Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
David C. Mosher, Kai Boggild
Summary: The Canada Basin Abyssal Plain in the Arctic Ocean appears flat and featureless, but is influenced by deep ocean geostrophic currents. Features near the Alaska-Beaufort margin suggest a mixed system affected by cyclonic flowing geostrophic currents, likely formed during glaciations and lower sea level stands.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
A. Kirby, F. J. Hernandez-Molina, P. Rodriguez, B. Conti
Summary: Plastered drifts are a common feature along continental slopes, characterized by a complex sedimentary stacking pattern and long-term evolution. The formation of these drifts is influenced by deep and weak water masses as well as shallow but vigorous water masses and their interface. The evolutionary stages of the plastered drift are linked to changes in water mass circulation and bottom current processes over millions of years, with the Growth Stage related to the expansion of deep-water circulation.
Article
Oceanography
Gaston Kreps, Lester Lembke-Jene, Silvia Romero, Ramiro Ferrari, Frank Lamy, Elda Miramontes
Summary: This study focused on the intensity and variability of bottom currents in the Drake Passage and found that they are disconnected from surface dynamics and strongly controlled by the rough topography. The variability patterns of bottom currents are related to local topography and may affect erosion and deposition rates differently. High-speed current events were observed, but contourite drifts accumulated preferentially in zones of slow and stable bottom currents.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-OCEANS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Daniele Spatola, Attilio Sulli, Daniele Casalbore, Francesco Latino Chiocci
Summary: An integrated study of geomorphology and seismo-stratigraphy in the north-western Sicilian continental margin revealed the presence of five contourite drifts, with EM1a,b and EM2 identified as elongated mounded drifts and EM2 and EM3a,b interpreted as sheeted drifts. These drifts were mostly formed during the Holocene, influenced by the interaction of LIW and TDW, playing a significant role in shaping the continental margin since the late Pleistocene-Holocene.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
M. M. de Mahiques, F. J. Lobo, U. Schattner, A. Lopez-Quiros, C. B. Rocha, R. J. S. Dias, I Montoya-Montes, A. C. B. Vieira
Summary: The Santos Basin margin in southwestern Brazil provides a unique environment for studying the morphological imprint of bottom currents on seafloor morphology. The study identified four seafloor domains and found that salt tectonics plays a major role in shaping the seafloor morphology.
Article
Oceanography
T. Glazkova, F. J. Hernandez-Molina, E. Dorokhova, A. Mena, C. Roque, F. J. Rodriguez-Tovar, V. Krechik, L. Kuleshova, E. Llave
Summary: Based on new sedimentological, hydrological and geophysical data, this study reveals the key sedimentary processes in the Late Quaternary. The results show the relationship between bottom current activity and terrigenous content as well as carbonate dissolution, and the variability of the Antarctic Bottom Water linked to glacial-interglacial changes.
DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART I-OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH PAPERS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
A. E. Lopez-Perez, B. Rubio, D. Rey, M. Plaza-Morlote, L. M. Pinheiro
Summary: Studies of the surficial sedimentary record from passive continental margins provide crucial knowledge about sedimentary dynamics and changes through recent geological times. This study presents a detailed record of tectono-sedimentary processes on an isolated high marginal platform, revealing structural features and different water mass-controlled sedimentary systems. The results also indicate erosive features and extremely low sedimentation rates in the study area.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
F. J. Lobo, A. Lopez-Quiros, F. J. Hernandez-Molina, L. F. Perez, M. Garcia, D. Evangelinos, F. Bohoyo, J. Rodriguez-Fernandez, A. Salabarnada, A. Maldonado
Summary: Multibeam bathymetric imagery and acoustic sub-bottom profiles are used to study the distribution patterns of subsurface sedimentation in Dove Basin (Scotia Sea), focusing on the imprint of deep Antarctic water masses, factors driving contourite deposition styles and the contribution of alongslope versus downslope processes. The morpho-sedimentary features in Dove Basin are primarily related to contouritic processes and mass movements.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Debora Duarte, Cristina Roque, Zhi Lin Ng, F. Javier Hernandez-Molina, Vitor Hugo Magalhaes, Sonia Silva, Estefania Llave
Summary: The Gulf of Cadiz Contourite Depositional System (GCCS) formation and evolution are controlled by tectonic activity, with structural features and tectonic events having a significant impact on seafloor relief and local oceanic circulation processes.
Article
Geography, Physical
Gemma Ercilla, Jesus Galindo-Zaldivar, Ferran Estrada, Javier Valencia, Carmen Juan, David Casas, Belen Alonso, Ma Carmen Comas, Victor Tendero-Salmeron, Daniele Casalbore, Maria Azpiroz-Zabala, Patricia Barcenas, Silvia Ceramicola, Francesco L. Chiocci, Javier Idarraga-Garcia, Nieves Lopez-Gonzalez, Pilar Mata, Desiree Palomino, Juan Antonio Rodriguez-Garcia, Manuel Teixeira, Jose Nespereira, Juan Tomas Vazquez, Mariano Yenes
Summary: This study presents a multidisciplinary analysis of the Palomares continental margin and Algerian abyssal plain, revealing that their complex geomorphology is a result of sedimentary response to the Aguilas Arc continental tectonic indentation in the Eurasian-Africa plate collision.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Zhiwei He, Corey Archer, Shouye Yang, Derek Vance
Summary: Zinc and Ni stable isotope systematics in marine sediments can serve as tracers of past ocean chemistry and biology, particularly in upwelling continental margins. This study examines sediment cores collected off Namibia and identifies high productivity and organic carbon burial as important factors driving Zn and Ni sinks. The data suggest that Zn isotope composition in upwelling sediments is affected by sequestration into authigenic ZnS phases, while Ni isotope composition reflects a Mn-oxide source. These findings contribute to our understanding of the isotope composition of oceanic Zn and potential for using sediments as records of past Ni isotopes in the ocean.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Fynn Warnke, Tilmann Schwenk, Elda Miramontes, Volkhard Spiess, Stefan Wenau, Graziella Bozzano, Michele Baques, Sabine Kasten
Summary: This study investigates the origin and development of two giant seafloor depressions using multibeam bathymetry and seismic data. The depressions are likely formed by seafloor seepage and structural control, and their evolution is influenced by strong and variable bottom currents.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Geography, Physical
E. Martorelli, D. Casalbore, A. Bosman, F. Pepe, M. Corradino, R. de Nardis, C. Monaco, A. Sposato
Summary: The integrated interpretation of high-resolution multibeam bathymetry, seismic profiles, and backscatter data in the S. Eufemia Gulf reveals the relationship between postglacial fault activity and morpho-sedimentary processes. Three systems of active normal faults affecting the seafloor or the shallow subsurface have been identified, along with their characteristics and effects on sedimentary processes. The study proposes a tectonostratigraphic model to explain the observed deformations and sedimentation patterns.
Article
Geology
Zhen Wang, Ruoying Fan, Ruiwen Zong, Yiming Gong
Summary: This study provides evidence of bottom current activity in the Middle Ordovician and reconstructs the deep-sea circulation pattern in the middle and low latitudes during that time period.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Zhiwei He, M. O. Clarkson, M. B. Andersen, Corey Archer, Tim C. Sweere, Peter Kraal, Alex Guthauser, Fang Huang, Derek Vance
Summary: The study on the Benguela upwelling system off Namibia shows that sediments tend to enrich Mo and U with depth, indicating variations in local sedimentary redox conditions. Porewater concentration patterns are complex, with peaks in Mo and U abundance exceeding seawater levels, suggesting dynamic redox conditions influence early diagenetic processes.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Xavier Couvelard, Christophe Messager, Pierrick Penven, Sebastien Smet, Philippe Lattes
Summary: This study demonstrates that assimilation of HF radar can more realistically represent the surface circulation, improving the accuracy of geostrophic currents. Despite the limited area covered by HF radar, the solution is shown to be improved almost in the whole domain.
GEOSCIENCE LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
S. de Castro, E. Miramontes, J. Dorador, G. Jouet, A. Cattaneo, F. J. Rodriguez-Tovar, F. J. Hernandez-Molina
Summary: This study aims to differentiate and characterise contouritic sands in two different locations with variable sediment compositions, using a multiproxy approach. The results reveal distinct sedimentary characteristics in the upper continental slope of the Mozambican margin and the Pianosa ridge, with siliciclastic sandy contourites dominating the former and bioclastic sandy and muddy contourites dominating the latter. The integration of sedimentological analyses and PCA facilitates the differentiation of these contourite deposits, highlighting the importance of reworking and winnowing in shaping deep-marine sedimentary environments.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Henriette Wilckens, Elda Miramontes, Tilmann Schwenk, Camila Artana, Wenyan Zhang, Alberto R. Piola, Michele Baques, Christine Provost, F. Javier Hernandez-Molina, Meret Felgendreher, Volkhard Spiess, Sabine Kasten
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between bottom currents and contourite formation through analysis of various data and modeling methods. It reveals that bottom currents follow the morphology of the slope, with decreasing velocity leading to less erosion and finer sediment deposits. Eddies near the seafloor are also observed, contributing to the formation of small erosion surfaces in an otherwise depositional environment.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Elda Miramontes, Antoine Thieblemont, Nathalie Babonneau, Pierrick Penven, Francois Raisson, Laurence Droz, Stephan J. Jorry, Ruth Fierens, John W. Counts, Henriette Wilckens, Antonio Cattaneo, Gwenael Jouet
Summary: Oceanic currents in the Mozambique Channel have been shown to significantly impact the seafloor morphology and sedimentary characteristics, with multiple erosional and depositional features identified. Modelled bottom currents exhibit high variability, suggesting episodic intense circulation rather than a constant flow. The study also revealed three types of mixed turbidite-contourite systems and proposed a simplified classification of contourites worldwide.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Marie Laugie, Yannick Donnadieu, Jean-Baptiste Ladant, Laurent Bopp, Christian Ethe, Francois Raisson
Summary: The study conducted numerical simulations of the Cenomanian period to understand the controls on oceanic oxygen and the initial conditions of the Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE2). It found that paleogeography and ocean circulation were crucial factors in the development of oxygen depletion, with the Central American Seaway depth playing a significant role. The research suggests that changes in paleogeography and gateways were major influencers of oceanic circulation and oxygen distribution, creating conditions necessary for the OAE2 to occur.
PALEOCEANOGRAPHY AND PALEOCLIMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
Juliano D. Ramanantsoa, P. Penven, R. P. Raj, L. Renault, L. Ponsoni, M. Ostrowski, A. F. Dilmahamod, M. Rouault
Summary: The southern extension of the East Madagascar Current (EMC) can be classified into three states: early retroflection, canonical retroflection, and no retroflection. Understanding the influence of current strength and eddies on retroflection formation can help predict marine phenomena in the southern part of Madagascar.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-OCEANS
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
Dylan F. Bailey, Juliet Hermes, Pierrick Penven, Thomas G. Bornman, Wayne Goschen
Summary: The study examined the effects of an eastward-travelling coastal trapped wave captured in Algoa Bay off South Africa, using a high-resolution ocean model. It found that the wave induced significant alongshore current reversals and strong currents, contributing a large amount of energy and water displacement in the coastal marine environment.
CONTINENTAL SHELF RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Oceanography
P. Tedesco, J. Gula, P. Penven, C. Menesguen
Summary: Western boundary currents, such as the Agulhas Current, are characterized by strong mesoscale variability and interactions between eddies and topography. In this study, a regional numerical simulation was used to assess the main energy sinks of mesoscale eddies in the Agulhas Current region. The results showed that eddy-topography interactions play a major role in energy dissipation, with transfers occurring towards bottom-intensified time-mean currents, generation of higher baroclinic modes, and bottom friction. The local generation of mesoscale eddies was found to dominate the net energy budget, contrary to the common belief that mesoscale eddies decay along western boundaries.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Ruth Fierens, Laurence Droz, Gwenael Jouet, Marina Rabineau, Francois Raisson, Nathalie Babonneau, Cecile Robin, Stephan J. Jorry
Summary: High-resolution multichannel seismic reflection data were used to study the architectural evolution of the Zambezi turbidite system offshore the Mozambique margin. The study identified five major depositional units and showed that both turbiditic and contouritic sedimentation occurred widely and at different times. The research also revealed different episodes of incision, a westward shift of feeding axes, and a deep entrenchment of the Zambezi Valley due to continuous rise of the seabed. The study provides unique insight into the controls and stages of development of the Zambezi turbidite system and shows its susceptibility to structural activity.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oceanography
Sonia Heye, Marjolaine Krug, Pierrick Penven, Michael Hart-Davis
Summary: This study uses high-resolution ocean models and particle tracking tools to improve understanding of the shelf circulation in the KwaZulu-Natal Bight off South Africa's east coast. The study reveals the presence of a northeastward counter current on the bight's shelf, which contributes to increased connectivity between Marine Protected Areas.
CONTINENTAL SHELF RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
A-C Sarr, Y. Donnadieu, M. Laugie, J-B Ladant, B. Sucheras-Marx, F. Raisson
Summary: This study used an Earth System Model to simulate the cyclicity of marine sediment deposits during hothouse climate periods and found that Earth's orbit variations have a significant impact on the ocean's oxygenation state. Especially in enclosed and already poorly oxygenated basins, orbital changes can lead to up to 50% of the water volume becoming anoxic.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Geology
Nathalie Babonneau, Francois Raisson, Adrien Genet, Ugo Lopes, Ruth Fierens, Elda Miramontes, Sidonie Revillon, Marina Rabineau, Laurence Droz, Deborah Belleney, Maryline Moulin, Daniel Aslanian
Summary: This paper focuses on the study of a contouritic ridge on the Mozambique margin, revealing the importance of bottom currents in shaping submarine slopes and their interaction with other processes. The presence of an intermediate position for contouritic facies in the sedimentary system is also identified.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Floriane Sudre, Boris Dewitte, Camille Mazoyer, Veronique Garcon, Joel Sudre, Pierrick Penven, Vincent Rossi
Summary: Ocean fronts are moving biological hotspots formed at the interface of cooler and warmer waters. The Mozambique Channel is an ideal location to study ocean front variability due to its energetic flow, high biodiversity, and ongoing conservation initiatives. However, remote sensing of sea surface temperature alone cannot capture the subsurface frontal activity relevant to understanding ecosystem dynamics.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Oceanography
Issufo Halo, Roshin P. Raj, Anton Korosov, Pierrick Penven, Johnny A. Johannessen, Mathieu Rouault
Summary: The equatorward decrease of mesoscale eddy abundance and the meridional variations of their mean properties in the tropical South-East Atlantic Ocean were investigated using geostrophic flows and two-dimensional geostrophic turbulence theories. Satellite-derived altimetric eddy kinetic energy density spectra were assessed in different latitude bands, revealing minimum energy spectra in the northern Angola Basin and the Angola Benguela Front. The analysis suggests a shift from nonlinear eddies to linear Rossby waves in the region, which could explain the lower abundance of eddies compared to other regions in the world oceans.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-OCEANS
(2023)
Article
Oceanography
Pernille Tonnesen, Shane Gero
Summary: Studying the behavior of deep-sea animals is challenging, but animal-borne camera tags may help understand predator-prey interactions. Research showed that camera-associated white light may affect foraging behavior, but has minimal long-term fitness impact on sperm whales. However, this impact should be considered and monitored for longer camera tag deployments.
DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART I-OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH PAPERS
(2024)
Article
Oceanography
Sarah N. de Mendonca, Anna Metaxas
Summary: Ecological processes impact spatial patterns in abundance and distribution of megafauna. This study used spatial statistics to identify significant megafaunal patterns in the Laurentian Channel Marine Protected Area. The patterns varied among taxa and were related to geological factors. The study highlights the importance of considering fine-scale patterns and provides insights for ecological research, monitoring, and conservation in deep-sea ecosystems.
DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART I-OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH PAPERS
(2024)