The Formation of Sedimentary Strata on the Amazon Continental Shelf

本课程将研究亚马逊河向邻近大陆架沉积的机制。研究计划将包括对近岸沉积物进行采样，确定沉积速率，观察地震剖面上的模式，并解释沉积区域模式的原因。总体目标是确定细粒沉积物中沉积地层形成的控制因素，学习如何识别地质记录中的控制因素，并解释区域沉积模式。亚马逊河水系向海洋提供了世界上最大的泥沙负荷之一；因此，该项目对于解释来自其他大型河流水系的数据将是重要的。该项目涉及与巴西科学家的合作努力。

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.