About This Item

Share This Item

The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 23 (1939)

Issue: 11. (November)

First Page: 1666

Last Page: 1672

Title: Sediments of South Atlantic Ocean

Author(s): Otto Pratje

Abstract:

The sediments of the South Atlantic consist of red clay, Globigerina ooze, and radiolarian ooze. Red clay is found in the bottom of basins as far south as latitude 45° or 50°. Globigerina ooze is found in the same latitudes as red clay, but generally at shallower depth. Pteropod ooze occurs on submarine ridges as far south as latitude 35°. Blue, green, and gray muds are found near shore. Glacial marine mud and diatom ooze occur in regions of cool and cold waters. Radiolarian ooze has been observed in only one area. The configuration of the sea bottom exerts a strong influence upon the character of the sediments. Transverse submarine ridges across the South Atlantic impede the northward extension of the cold Antarctic bottom current, which dissolves the shel s of organisms as they sink to the bottom. This current extends farther northward on the west side of the South Atlantic than on the east, with the result that red clay is found farther north on the west side. The sediments on the ridges are more coarse-grained than those in the basins. The deposition of sediments in the ocean is affected by many factors whose influence varies from place to place. Each sediment depends on its environment.

Pay-Per-View Purchase Options

The article is available through a document delivery service. Explain these Purchase Options.

Watermarked PDF Document: $14
Open PDF Document: $24

AAPG Member?

Please login with your Member username and password.

Members of AAPG receive access to the full AAPG Bulletin Archives as part of their membership. For more information, contact the AAPG Membership Department at [email protected].