Small-scale variability of seafloor features in the northern Peru Basin: Results from acoustic survey methods

During RV SONNE cruise SO-79 to the eastern Pacific Ocean, two areas of about 65×80 km in the northern Peru Basin were surveyed with the acoustic mapping systems HYDROSWEEP (bathymetry), PARASOUND (3.5 kHz high-resolution seismic system), and a deep-towed side-scan sonar system. In addition, we sampled sediments using piston and box corers. The data show an unexpected variability of seafloor features: The bathymetry is characterized by an abyssal hill topography with predominately N-S ridges up to 300 m high, and scattered volcanic hills. Moreover, one 2000-m-high seamount was mapped. PARASOUND shows several distinct reflectors within the sediment cover, all of which are attributed to carbonate-rich strata. In the northern area, the uppermost prominent reflector is related to the Mid-Brunhes Event (0.45 Ma) in the sediment cores, while the lowermost represents acoustic basement. In the southern area, the seismic pattern reveals an upper opaque zone and a lower transparent zone. The base of the opaque zone is marked by a distinct reflector which corresponds to a huge carbonate peak (6–7 Ma) in the sediment cores. However, despite this general pattern, the PARASOUND records show a highly variable situation, with the distribution of sediment echo types strongly influenced by the seafloor topography. The side-scan sonar revealed the existence of numerous small volcanic cones up to 25 m high and nearly free of sediment. Additionally, the sonar records show a patchy (up to 800 m across) seafloor reflectiviti. We interpret this patchiness as a local lack of manganese nodule coverage. Volcanic cones and the most distinct nodule-free patches are usually on ridges. We interpret this variability as caused by winnowing and erosion, an interpretation that is supported by the occurrence of outcrops of Tertiary strata. This regional small-scale variability argues for a highly dynamic depositional history of the Peru Basin.