The Formation of Sedimentary Strata on the Amazon Continental Shelf

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The mechanisms of sedimentation from the Amazon river onto the adjacent continental shelf will be examined. The research program will involve sampling nearshore sediments, determining the sedimentation rates, observing patterns on seismic profiles, and interpreting the causes of regional patterns in sedimentation. The overall goals are to determine the controlling factors for the formation of sedimentary strata in fine-grained sediments, learn how to recognize those controlling factors in the geologic record, and interpret the regional sedimentation patterns. The Amazon River system provides one of the largest sediment loads to the ocean of any in the world; therefore, this project will be important for interpreting data from other large river systems. The project involves a collaborative effort with Brazilian scientists.