Diatoms in surface sediments of the Zaire deep-sea fan (SE Atlantic Ocean) and their relation to overlying water masses
van Iperen, J.M.; van Weering, T.C.E.; Jansen, J.H.F.; Van Bennekom, A.J. (1987). Diatoms in surface sediments of the Zaire deep-sea fan (SE Atlantic Ocean) and their relation to overlying water masses. Neth. J. Sea Res. 21(3): 203-217
In: Netherlands Journal of Sea Research. Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ): Groningen; Den Burg. ISSN 0077-7579; e-ISSN 1873-1406, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- van Iperen, J.M.
- van Weering, T.C.E., more
- Jansen, J.H.F.
- Van Bennekom, A.J., more
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| Abstract |
A study of 25 surface sediment samples from the Zaire (Congo) deep-sea fan in the southeastern Atlantic Ocean shows that 6 diatom groups can be distinguished by their distribution patterns. Two groups occur exclusively in shelf and slope deposits, 3 groups are found in abyssal plain deposits and 1 group dominates in the northern relatively nearshore area, but is present all over. Each group is related to a hydrographic phenomenon, viz. the presence of Zaire river plume water, the influence of the South Equatorial Counter Current, the local effect of updoming colder water masses, or the occurrence of lower saline and/or nearshore productive waters. Freshwater diatoms and phytoliths are regarded as allochtonous components in the sediments. The former are thought to be transported by turbidity currents guided by the Zaire canyon and/or by the Zaire river water; the latter by the southeasterly trade winds. Diatom accumulation rates reflect diatom productivity of the overlying waters. |
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