Éditeur(s) : Gauthier-Villars
Résumé : The suspended matter transported by the Orinoco to the Orinoco delta originates mainly in the Colombian Andes. The four clayey minerals (kaolinite, chlorite, illite and smectite) are always present in the deltaic suspensions, the delta deposits and the gulf of Paria. Illite contents are always dominant except in those regions of the gulf of Paria situated far from the mouths of the Orinoco tributaries characterized by smectites. In the delta, illite contents which are minimal during the dry season increase noticeably during the wet season which is marked by a high Liquid and particulate matter discharge. In the delta, the clay mineralogy of the substrate is comparable to that of dry season suspensions (February), thus showing a sedimentation composed of particulate matter carried by the Orinoco and Amazon rivers. In the wet season, the high liquid and particulate discharges circulate through the delta, then enter and disperse in the Caribbean Sea and the near Atlantic. The clay mineralogy described in the gulf of Paria show that this allochthonous participation of the Amazon in the deltaic sedimentation of the Orinoco is much more pronounced there. In this region, the spatial variations in illite content show this mineral to be a good marker for circulation.
Oceanolica Acta (0399-1784) (Gauthier-Villars), 1997 , Vol. 20 , N. 6 , P. 799-809

Droits : info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00093/20435/18102.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00093/20435/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Mass balances are often used to calculate sediment fluxes in foreland basins and denudation rates in adjacent mountain ranges on intermediate to long timescales (from a few tens of thousand to a million years). Here, we study the simple Quaternary catchment-alluvial fan system of the Kuitun River, in northern Tian Shan, to discuss some ideas about sediment storage, release, and bypass in relatively short (100 km long) sediment routing systems. This study shows that the Kuitun catchment and piedmont areas clearly present evidence of a significant and temporary storage of sediments during the Pleistocene. These sediments were then excavated and delivered farther into the foreland basin during the Holocene. The difference between the volumes of materials released from the catchment and piedmont areas (5.5 ± 1.7 km3) and the volume stored in a contemporaneous fan downstream (2.6 ± 0.6 km3) indicates that the latter did not trap the whole sediment load transported by the river. The alluvial fan was bypassed by 27 to 78% of this load toward its distal alluvial plain. If this value is well estimated, it implies a major volumetric partitioning of the deposits between the fan and the alluvial plain, with a very high sedimentation rate in the fan (1.97 ± 0.52 mm*y− 1) and a much lower one downstream (0.11 ± 0.11 mm*y− 1). However, this volumetric partitioning might only occur during periods with a very specific hydrological regime such as the Holocene deglaciation. Eventually, the peculiar sediment storage and release pattern within the Kuitun catchment and piedmont areas during the Pleistocene and Holocene complicates the calculation of mean paleodenudation rates using either sediment budgets or in situ produced cosmogenic nuclides.
ISSN: 0169-555X

insu-00985283
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-00985283
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-00985283/document
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-00985283/file/jolivet-et_al-2014_HAL.pdf
DOI : 10.1016/j.geomorph.2014.01.024

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Société géologique de France
Résumé : The mechanical equilibrium of an orogenic wedge is maintained thanks to interactions between tectonic processes and surface processes. To better constrain the influence of erosion and sedimentation on the evolution of orogens, we performed a series of analogue models based on the tapered wedge principle, varying the amounts of erosion and sedimentation. The models develop by frontal accretion in the foreland basin and by simple underthrusting and subsequent underplating in the hinterland. The variations in rates of erosion and sedimentation strongly modify the extent, the morphology, the structures, the timing of development and the material paths in the different models. Under certain conditions, entire structural units can be formed and subsequently eroded out of the geological record, leading to important underestimations when restoring sections. Particles located in the converging lower-plate or in the upper-plate show complex uplift paths related to tectonic stages. The correlation between models and three Alpine tectonic cross-sections emphasizes the role of erosion and sedimentation on the dynamics and development of the orogen and adjacent Molasse basin. Along strike changes in the present structure of the orogen could be explained in part by differences in surface processes.
EISSN: 1777-5817

hal-00411140
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00411140
DOI : 10.2113/gssgfbull.3.297

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Geophysical Union
Résumé : International audience
Giant earthquake (moment magnitude M-w >= 8.5) forecasts for subduction zones have been empirically related to both tectonic stresses and geometrical irregularities along the subduction interface. Both of these controls have been suggested as able to tune the ability of rupture to propagate laterally and, in turn, exert an important control on giant earthquake generation. Here we test these hypotheses, and their combined influence, by compiling a dataset of trench fill thickness (a proxy for smoothing of subducting plate relief by sediment input into the subduction channel) and upper plate strain (a proxy for the tectonic stresses applied to the subduction interface) for 44 segments of the global subduction network. We statistically compare relationships between upper plate strain, trench sediment thickness and maximal earthquake magnitude. We find that the combination of both large trench fill (>= 1 km) and neutral upper plate strain explains spatial patterns of giant earthquake occurrence to a statistically significant degree. In fact, the concert of these two factors is more highly correlated with giant earthquake occurrence than either factor on its own. Less frequent giant earthquakes of lower magnitude are also possible at subduction zones with thinner trench fill and compressive upper plate strain. Extensional upper plate strain and trench fill < 0.5 km appear to be unfavorable conditions, as giant earthquakes have not been observed in these geodynamical environments during the last 111 years. Citation: Heuret, A., C. P. Conrad, F. Funiciello, S. Lallemand, and L. Sandri (2012), Relation between subduction megathrust earthquakes, trench sediment thickness and upper plate strain, Geophys. Res. Lett., 39, L05304, doi: 10.1029/2011GL050712.
ISSN: 0094-8276

hal-00745636
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00745636
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00745636/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00745636/file/heuretGRL2012.pdf
DOI : 10.1029/2011GL050712

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Springer Verlag
Résumé : International audience
The Nile delta sedimentation constitutes a continuous high resolution (1.6 mm/year) record of Ethiopian African monsoon regime intensity. Multiproxy analyses performed on core MS27PT recovered in hemipelagic Nile sediment margin (<90 km outward of the Rosetta mouth of the Nile) allow the quantification of the Saharan aeolian dust and the Blue/White Nile River suspended matter frequency fluctuations during the last 21 cal. ka BP. The radiogenic Sr and Nd isotopes, clay mineralogy, bulk elemental composition and palynological analyses reveal large changes in source components, oscillating between a dominant aeolian Saharan contribution during the LGM and the Late Holocene (~4 to 2 cal. ka BP), a dominant Blue/Atbara Nile River contribution during the early Holocene (15 to 8.4 cal. ka BP) and a probable White Nile River contribution during the Middle Holocene (8.4 to 4 cal. ka BP). The following main features are highlighted: 1. The rapid shift from the LGM arid conditions to the African Humid Period (AHP) started at about 15 cal. ka BP. AHP extends until 8.4 cal. ka BP, and we suggest that the Ethiopian African Monsoon maximum between 12 and 8 cal. ka BP is responsible for a larger Blue/Atbara Nile sediment load and freshwater input into the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. 2. The transition between the AHP and the arid Late Holocene is gradual and occurs in two main phases between 8.4 and 6.5 cal. ka BP and 6.5 to 3.2 cal. ka BP. We suggest that the main rain belt shifted southward from 8.4 to ~4 cal. ka BP and was responsible for progressively reduced sediment load and freshwater input into the eastern Mediterranean Sea. 3. The aridification along the Nile catchments occurred from ~4 to 2 cal. ka BP. A dry period, which culminates at 3.2 cal. ka BP, and seems to coincide with a re-establishment of increased oceanic primary productivity in the western Mediterranean Sea. We postulate that the decrease in thermo-haline water Mediterranean circulation could be part of a response to huge volumes of fresh-water delivered principally by the Nile River from 12 to 8.4 cal. ka BP in the eastern Mediterranean. We propose that the large hydrological change in Ethiopian latitude could be a trigger for the 8.2 ka cooling event recorded in high latitude. Revel R., Colin C., Bernasconi S., Combourieu-Nebout N., Ducassou E., Grousset F.E., Rolland Y., Migeon S., Brunet P., Zhaa Y., Bosch D., Mascle J.,. "21,000 years of Ethiopian African moonsoon variability recorded in sediments of the western Nile deep sea fan", Regional Environmental Change,
ISSN: 1436-3798

hal-00836300
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00836300

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : SUBSURF
Statistical sequential analysis was performed on a series of sediment cores collected from the Têt prodelta in the Gulf of Lions, northwestern Mediterranean Sea, between October 2003 and October 2004. Seabed changes during that period were correlated to hydrodynamic conditions (waves and currents) and river discharge. Low sediment supply prevents full preservation of new sediment strata on this low-accumulation prodelta located on a microtidal, storm-dominated inner shelf. Severe meteorological events caused a rapid succession of erosion and deposition phases. For example, the December 2003 flood and storm produced a flood layer deposit that persisted for 2 months with only slight transformations due to early diagenesis and/or bioturbation, until a new storm event eroded this layer. A typical sedimentary sequence was observed for the secular deposits composed of a 10-cm-thick sandy layer overlaying siltyclayey layers. These characteristic features were used to analyse the last millennia sedimentary record of the Têt prodelta. The low preservation of freshly deposited sediments and variable sedimentation rates during the last millennia period yield a sedimentary sequence formed by the outcropping of muddy prodeltaic units intersected by heterogeneous siltysandy units similar to those formed under present day hydrodynamic conditions. No flood layer was found related to catastrophic flooding of the last century in the sedimentary record. The Little Ice Age ( 1550–1850 AD) probably favoured the formation of a well-developed muddy prodelta in the mouth of the Têt River. Later on, the decrease of sediment supply by rivers due to climate change and/or human activities (damming, irrigation), and the increase of the number of high-energy storms reaching the coast, induced a coarsening of the top sediment layer on this prodelta. This modern change of the substrate is also observed in the composition of benthic biota found in the substrate
ISSN: 0025-3227

hal-00407662
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00407662
DOI : 10.1016/j.margeo.2007.04.009

Résumé : Bacteriological study of abyssal sediments: During the Demeraby mission of the N/O Jean Charcot in the western Atlantic Ocean, a study of the microflora of the digestive tracts of echinoderms (Holothuroidea of various genera, Asteroidea, Echinoidea) was compared with that of the surrounding sediment. The bacterial concentration observed in the digestive tracts of all the animals studied is higher than that in the surrounding sediments. The largest numbers were always found in the most anterior part of the digestive tracts of the holothurians. In some cases, the increase is considerable (7.10 versus 5.2. 10 cells per millilitre): It indicates a proliferation of bacterial cells in the anterior part of the digestive tract. As the sediment moves through the digestive tract, the bacterial level progressively decreases. In the most posterior part, the concentration is, however, always clearly greater than that in the surrounding sediment. In the case of the holothurian of the genus Deima, analysis according to the Adamsonian principle of comparison shows that the microflora isolated from the various parts of the digestive tract is composed of taxonomic groups showing little resemblance to those isolated from the sediment. In the case of the holothurian of the genus Pseudostichopus, no specialisation of the microflora from digestive tract contents appears with respect to that of the ingested sediment. Examination of metabolic activities suggests a juxtaposition of two types of communities: Free sediment - sediment in transit that complement one other in their enzymatic and nutritional behaviour Indeed, the strains of free sediment seem to be rather suitable for hydrolysing and using carbohydrates, while those of enteric communities prefer the hydrolysis of lipids and proteins and the assimilation of fatty acids, dicarboxylic acids, hydroxylic acids and certain amino acids. Moreover, the enteric microflorae possess a greater nutritional versatility that, linked with its total numbers, has a sizeable catabolic potential. .../... -2- Measurements of heterotrophic activity done by means of 14 C glucose tracers make it possible to show that the metabolic activities of the bacterial communities of superficial abyssal sediments vary according to zones. In the Amazon Cone, a clear glucose mineralization gradient over a distance of a few kilometres can be observed. In the abyssal plain of Demerara heterotrophic activities are slowed in relation to those of the superficial sediments of the Cone of the Amazon, even though the bacterial numbers and the depths are of the same order of magnitude in the two zones. The abundant microflorae associated with the various divisions of digestive tract contents of the Deima abyssal holothurian manifest little metabolic activity as regards the glucose. However, the bacterial communities of Pseudostichopus and Psychropotes manifest very strong heterotrophic activities, increasing from the oesophagus towards the cloaca. Current results are too fragmentary to allow us to observe possible physiological specialisation of enteric bacterial communities enabling the facilitation of digestion processes in the host. Conclusion: In the abyssal environment, characterised by poorly developed bacterial communities, microflorae associated with the digestive tract contents of echinoderms have considerably greater cellular concentrations. By means of their enzymatic equipment, these enteric communities, which complement those of the free microflorae of superficial sediments, can participate in the transformation of organic matter in the abyssal area. Study of the dynamics of microbial communities and their heterotrophic activities in shellfish farms: From experiments done on the water in the Arcachon basin, trials to quantify and describe the reactivity potential of bacterial communities were performed. Bacterial communities were defined by direct counts, counts after setting them up for cultivation, structure and diversity of these communities, dosage of AMP, ADP, ATP. Two opposite ecological conditions were considered: Autumn conditions (high temperature) and a winter conditions (low temperature). Tubs of sea water of 6 and 60 litres were enriched either with ammonium chloride or a mixture of amino acids, at about 500 uAtg N.L. The experiments lasted 24 hours, with sampling every 3 hours. The autumn community reacted rapidly (6 hours), the response to the enrichment in organic nitrogen being the highest. The structure of the community has unstable immature stages. On the contrary, during the winter experiment, no response could be perceived. This may mean that the latency phase is greater than 24 hours. The structure of this community has mature stages. In conclusion, bacterial communities react in the same way as macroscopic communities. Stable communities are diversified and correspond to mature stages of the ecosystem; the immature stages are unstable and less diversified. This type of experiment has made it possible to bring to light the rapidity of response of bacterial populations, and can be used to define the stability of a bacterial community in a precise biotope.
ETUDE BACTERIOLOGIQUE DES SEDIMENTS ABYSSAUX RESUME Au cours de la mission DEMERABY du n/o Jean CHARCOT en atlantique occidental , une étude de la microflore des tractus digestifs d'Echinodermes (Holothurides de différents genres, Astérides, Echinides) a été comparée à celle du sédiment environnant. La concentration bactérienne observée dans les tractus digestifs de tous les animaux étudiés est supérieure à celle des sédiments environnants. Les effectifs les plus importants sont toujours observés dans la partie la plus antérieure des tractus digestifs des holothuries. Dans certains cas, l'accroissement est considérable (7.10 contre 5,2. 10 cellules/ml) : il indique une prolifération des cellules bactériennes dans la partie antérieure du tractus digestif. Au.cours de la progression du sédiment dans le tractus digestif, la charge bactérienne décroit progressivement. Dans la partie la plus postérieure, la concentration est cependant toujours nettement supérieure à celle du sédiment environnant-. Dans le cas d'une holothurie du genre Deima, l'analyse selon le principe adansonien de comparaison montre que la microflore isolée des différentes parties du tractus digestif est constituée de groupes taxonomiques présentant peu de ressemblance avec ceux isolés du sédiment. Dans le cas d'une holothurie du genre Pseudostichopus il n'apparait pas de spécialisation de la microflore du contenu du tractus digestif par rapport à celle du sédiment ingéré. ¿ ¿ . L'étude des activités métaboliques suggère une juxtaposition de deux types de communautés : sédiment libre-sédiment en transit qui se complètent dans leur comportement enzymatique et nutritionnel. En effet les souches du sédiment libre semblent être plutôt aptes à hydrolyser et à utiliser les glucides, tandis que celles des communautés entériques portent leur préférence sur l'hydrolyse des lipides et protéines et 1'assimilation des acides gras, acides dicarboxyl iques, hydro'xy-acides et certains acides aminés. D'autre part les microflores entériques possèdent une versatilité nutritionnelle plus importante qui, liée à leurs effectifs, offre une potentialité catabolique non négligeable. .../... -2- Les mesures d'activité hétérotrophe effectuées au moyen de traceurs glucose 14 C permettent de montrer que les activités métaboliques des communautés bactériennes des sédiments abyssaux superficiels varient selon les zones. Dans le Cone de l'Amazone on observe un net gradient de minéralisation du glucose sur une distance de quelques kilomètres. Dans la plaine abyssale de Demerara les activités hétérotrophessont ralenties par rapport à celles des sédiments superficiels du Cone de l'Amazone, bien que les effectifs bactériens et les profondeurs soient du même ordre de grandeur dans ces deux zones. Les abondantes microflores associées aux différentes fractions du contenu du tractus digestif de l'holothurie abyssale Deima ne manifestent que peu d'activités métaboliques vis à vis du glucose. Par contre les communautés . bactériennes de Pseudostichopus et P syahropotes manifestent des activités hétérotrophes très fortes, croissant de 1'oesophage vers le cloaque. Les résultats actuels sont trop fragmentaires pour permettre d'observer une éventuelle spécialisation physiologique des communautés bactériennes entëriques permettant de faciliter les processus de digestion chez l'hôte. Conclusion: dans le milieu abyssal, caractérisé par des communautés bactériennes faiblement développées, les microflores associées aux contenus de tractus digestif des Echinodermes présentent des concentrations cellulaires considérablement plus importantes. Par leurs équipements enzymâtiques ces communautés entëriques complémentaires de ceux des microflores libres des sédiments superficiels, peuvent participer à la transformation des matières organiques du domaine abyssal. ETUDE DE LA DYNAMIQUE DES COMMUNAUTES MICROBIENNES ET DE LEURS ACTIVITES HETEROTROPHES DANS LES PARCS CONCHYLICOLES RESUME A partir d'expérimentations effectuées sur l'eau du bassin d'Arcachon, des essais de quantification et qualification du potentiel de réactivité des communautés bactériennes ont été effectuées. Les communautés bactériennes ont été définies par comptage directs, comptages après mise en culture, structure et diversité de ces communautés, dosage des AMP, ADP, ATP. Deux situations écologiques opposées ont étées considérées . Une situation automnale (température élevée) et une situation hivernale (température faible). Des bacs d'eau de mer de 6 et 60 litres ont été enrichis , soit avec du chlorure d'ammonium, soit avec un mélange d'acides aminés, à environ 500 uAtg N.l" . Les expériences ont duré 24 heures, avec des prélèvements toutes les 3 heures. La communauté automnale réagit rapidement (6 heures), la ' réponse à l'enrichissement en azote organique étant la plus importante. La structure de la communauté présente des stades immatures instables. Au contraire, au cours de l'expérimentation hivernale, aucune réponse n'a pu être perçue. Ceci peut signifier que la phase de latence est supérieure à 24 heures. La structure . de cette communauté présente des stades matures. En Conclusion, les communautés bactériennes réagissent de la même façon que les communautés macroscopiques. Les communautés stables sont diversifiées et correspondent à des stades matures de l'écosystème, les stades immatures sont instables et moins diversifiés. Ce type d'expérience a permi de mettre en évidence la rapidité de réponse des populations bactériennes, et peut être utilisé pour définir la stabilité d'une communauté bactérienne dans un biotope précis.

Droits : info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/1981/rapport-1926.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/1926/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Sedimentary rocks and detrital minerals sample large areas of the continental crust, and they are increasingly seen as a reliable archive for its global evolution. This study presents two approaches to model the growth of the continental crust through the sedimentary archive. The first builds on the variations in U-Pb, Hf and O isotopes in global databases of detrital zircons. We show that uncertainty in the Hf isotope composition of the mantle reservoir from which new crust separated, in the 176Lu/177Hf ratio of that new crust, and in the contribution in the databases of zircons that experienced ancient Pb loss(es), adds some uncertainty to the individual Hf model ages, but not to the overall shape of the calculated continental growth curves. The second approach is based on the variation of Nd isotopes in 645 worldwide fine-grained continental sedimentary rocks with different deposition ages, which requires a correction of the bias induced by preferential erosion of younger rocks through an erosion parameter referred to as K. This dimensionless parameter relates the proportions of younger to older source rocks in the sediment, to the proportions of younger to older source rocks present in the crust from which the sediment was derived. We suggest that a Hadean/Archaean value of K = 1 (i.e., no preferential erosion), and that post-Archaean values of K = 4–6, may be reasonable for the global Earth system. Models built on the detrital zircon and the fine-grained sediment records independently suggest that at least 65% of the present volume of continental crust was established by 3 Ga. The continental crust has been generated continuously, but with a marked decrease in the growth rate at ~ 3 Ga. The period from > 4 Ga to ~ 3 Ga is characterised by relatively high net rates of continental growth (2.9–3.4 km3 yr− 1 on average), which are similar to the rates at which new crust is generated (and destroyed) at the present time. Net growth rates are much lower since 3 Ga (0.6–0.9 km3 yr− 1 on average), which can be attributed to higher rates of destruction of continental crust. The change in slope in the continental growth curve at ~ 3 Ga is taken to indicate a global change in the way bulk crust was generated and preserved, and this change has been linked to the onset of subduction-driven plate tectonics. At least 100% of the present volume of the continental crust has been destroyed and recycled back into the mantle since ~ 3 Ga, and this time marks a transition in the average composition of new continental crust. Continental crust generated before 3 Ga was on average mafic, dense, relatively thin (< 20 km) and therefore different from the calc-alkaline andesitic crust that dominates the continental record today. Continental crust that formed after 3 Ga gradually became more intermediate in composition, buoyant and thicker. The increase in crustal thickness is accompanied by increasing rates of crustal reworking and increasing input of sediment to the ocean. These changes may have been accommodated by a change in lithospheric strength at around 3 Ga, as it became strong enough to support high-relief crust. This time period therefore indicates when significant volumes of continental crust started to become emergent and were available for erosion and weathering, thus impacting on the composition of the atmosphere and the oceans.
ISSN: 0037-0738

hal-01622696
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01622696
DOI : 10.1016/j.sedgeo.2017.06.001

Éditeur(s) : Elsevier
Résumé : Phosphorus forms with respect to sediment characteristics, such as grain-size, and major chemical elements, were studied in French coastal marine areas (the Bay of Seine and the Loire and Gironde Estuaries).In the three areas, Fe/Al-bound phosphate (Fe/Al-P) and exchangeable phosphate (exch-P) were significantly related to the proportion of fine fraction (< 63 mum). The special association of these forms with fine particles, as well as the relationships between exch-P, Fe/Al-P and Fe showed that adsorption processes on Fe oxides had taken place. However, for similar Fe concentrations, Bay of Seine sediments showed Fe/Al-P concentrations which were four to five times higher than those found in the Loire and Gironde Estuaries. This was attributed to differences in sediment nature and processes in these two types of areas. Indeed, the Loire and Gironde Estuaries frequently show hypoxia.Calcium-bound phosphate (Ca-P) was found in all grain size classes with comparable concentrations in the Bay of Seine where there was no correlation between Ca-P and Ca. This corresponded to the calcium's marine origin (shells) in the Bay of Seine. In contrast, the correlation of Ca-P with Ca and the fine fraction of the sediment in the Loire and Gironde Estuaries was characteristic of the predominant metamorphic origin of Ca-P in these areas.Useful information for interpretation of P-forms can be obtained from major sediment characteristics. Thus, for areas where specific relationships have previously been established good estimates of P-forms could be predicted from sediment properties.
Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science (0272-7714) (Elsevier), 2001-05 , Vol. 52 , N. 5 , P. 617-629

Droits : 2001 Academic Press. All rights reserved
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2001/publication-469.pdf
DOI:10.1006/ecss.2001.0766
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/469/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : In Taiwan , the subduction of the Chinese continental margin under the Luzon arc results in the progressive growth of an active orogenic wedge. It is one of the best places to study the complex relationships that occurs between the tectonic processes controlling deformation (plate rheology and kinematics, metamorphism and magmatism) and surface processes (erosion and sedimentation). In order to study the kinematics of the present day convergence of Philippine Sea plate to the Asian continent around Taiwan, we perform 2D and 3D sandbox modeling and we analyzed the models with PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) software. In 2D experiments, a model Coulomb wedge is submitted to erosion and sedimentation under topography and flux steady state conditions. The 3D experiments are mainly used to study the escape tectonics occurring in the middle west and southwest Taiwan. A wedge shaped indenter and a basement relief were used to simulate the mechanical plate boundary between Philippine Sea plate and Eurasia plate and the basement topography to the west of Taiwan respectively. We examine the exhumation patterns, the mode of fault propagation and displacement patterns by strain partitioning of vertical vs. horizontal displacement and convergent parallel vs. orogen parallel components. The preliminary conclusions are: 1. The interactions between tectonics, erosion and sedimentation control geometry and kinematics of the doubly vergent transpressional orogen. 2. Exhumation processes are controlled by the balance between erosion, frontal accretion and underplating in different structural domains of the wedge. 3. Retrowedge erosion favorites backfolding and backthrusting, induces flower structures and fan shaped cleavage distribution. 4. Sedimentation promotes underplating and out-of sequences thrusting. 5. Continental subduction or subduction of topographic highs will enhance underthrusting/underplating, thick-skin tectonics and inversion of sedimentary basin.
Bolletino di Geofisica teorica ed applicata

hal-00411133
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00411133

Éditeur(s) : OMICS Publishing Group
Résumé : Coastal tropical shrimp farming may impact the adjacent ecosystems through the release of large quantities of effluents rich in nutrients. In New Caledonia, mangroves are considered as a natural biofilter to reduce impacts on the surrounding World Heritage listed lagoon. Our main objective was to understand the influence of effluent discharge on the biogeochemistry of mangrove sediments. A monitoring of the physico-chemical parameters of mangrove sediments was carried out during a whole year, including active and non active periods of the farm. The parameters studied were: i) benthic primary production (Chl-a concentrations), ii) physico-chemical parameters of sediments (redox potential, pH, salinity, TOC, TN, TS, δ13C and δ15N), iii) concentrations of dissolved nitrogen, iron and phosphorus. A mangrove developing in the same physiographic conditions, presenting the same zonation, and free of anthropogenic input was used as reference. The concentration of benthic Chl-a measured at sediment surface in the effluent receiving mangrove was twice to three times that measured in the control zone whatever the season. We thus suggest that nutrients inputs significantly increased the phytobenthic production in the effluent receiving mangrove during the whole year, even after the cessation of discharges and because of natural seasonal dynamic of phytobenthos. Although the flow of surface OM was increased, the OM content at depth was not higher than in the control mangrove. However, the contribution of mangrove detritus to the sedimentary organic pool was higher probably as a result of higher density and much greater individual size of the mangrove trees. Unlike the control mangrove sediment, the effluent receiving mangrove sediment was not stratified, redox potential values were high and presence of Fe3+ was detected down to 50 cm depth, probably as a result of a larger root system, allowing a better sediment oxygenation and accentuated OM decomposition processes, and thus limiting ecosystem saturation.
Journal of Aquaculture Research & Development (21559546) (OMICS Publishing Group), 2014-07-03 , Vol. 5 , N. 5 , P. 1-13

Droits : 2014 Marchand C, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00251/36253/34801.pdf
DOI:10.4172/2155-9546.1000262
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00251/36253/

Éditeur(s) : Elsevier
Résumé : The Okinawa Trough is a natural laboratory for the study of later Quaternary land-ocean interaction and paleoenvironmental changes. In this study we reconstruct the evolution of clay mineral assemblages in Core DGKS9604 retrieved from the central Okinawa Trough. Illite dominates the clay mineral compositions, with average contents above 60%. Clay mineral evolution since 28 ka is closely related to changes in sediment provenance and paleoenvironment. Sea level rise and the strength of the Kuroshio Current control the dispersal and deposition of clays on the East China Sea shelf and in the Okinawa Trough, and thus, determine the clay mineral compositions in the core sediments. During the late last glacial period (28.0-14.0 ka), the paleo-Changjiang River mouth was situated at the shelf edge close to the central Okinawa Trough and thus, together with the outer shelf, supplied large volumes of terrigenous sediments directly into the trough. From 14.0 to 8.4 ka influence from the Changjiang decreased while the mid-outer shelf of the East China Sea became the dominant sediment source to the central Okinawa Trough as sea level rose and the Changjiang river mouth migrated west. Strong sediment reworking and erosion at the shelf edge at 15-13 ka significantly increased the lateral transport of fine-grained shelf sediments to the central Okinawa Trough. Since ca. 8.4 ka clays from Taiwan have dominated the sediment flux to the site, coinciding with the re-entry of the Kuroshio Current into the trough. The increasing influence of the Changjiang-sourced sediments since 1.5 ka was probably related to the weakening of the Kuroshio Current and/or a higher river flux. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology (0031-0182) (Elsevier), 2010-03 , Vol. 288 , N. 1-4 , P. 108-117

Droits : 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00002/11367/7977.pdf
DOI:10.1016/j.palaeo.2010.01.040
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00002/11367/

Éditeur(s) : Elsevier
Résumé : A study of organic carbon mineralization from the Congo continental shelf to the abyssal plain through the Congo submarine channel and Angola Margin was undertaken using in situ measurements of sediment oxygen demand as a tracer of benthic carbon recycling. Two measurement techniques were coupled on a single autonomous platform: in situ benthic chambers and microelectrodes, which provided total and diffusive oxygen uptake as well as oxygen microdistributions in porewaters. In addition, sediment trap fluxes, sediment composition (Org-C, Tot-N, CaCO3, porosity) and radionuclide profiles provided measurements of, respectively input fluxes and burial rate of organic and inorganic compounds. The in situ results show that the oxygen consumption on this margin close to the Congo River is high with values of total oxygen uptake (TOU) of 4 +/- 0.6, 3.6 +/- 0.5 mmol m(-2) d(-1) at 1300 and 3100m depth, respectively, and between 1.9 +/- 0.3 and 2.4 +/- 0.2 mmol m(-2) d(-1) at 4000 m depth. Diffusive oxygen uptakes (DOU) were 2.8 +/- 1.1, 2.3 +/- 0.8, 0.8 +/- 0.3 and 1.2 +/- 0.1 mmol m(-2) d(-1), respectively at the same depths. The magnitude of the oxygen demands on the slope is correlated with water depth but is not correlated with the proximity of the submarine channel-levee system, which indicates that cross-slope transport processes are active over the entire margin. Comparison of the vertical flux of organic carbon with its mineralization and burial reveal that this lateral input is very important since the sum of recycling and burial in the sediments is 5-8 times larger than the vertical flux recorded in traps. Transfer of material from the Congo River occurs through turbidity currents channelled in the Congo valley, which are subsequently deposited in the Lobe zone in the Congo fan below 4800 m. Ship board measurements of oxygen profiles indicate large mineralization rates of organic carbon in this zone, which agrees with the high organic carbon content (3%) and the large sedimentation rate (19 mm y(-1)) found on this site. The Lobe region could receive as high as 19 mol C m(-2) y(-1), 1/3 being mineralized and 2/3 being buried and could constitute the largest depocenter of organic carbon in the South Atlantic.
Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography (0967-0645) (Elsevier), 2009-11 , Vol. 56 , N. 23 , P. 2223-2238

Droits : 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2009/publication-7316.pdf
DOI:10.1016/j.dsr2.2009.04.005
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/7316/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
We explore the use of seismic noise produced by rivers to monitor the bed load transport in the case of a low-discharge braided river in the French Alps: the "torrent de St Pierre". For this purpose, we deployed two dedicated seismic networks during summers 2007 and 2008, for which the characteristics of the recorded continuous signal are similar despite changes in the sensor locations. For dry weather conditions, only melting of nearby glaciers controls the supply of water to the stream. In these conditions, the river hydrology and the seismic energy in the 2-80 Hz frequency band both follow a diurnal fluctuation similar to the thermal amplitude. In contrast during rainfall episodes, the temperature variation fails to explain the hydrodynamic changes. Dense cloud covers reduce glacier melting and the recorded seismic energy denotes bursts of high-frequency seismic noise well correlated with water level data. Comparisons between the recorded seismic signals and the collected hydrological and sediment load data indicate that a frequency band of 3-9 Hz best explains the water level changes and thus the seismic waves coming from the flow turbulence. These analyses also reveal the presence of a seismic noise threshold that might be linked to the water shear stress exerted by the flowing water. Using the seismic energy in this frequency band as a proxy of the fluvial shear stress, the seismic-hydrologic relationship may be sensitive to variations in bed load transport. The spectral content of the seismic energy shows patterns consistent with the mobilization of sediment particles. From the interpretations of the seismic wave attenuation of river sources, we finally propose that stations at a distance from the stream less than 50 m are able to record most sediment particles. Farther stations are still useful during extreme events when largest grain sizes are mobilized. More generally this study demonstrates the feasibility of using the river seismic signal to survey bed load transport in various river types from small braided mountain rivers like the "torrent de St Pierre" to the large entrenched Himalayan rivers.
ISSN: 0022-1694

hal-00644789
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00644789
DOI : 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2011.07.014

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Geological Society of America
Résumé : International audience
Lakes are major depositional systems for which the related depositional processes have long been considered relatively simple. Breaking this statement, this study presents a detailed analysis of deposits in Lake Saint-Jean, the third largest natural lake in Québec. In addition to postglacial deltaic and coastal depositional systems fringing the lake, current-controlled features such as a large subaqueous prograding wedge and three sediment drifts have been identifi ed in its central portion based on two-dimensional (2-D) acoustic high-resolution subbottom profiles. The large subaqueous prograding wedge is a 4-km-long and up to 15-m-thick heterolithic shelf-like construction in the southeastern part of the lake. The three sediment drifts are 0.1–0.5-km-long and 2–5-mthick mud mounds distributed on the lake floor in the central portion of the lake. Diatom analyses and radiocarbon dating show that the development of these current-controlled features occurred during the lacustrine phase, after the disconnection with the postglacial marine Laflamme Gulf at 8.5 cal. k.y. B.P. Depositional facies show evidence of recurrent bottom-current activity. Related deposits alternate with pelagic sedimentation stages characterized by the settling of mud and biogenic accumulations. We investigated the origin of bottom currents using a numerical simulation (SYMPHONIE, an oceanographic model), with the aim of modeling wind-induced lake-scale water circulation. Simulations suggest that the subaqueous prograding wedge and the three sediment drifts result from wind-induced bottom currents generated by storm events having wind speed greater than 10 m s–1. Such strong winds are able to significantly affect sedimentation in the central portion of Lake Saint-Jean. Theresulting wind-induced sedimentary features were integrated into a refi ned lacustrine depositional model that summarizes the evolution of a group of water bodies referred to as “wind-driven water bodies.” This study applies a new tool for lake strata characterization and highlights the potential diffi cultyin differentiating them from marine deposits in the geological record.
ISSN: 0016-7606

insu-01184724
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-01184724
DOI : 10.1130/B31145.1

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : The Franceville Basin (2.1 Ga) in southeastern Gabon, hosts a black shale series well preserved (FB Formation) which represents an exceptional example of unmetamorphised Paleoproterozoic sediment strata. This basin includes the protore of one of the largest Mn-oxide laterite ore worldwide, mined by Eramet-Comilog. The aim of this this work is to determine formation conditions of this protore and to characterize the global sedimentary evolution of the FB Formation which include the protore. This 75 m thick protore is constituted of Mn carbonate-rich black shales which represent a potential ore deposit for the future. It was drilled, on the Bangombé plateau, during a recent campaign of 24 boreholes with an average depth of 125 m.Through multidisciplinary study on these cores and key outcrops of the basin, this work focuses on : i) the depositional environment of the Mn-protore and FB Formation ; ii) the processes of formation of the Mn-carbonates at 2.1 Ga and iii) the architecture and distribution of Mn-rich levels of the protore on the Bangombé Plateau.A detailed sedimentological and petrological study allowed us to redefine the division of the FB into nine units, named U1 to U9 from the base to the top. These units show a fine upward cycle up to U5 and a reverse coarse loop until U9. This division leads to a new interpretation to propose an evolution from a shoreface depositional environment controlled by deltaic currents (U1) to an offshore depositional environment with anoxic conditions (U2). In this basin, a system of submarine fan is developed, feeding a network of sand injections (injectites) covering the Bangombé plateau (70 km²) and with a thickness of 150 m affecting U4 to U7, including the Mn-protore. The protore depositional environment formed below the wave base limit (U4, U5 and U6) in a starved basin, controlled by biochemical sedimentation allowed the formation of Mn-carbonates. The end of starved basin, would allow the re-opening of the detrital input into the offshore basin (U7). This basin is then filled by storm bar deposits intersected by deltaic sub-aquatic channels (U8). The U9 unit corresponds to a quiet lagoon environment, allowing the multicellular organism development for the first time on the planet.A geochemical study allowed the characterization of the depositional environment of Mn-carbonates as an anoxic to sub-oxic and alkaline environment. For the first time, we showed that the manganese carbonates, present as bacteriomorph forms, are precipitated from the seawater by the mediated photosynthetic cyanobacterial activity, which allows CO2 / HCO3 depression of the environment and a local increase of pH. The cyanobacterial activity is controlled by the absence of bottom currents, which increase the detrital input. This would stop the activity of the cyanobacteria and thus would lead to the decrease of the Mn-concentration along the protore.Finally, well-log and a sequential correlation analyses allowed us to detail spatial and timing repartition of FB Formation deposit, controlled by a tectono-sedimentary model. We propose two- tectono-sedimentary phases. A first syn-tectonic phase (U1 to U3) controls the depocentres and sedimentation gaps. Turbidite coarse deposits are located in the most subsident part, clay deposits rather on the slope and carbonates on shoals. A second post-tectonic phase (U4 to U7) allows isopach deposits. The Mn-protore formed during the post-tectonic phase. However, it shows a variable thickness due to subsidence to the north of the Bangombé plateau. So, on the Bangombé plateau, Mn-contents increase towards the south, whereas the protore thickness increases towards the NNE. Moreover sand injectites decrease Mn-content in the eastern part of the Bangombé plateau and impact on the economic evaluation of the Mn-carbonates. Currently, the protore is structured by post-sedimentary faults, which lead to a non-continuity of the high Mn levels on the Bangombé plateau.
Le Bassin de Franceville situé au SE du Gabon présente une série de black shales (Formation FB) d'âge Paléoprotérozoïque (2,1 Ga) surmontant les grès de la Formation FA. Ce bassin peu déformé et non métamorphique représente une archive exceptionnelle des processus de dépôt de cette période de l’histoire de la Terre où la vie commence à se développer. En particulier, la Formation FB contient le protore d'un gisement mondial d'oxydes de manganèse exploité par la société Eramet-Comilog. L’objectif de ce travail est de préciser les conditions de formation de ce protore et de le replacer dans l’histoire du remplissage du bassin. Ce protore d'une épaisseur moyenne de 75 m est constitué de carbonates de manganèse ; il a fait l'objet d'une récente campagne de 24 forages carottés d'une profondeur moyenne de 125 m sur le plateau de Bangombé.A travers une approche pluridisciplinaire comprenant l'étude de ces forages et des affleurements clefs du bassin, ce travail porte sur la caractérisation i) de l'environnement de dépôt du protore et des séries qui l'encadrent (du toit du FA au toit du FB) ; ii) du mode de formation des carbonates de Mn à 2,1 Ga et iii) de l'architecture et de la répartition des hautes teneurs en Mn du protore qui représente un gisement potentiel du futur.L’étude pétro-sédimentaire détaillée a permis de distinguer neuf unités (U1 à U9) au sein de la Formation FB organisées suivant un cycle rétrogradant jusqu’à U5 puis progradant jusqu’à U9. Ce découpage montre une évolution du milieu de dépôt depuis un domaine de shoreface contrôlé par des courants deltaïques (U1) évoluant vers des dépôts d’offshore restreint (U2). Ce bassin enregistre ensuite un système de chenaux-levées turbiditiques (U3) qui alimentent un réseau d'injectites reconnu sur l’ensemble du Pl. de Bangombé et qui traverse 150 m de série (U4 à U7) en affectant le protore et ainsi les teneurs en Mn. L'environnement de dépôt du protore (U5 et U6) marque l’isolement du bassin qui devient affamé et contrôlé par une sédimentation biochimique à l’origine du dépôt des carbonates de Mn. L'Unité 7 correspond à la réouverture des apports détritiques en domaine d'offshore supérieur puis en domaine de shoreface dominé par des dépôts de tempêtes et de chenaux sous-aquatiques deltaïques (U8), et enfin lagunaire (U9) dans lequel apparaissent les premiers métazoaires de l’histoire de la planète, suivant une séquence régressive.Une étude géochimique a permis de préciser les conditions de dépôt du protore qui se forme en milieu alcalin anoxique à sub-oxique. Dans ce milieu, nous montrons pour la première fois une précipitation directe des carbonates de Mn sous forme bactériomorphe induite par l'activité photosynthétique des cyanobactéries qui consomment le CO2/HCO3 et conduisent à une augmentation du pH favorable à la formation des carbonates de Mn. L'activité cyanobactérienne est conditionnée par l’absence de courants de fond qui augmentent la turbidité du milieu et stoppent cette dernière.Les corrélations diagraphiques et séquentielles permettent de préciser la répartition spatiale et temporelle du FB permettant ainsi de replacer le protore dans l’histoire tectono-sédimentaire du bassin. Une première phase syn-tectonique (U1 à U3) contrôle l’épaisseur et la mise en place de dépôts turbiditiques dans les parties subsidentes, de dépôts argileux sur les pentes et de dépôt de carbonates sur les hauts-fonds. La seconde phase post tectonique (U4 à U7) permet la mise en place de dépôts relativement isopaques, bien que le protore enregistre une subsidence plus importante au nord du Pl. de Bangombé. On observe ainsi, sur le Plateau de Bangombé, des teneurs en Mn qui augmentent vers le sud alors que l’épaisseur du protore augmente vers le NNE. Postérieurement au dépôt du FB, le protore est structuré par des failles qui le compartimentent en touches de piano limitant ainsi sa continuité sur le Plateau de Bangombé.
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01621460

tel-01621460
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01621460
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01621460/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01621460/file/these_Dubois2017-MnGabon.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD SAGE Publications
Résumé : International audience
The distribution of redox-sensitive elements (V, U, Mo, Mn) was studied in a sedimentary archive of the Pierre-Blanche lagoon encompassing 3500 years of sedimentation. Between 240 and 255 cm (i.e. between 0 and 350 cal. ad) in the core, there was a dark layer with no mollusc shells. Enrichments of V, U and Mo and depletion of Mn were observed in this layer compared with overlying and underlying sediments. This was attributed to the occurrence of anoxia in bottom water or at the sediment/water interface during the Roman period. This episode was concomitant with the formation of a sandy barrier, which now isolates the lagoon from the sea. Our results suggest that the isolation of the lagoon, which was deeper in the period concerned than at present, favoured stagnation of the water. Combined with the excess nutrient inputs because of human activities in Lattara harbour, stagnation may have caused anoxia in bottom water at least in some parts of the Palavasian lagoon system. Bottom conditions nevertheless remained sufficiently reducing for the accumulation of U and Mo to persist until around 800 cal. ad. Although the lagoon has been hyper-eutrophic since at least the middle of the 20th century and although anoxia occurs frequently in summer, redox proxies show no evidence for their occurrence. The shallow water and associated resuspension and reoxidation events explain the lack of V, Mo and U enrichment in recent sediments.
ISSN: 0959-6836

hal-01062151
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01062151

Éditeur(s) : Elsevier
Résumé : The study, which is based on repetitive bathymetric surveys, assesses changes and effects of one of the most important floods recorded in the Rhone Delta area: bottom morphology and sediment distribution in the Rhone outlet after the December 2003 flood are discussed by comparison between Digital Terrain maps (DTMs) of November 2003 and January 2004. The post-flood morphology shows that the whole of the system is active, mainly in the east. The channel of the Rhbne has been hollowed out on the left bank by more than 5 m, the eastern coast of the mouth has retreated 400 m, the mouth-bar has prograded 200 m and the slope of the delta front has increased by 0.19. The overlay of pre- and post-flood DTMs makes it possible to estimate the total volume deposited in the [0 to -20 m] zone as +7.8 X 10(6) m(3) (i.e. 0.88 m(3) m(-2)), which corresponds to 4 X 10(6) t of sediment. These values are compared with the average annual volume of 0.47 X 10(6) m(3) yr(-1) of sediment deposited in this zone between 1995 and 2003, as well as the average sediment load estimated at the Arles station (50 km upstream) for this flood event (3.1 x 10(6) t to 5.3 x 10(6) t). The acquisition of bathymetric measurements immediately before and after a major flood allows more than a simple morphological description; in addition, an analysis of the solid load transfer processes towards the prodelta is achievable. Three mechanisms are highlighted. Most of the material eroded in the channel and supplied to the delta front corresponds to fine sediment that drape homogeneously over the pre-flood morphology of the delta front. The transit of the coarsest sediment (primarily sand) is slowed down in the channel of the Rh6ne: this sediment builds up in relatively small areas, leading to the formation of gullies on the prodelta slope. The gullies have fixed positions and disappear gradually towards the west, following the progressive migration of the active band towards the east. These old features are not reactivated by floods occurring after their formation. During the flood, only a small volume of coarse sediment bypasses through the gullies, and the fine deposits are remobilised rapidly or compacted. Flood input concerns essentially the delta front, which traps 90% of the fluvial solid discharge between 0 and 20 m depth. The coarse prodelta supply is then due mainly to mass movements of unconsolidated material deposited beforehand on the top of the delta front. Consequently, the main nourishment of the prodelta does not occur directly during and/or immediately after a flood event, but is delayed by sediment being temporarily trapped on the delta front.
Marine Geology (0025-3227) (Elsevier), 2006-12 , Vol. 234 , N. 1-4 , P. 159-177

Droits : 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2006/publication-2304.pdf
DOI:10.1016/j.margeo.2006.09.025
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/2304/

Éditeur(s) : Elsevier
Résumé : Dissolved and particulate Hg fluxes in the Lot-Garonne-Gironde fluvial-estuarine system were obtained from observation of daily discharge and suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations. In addition to the measurements of the total dissolved (< 0.45 gm) and particulate Hg (> 0.45 gm), called HgTD and HgTp respectively, the dissolved inorganic Hg species (HgRD) were determined monthly. Geochemical background values for HgTp in sediments and SPM were similar to crustal values and to typical concentrations in SPM of non-contaminated river systems, respectively. The Riou Mort watershed already known as the origin of important historical polymetallic (e.g., Cd, Zn) pollution was identified as an important Hg point source. In the downstream Lot River, Hg concentrations were clearly higher than those in other moderately contaminated systems. The mean relative contribution of HgRD to HgTD in the Lot River and in the Garonne River was close to 25% and 50%, respectively, and showed no correlation with water discharge or SPM concentration. Depending on the origin and nature of SPM, HgTp concentrations were correlated or not with particulate organic C (POC). Maximum HgTp concentrations were measured in samples containing low POC concentrations and were attributed to sediment resuspension. In contrast, high POC concentrations (6-17%) during algal blooms were associated with low/moderate HgTp concentrations (< 0.5 mg kg(-1)) at different sites, suggesting that Hg concentrations in fluvial phytoplankton may be limited by bioavailability of dissolved Hg and/or physiologically controlled Hg accumulation. Mercury was mostly (up to 98%) transported in the particulate phase with estimated annual Hg fluxes at the outlet of the Lot River system ranging from 35 to 530 kg a(-1) for the past decade. The minimum anthropogenic component (58-84% of total Hg fluxes) could not be explained by present Riou Mort point source contributions, suggesting important Hg release from contaminated sediment as a major source and from downstream point sources (e.g., coal-fired power plants and/or metal processing industries). HgTp concentrations and fluxes were strongly related to hydrologic variations and were clearly increased by riverbed dredging during lock construction. Therefore, the estimated Hg stocks in the Lot River sediment (5-13 tons) represent an important potential Hg source for the downstream fluvial-estuarine system.
Applied Geochemistry (0883-2927) (Elsevier), 2006-03 , Vol. 21 , N. 3 , P. 515-527

Droits : 2006 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2006/publication-1343.pdf
DOI:10.1016/j.apgeochem.2005.12.004
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/1343/

Éditeur(s) : Gauthier-Villars
Résumé : Five particle traps were deployed at depths of 4 400 to 4 900 rn at two stations on the Demerara abyssal plain and one station on the Cape Verde abyssal plain (tropical Atlantic). At the same time, an intensive sampling of superficial sediments was carried out using a 0,25 m2 box corer. The total particle flux varied from 372 to 87,7 mg dry weightfm2/day. The average concentration of organic carbon was 40 mg/g of material collected. ln the surface sediment this was only 4 mg/g. A direct relationship existed between the intensity of the flux of organic matter and the richness of the organic matter of the deposited sediment. According to our calculations, more than 90% of the organic matter arriving at the bottom is consumed by the abyssal benthos and only 1% is lost to permanent sediment deposits. For 100 calories consumed by the benthos, 99 are utilized by the infauna and flora, 0, 7 by the holothurian egafauna and 0,3 by near-bottom fisches. The biochemical composition of the particles is characterized at ali stations by a predominance of "humic" material in the total organic matter (more than 55%). The part of the molecules unaltered form living material varied from on station to another: for the most oceanic station the protein dominated, composing 20% of the total energy. At the station onder the influence of the continent the lipid fraction grew and was almost equal to that of the protein. ln this case, the carbohydrate fraction was very weak (7% of the organic matter). Finally the preference of the animais which feed on the particles is principally for the most energetic (lipid) and the most easily hydrolysable (labile protein) molecules: the other molecules, such as the humic matter, are less preferred, although they still contribute to about half of the energy consumed by the abyssal benthic animais.
Cinq pièges à particules ont été déployés à des profondeurs comprises entre 4400 et 4 900 rn sur deux stations dans la plaine abyssale de Demerara et une station dans la plaine abyssale du Cap Vert (Atlantique tropical). Dans le même temps, un échantillonnage intensif du sédiment superficiel a été réalisé à l'aide d'un carottier de 0,25 m2 d'ouverture. Le flux particulaire total mesuré varie de 372 mg de matière sèche/m2/jour à 87,7 mg/m2/g de matériel récolté. Dans les sédiments superficiels, elle n'est plus que d'environ 4 mg/g. Il existe une relation directe entre l'intensité du flux organique et la richesse en composés organiques du sédiment. D'après nos estimations, plus de 90% du matériel organique arrivant sur le fond sont consommés par les organismes benthiques abyssaux et seulement 1% est perdu dans la sédimentation permanente. Pour 100 calories consommées par le benthos, 99 le sont par la petite faune et la flore vivant dans le sédiment, 0, 7 calories sont utilisées par les holothuries (mégafaune) et 0,3 calories par les poissons. La composition biochimique des particules se caractérise, à toutes les stations, par la prédominance des composés organiques transformées néobiogéniques ( « humus ») dans la matière organique totale (plus de 55%). La part des molécules de la matière vivante varie d'une station à l'autre: à la station la plus océanique, les protéines dominent et composent 200/o de l'énergie totale des apports. Dans la station plus soumise aux influences continentales, la concentration en lipides augmente et peut égaler celle des protéines. Dans ce cas, le taux de glucides des particules est très faible (7% des apports organiques). Enfin, les préférences nutritionnelles des animaux qui s'alimentent sur ces particules se portent principalement sur les molécules les plus énergétiques (lipides) et les plus facilement hydrolysables (protéines labiles) : les autres molécules, comme les composés néobiogéniques sont moins recherchés bien qu'ils contribuent pour moitié à l'énergie consommée par les animaux benthiques abyssaux
Oceanologica Acta (0399-1784) (Gauthier-Villars), 1985 , Vol. 8 , N. 3 , P. 293-301

Droits : Gauthier-Villars
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00112/22318/19991.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00112/22318/