layer. This is because contaminants that may have diffused through the 1996 layer may be resuspended. The resuspension potential of surficial sediments in Saguenay Fjord was investigated in situ over a 3-yr period at fifteen sites in the Baie des Ha! Ha! and the North Arm using a benthic flume, the Miniflume. In addition, geotechnical measurements, photographs of benthic sediments and recordings of benthic current velocities were also carried out. The measured critical velocities of sediment resuspension (u_c) vary between 7 and 15 cm s^− 1. The maximum bottom current speed recorded in the North Arm and in Baie des Ha! Ha! from May to August 2000 was 27 cm s^− 1. Erosion depths were determined from Miniflume data combined with laboratory measurements carried out with an axial tomography scanner, which provided variation of sediment density at an interval of 0.13 mm. A general relationship between depth of erosion (ze, mm) and shear stress applied on the bed (τ_b, Pa) was determined. As Saguenay Fjord sediment characteristics vary greatly from one station to another, the potential for resuspension of surficial sediments shows the same trend.     

Pleistocene progradational growth pattern of the northern Catalonia continental shelf (northwestern Mediterranean)

The Pleistocene sedimentary growth pattern of the northern Catalonia continental shelf is characterized by the vertical stacking of seaward downlapping regressive deposits. These deposits are characterized by a progradational development, with oblique clinoforms of low angle in the middle continental shelf, that become more inclined seaward in the outer continental shelf and shelfbreak. Eustatic sea level fluctuations controlled the development of this sedimentary pattern, whereas sediment supply conditioned the nonuniform progradation along the continental shelf and subsidence due to both sediment loading and tectonics controlled its preservation through and along the continental shelf.     

东海外陆架残留沉积中硫复铁矿的发现及其油气指示意义

1994～1995年间在东海外陆架获取370个柱状样,每个样长约为2～4m.对其底部沉积物作了磁性测试,发现局部地区存在SIRM异常高现象.由磁参数推断导致SIRM异常的矿物为硫复铁矿.将磁性异常地区沉积物作矿物磁选,对磁选所得矿物做扫描电镜、电子探针和能谱、X衍射及穆斯堡尔谱测试,证实了次生硫复铁矿的存在.结合本区新生代油气构造圈闭和残留沉积物可溶铁Fe3+/Fe2+比值异常的分布,用油气渗漏解释了SIRM异常及硫复铁矿的成因,从而认为SIRM异常对深部油气藏具有指示意义.     

南黄海、东海北部陆架区表层沉积物 有机质分布特征

对南黄海和东海北部462个表层沉积物样品进行了有机碳、总氮及粒度测试,以趋探讨表层沉积物有机质的分布规 律及来源。结果表明：南黄海及东海北部陆架区沉积有机碳质量分数分布范围为0.11 豫耀0.82 豫,均值为0.44 豫;总氮质量 分数分布范围为0.01 豫耀0.11 豫,均值为0.06 豫。有机碳及总氮质量分数平面分布特征相似,泥质沉积区质量分数较高,砂 质沉积区较低,最高值位于杭州湾外部。其分布特征明显遵从粒度效应,随着粒度变粗,有机碳、总氮质量分数减小,其中 在粒度>4准的细粒沉积物中,粒度处于6原11准的细粒沉积物更为富集有机碳。沉积物C/N比值显示,南黄海及东海北部大部 分区域沉积有机质为陆地和海洋混合来源,仅在123.5毅E以东、31毅N以南东海中陆架小部分区域为海洋自生来源。     

Long-range sonar mapping of the continental shelf

Recent experiments in the shallow waters of the continental shelf off the west coast of Scotland have shown that it is possible to obtain geologically useful sonographs from a towed low-frequency side-scan sonar (GLORIA project) out to long ranges. Frequency-modulated pulses of 2-sec duration, centred at 6.4 kHz, with an acoustic power of 10 kW were transmitted, and the received energy was processed by a linear correlator. A maximum range of 13 km was achieved under both isothermal and stratified water conditions; however the most even irradiation of the sea floor was obtained when the water was isothermal, and under stratified conditions the maximum range could be reduced to 5 km or less if the sonar array was towed at a depth which lay within any strong temperature gradient in the water column.Examples of isometric records are shown, and it is suggested that mosaics could be built up from such records, obtained at a coverage of 170 km²/hour.     

Chlorophyll distribution in continental shelf sediments off West Palm Beach,Florida and west end,Bahamas

Measurements were made of chlorophyll-a and phaeophytin-a in calcareous sediments along transects off the east coast of Florida (75–190 m) and the west coast of Grand Bahama Island (170–300 m). Solvent partitioning showed that chlorophyll-a concentrations never exceeded 0·1 mg m^?2 at either location, most as degradation products. Total pigment concentrations (chlorophyll and phaeopigments) ranged from 0·18–1·83 mg m^?2 in sediments off Grand Bahama Island and 2·50 to 20·65 mg m^?2 off West Palm Beach. Pigments, expressed per gram dry weight of sediments, increased with depth across the Florida Continental Shelf. This is probably due to differences in sediment character between near-shore and off-shore sediments.     

Waves and currents near the continental shelf edge

The abrupt depth increase which characterises the edge of many continental shelves determines a reduced horizontal length scale and a localised transition from shelf seas to the deep ocean. Particular forms of motion which may arise from the steep slopes include topographically guided currents along the slope, shelf-break upwelling, topographic Rossby waves and internal lee waves in the tidal current. The ocean/shelf mismatch may lead to a clear separation of water types, substantial reflection (from the shelf-edge neighbourhood) of all oceanic and shelf motions with periods greater than a few hours, and interaction between barotropic and baroclinic motions. Unstable longshelf currents, interleaving water masses, strong internal tides and internal waves, and narrow canyons enhance mixing across the shelf edge.     

南海北部大陆架海底沉积物物理性质研究

用物理(声学的、工程地质的、扫描电子显微镜)等技术方法,综合分析了沉积物结构特征和工程力学性质,研究了颗粒接触、堆垒、孔隙等现象与物理性质之间的关系,得出了沉积物声学物理参数和应力一应变性质之间的关系。结果表明,南海北部大陆架海底沉积物有6种结构类型,其中混合接触结构类型的沉积物具有较高的抗压强度和声速,浅层海底存在着高、低声速分层的中尺度结构。     

近4400a南海北部陆架沉积物的东亚季风记录

对位于海南岛南部陆架的S20孔沉积物进行了岩性、AMS14C年代、粒度和微量元素分析,提取了东亚季风演化的代用指标,初步探讨了该沉积区蕴含的亚洲季风演化信息。结果表明,近4 400 a以来,S20孔研究区受相对稳定的水动力条件控制。主要富集于相对粗粒和细粒物质的Zr/Rb陆源元素比值和19μm细粒敏感粒度组分平均粒径可以作为冬季沿岸流和东亚冬季风强度的代用指标。二者与东海内陆架PC-6孔以及南海17940孔海水表层温度变化表现出良好的相似性,说明中国东南部不同地区季风代用指标揭示出的东亚冬季风演化具有一致性。因此,相对于陆地和深海而言,南海陆架区沉积物中同样蕴含着丰富的季风演化信息,后续高分辨率研究工作亟待开展。