REU: Paleocirculation of the Deep North Atlantic

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The study will examine high resolution, rapid sedimentation rate record of contourites along western margin of North Atlantic in order to decipher the changes in the rate of formation of North Atlantic deep water (NADW) and the intensity of western boundary undercurrent (WBUC) during the Pleistocene. Blake Outer Ridge (BOR), which is the largest contourite drift in western North Atlantic and extends form 2000 to 4900 m depth, is the target study area. Its ridge crest contains an amplified high resolution signal of WBUC. Previously funded pilot study on WBUC was completed and the presence of a high resolution record in BOR cores was identified. Funding is provided to expand on the pilot study through stable-isotopic and sedimentological analyses of core tops and 3 piston cores and 9 box cores planned to be retrieved during an REU cruise on BOR. A comparison of the core data with sediment structures, seafloor photos and hydrographic maps, as well as seismic echo character will yield new information about the factors influencing physical properties of sediments. When completed the study open line of paleocurrent investigations in paleoceanography.