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Predictability of the dispersion of sediment plumes induced by potential deep-sea mining activities is still very limited due to operational limitations on in-situ observations required for a thorough validation and calibration of numerical models. Here we report on a plume dispersion experiment carried out in the German license area for the exploration of polymetallic nodules in the northeastern tropical Pacific Ocean in 4,200 m water depth. The dispersion of a sediment plume induced by a small-scale dredge experiment in April 2019 was investigated numerically by employing a sediment transport module coupled to a high-resolution hydrodynamic regional ocean model. Various aspects including sediment characteristics and ocean hydrodynamics were examined to obtain the best statistical agreement between sensor-based observations and model results. Results show that the model is capable of reproducing suspended sediment concentration and redeposition patterns observed during the dredge experiment. Due to a strong southward current during the dredging, the model predicts no sediment deposition and plume dispersion north of the dredging tracks. The sediment redeposition thickness reaches up to 9 mm directly next to the dredging tracks and 0.07 mm in about 320 m away from the dredging center. The model results suggest that seabed topography and variable sediment release heights above the seafloor cause significant changes especially for the low sedimentation pattern in the far-field area. Near-bottom mixing is expected to strongly influence vertical transport of suspended sediment.

Prediction of the dispersion of sediment plumes induced by potential mining activities is still very limited due to operational limitations on in-situ observations required for a thorough validation and calibration of numerical models. Here we report on a plume dispersion experiment carried out in the German License Area for the exploration of polymetallic nodules in the northeastern tropical Pacific Ocean. The dispersion of a sediment plume induced by a dredging experiment in April 2019 was investigated by employing a hydrodynamic high-resolution regional ocean model coupled to a sediment transport module.Various aspects including sediment characteristics and ocean hydrodynamics are examined to obtain the best statistical agreement between observation and model results. Results show that the model is capable to reproduce suspended sediment concentration and re-deposition patterns observed in the dredging experiment. Due to a strong southward current during the experiment, the model predicts no sediment deposition and plume dispersion north of the dredging tracks. The sediment re-deposition thickness reaches up to 9 mm at the dredging tracks and 0.01 mm at far-field at a distance of about 500 m from the dredging tracks.The model results suggest that seabed topography and variable sediment release heights above the seafloor cause significant changes especially for the low sedimentation pattern in the far-field region due to different current regimes. The termination of seawater stratification can rise sediment plume above the seafloor and spread it in a larger vertical distances up to 10 m from the seafloor.

Temporal variations of rare earth elements (REE) and their fractionation patterns, major elements, Pb and Hg were determined in two multicores collected at 445 and 2100 m water depth (mwd) in the Cascais submarine canyon (CSC). The PAAS-normalized REE patterns suggest mixing of Tagus estuarine and marine sediments, marked by MREE (Nd‐Dy series) enrichment and by positive Eu-anomaly, with marine sediments. The positive Eu/Eu* implies incorporation of detrital feldspar minerals derived from the estuary. Ce/Ce*, (La/Yb)PAAS and (Nd/Yb)PAAS show differences between the two cores. Core 252-35 from the shallower site is enriched in HREE (Ho‐Lu series) over LREE (La‐Pr series), a pattern also found in the Tagus estuary in the vicinity of an abandoned chemical complex, where the environment is affected by the legacy of massive-sulfide ores processing. There seems to be only limited down-canyon sediment transport to the deeper reaches where core 252-32 was collected. This deeper site shows Ce/Ce* peaks coinciding with low (La/Yb)PAAS values suggesting preferential diagenetic remobilization of LREE relative to HREE. Upcore Pb/Al and Hg/Corg trends observed in both cores indicate dispersion of the anthropogenic component from the estuary through the CSC, which is less obvious from the ∑REE/Al trends particularly in the deeper site. This may suggest the influence of diagenetic processes in the REE signal, associated with relatively low sediment accumulation rates.

Deep-sea mining for polymetallic nodules is expected to have severe environmental impacts because not only nodules but also benthic fauna and the upper reactive sediment layer are removed through the mining operation and blanketed by resettling material from the suspended sediment plume. This study aims to provide a holistic assessment of the biogeochemical recovery after a disturbance event by applying prognostic simulations based on an updated diagenetic background model and validated against novel data on microbiological processes. It was found that the recovery strongly depends on the impact type; complete removal of the reactive surface sediment reduces benthic release of nutrients over centuries, while geochemical processes after resuspension and mixing of the surface sediment are near the pre-impact state 1 year after the disturbance. Furthermore, the geochemical impact in the DISturbance and reCOLonization (DISCOL) experiment area would be mitigated to some degree by a clay-bound Fe(II)-reaction layer, impeding the downward diffusion of oxygen, thus stabilizing the redox zonation of the sediment during transient post-impact recovery. The interdisciplinary (geochemical, numerical and biological) approach highlights the closely linked nature of benthic ecosystem functions, e.g. through bioturbation, microbial biomass and nutrient fluxes, which is also of great importance for the system recovery. It is, however, important to note that the nodule ecosystem may never recover to the pre-impact state without the essential hard substrate and will instead be dominated by different faunal communities, functions and services.

Seafloor massive sulfide (SMS) deposits are commonly found at hydrothermal vents and recently gained the special interest of mining industries. These deposits contain valuable metals and methods are currently developed to mine deep sea SMS deposits. However, excavation of SMS deposits potentially pose a threat to benthic life at the mining site itself, and also in the surrounding environment with plumes of suspended sediment and fine-grained SMS debris created during deep sea mining activities being highlighted as one of the major threats to deep-sea benthic fauna. The benthic communities surrounding the vents are, however, poorly known. As they are often exposed to natural plumes studying such communities could provide valuable information on their resilience toward mining related plumes. The Rainbow hydrothermal vent site at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a site characterized by one of the largest continuous natural plumes, which is found persisting over an extensive area. Sediment and water samples were taken both upstream and downstream of the Rainbow hydrothermal vent. Approximately 25 km away from the vent reference sites were samples as well. In addition to detecting the plume itself, concentrations of major and trace-metals in the sediments were used as tracers for long time sustained plume influence. At all sites, we assessed benthic species composition and detected larvae. Metabarcoding methods were used to determine species composition. Benthic species composition in the sediment was shown to differ between all locations and was highly influenced by the plume's fall out. Arthropoda were more dominant closer to the vent whereas Annelida and Nematoda were more dominant at the reference locations. Conservation and restoration of all these communities after a deep sea mining event will be difficult due to the spatial variation of these benthic communities.

Continental shelves in arid tropical settings present particular challenges to 210Pb-based analysis of sedimentation rates and surface mixing owing to the combination of coarse sediment, deep and year-round bioturbation, and lower atmospheric flux of 210Pb. The modern continental shelf at the northern terminus of the hyper-arid Gulf of Eilat/Aqaba (GOE) receives flood-runoff of siliciclastics, producing a mixed seabed with ~20% carbonate that is dominated by larger benthic foraminifera and mollusks. Focusing analysis on only the fine-fraction of deep-penetrating cores (≥70 cm) from 15 to 40 m water depths yields reliable 210Pb profiles, in contrast to analysis of bulk sediment (graphical abstract). Sedimentation rates increase offshore five-fold, from 0.01–0.04 cm/y in 15 m water depth to 0.21–0.27 cm/y in 30–40 m depths, reflecting offshore redistribution of flood-delivered siliciclastic sediments away from the wadi mouth, a result also supported by an offshore increase in the inventory of excess 210Pb. In contrast, the thickness of the surface mixed layer (SML) decreases from >30 cm to ~20 cm with proximity to anthropogenic stressors (channelized flood runoff, historic release of sewage and operation of fish cages), which we attribute to the suppression of macrobenthic burrowers. The rate of sedimentation on the Gulf shelf –away from dynamic bypassing in the 15 m shoreface – is comparable to other tropical carbonate shelves rich in large benthic foraminifera, and is higher than rates documented on the adjacent slope, increasing confidence in this approach to 210Pb analysis using only the fine fraction. Analysis of the fine fraction rather than bulk sediment would be a useful adjustment to 210Pb methodology in any area with scarce fine-grained sediment.

In order to assess the impact of recent industrialization and land-use changes in the Can Gio Mangrove Forest, a Biosphere Reserve in Southern Vietnam, we analyzed heavy metal (HM), total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations in a 210Pb-dated sediment core, allowing for the environmental reconstruction of the last three decades. C/N ratios were very high (>20) until ~1990, reflecting highly refractory organic matter. Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQG's) violations were observed particularly after the establishment of industries in the area in the late-1990s. Chromium (Cr) and copper (Cu) exceeded the threshold effect levels (TEL); whereas nickel (Ni) was above the probable effects level (PEL), identifying the risk of potential adverse biological effects. Moderate contamination, mainly from cobalt (Co) and lead (Pb), was detected by the contamination factor (CF) index, with Pb levels likely originating from mainly anthropogenic sources, particularly after ~1992, as indicated by elevated enrichment factor (EF) values. A high positive correlation was found between Pb, Cr, Cu and Ni (r ≥ 0.8), while Co, cadmium (Cd) and TOC were highly positive correlated (r = 0.9). We identified evidence of point sources, atmospheric pollution and erosion as the main contributors to enhanced HM levels. However, negative values of the Geo-accumulation index (I-geo) indicated uncontaminated sediments. This discrepancy in pollution indices was likely due to the use of shale averages instead of regional levels as background values, as well as the influence of multiple stressors.

Deep-sea mining for polymetallic nodules is expected to have severe environmental impacts because in addition to the nodules, benthic fauna as well as the upper reactive sediment layer is removed through the mining operation, and blanketed by resettling material from the suspended sediment plume. This study aims to provide a holistic assessment of the biogeochemical recovery after a disturbance event by applying prognostic simulations based on an updated diagenetic background model and validated with novel (micro)-biological data. It was found that the recovery strongly depends on the impact type; complete removal of the reactive surface sediment reduces seafloor nutrient fluxes over centuries, while geochemical processes after resuspension and mixing of the surface sediment are near pre-impact state one year after the disturbance. Furthermore, the geochemical impact in the DISCOL area would be mitigated to some degree by a clay-bound Fe(II)-reaction layer, impeding the downward diffusion of oxygen, thus stabilizing the redox zonation of the sediment during transient post-impact recovery. The interdisciplinary (geochemical, numerical and biological) approach highlights the closely linked nature of benthic ecosystem functions, e.g. through bioturbation, microbial biomass and nutrient fluxes, which is also of great importance for the system recovery.

Hydrothermal vent fields found at mid-ocean ridges emit hydrothermal fluids which disperse as neutrally buoyant plumes. From these fluids seafloor massive sulfides (SMS) deposits are formed which are being explored as possible new mining sites for (trace) metals and rare earth elements (REE). It has been suggested that during mining activities large amounts of suspended matter will appear in the water column due to excavation processes, and due to discharge of mining waste from the surface vessel. Understanding how natural hydrothermal plumes evolve as they spread away from their source and how they affect their surrounding environment may provide some analogies for the behaviour of the dilute distal part of chemically enriched mining plumes. This study on the extensive Rainbow hydrothermal plume, observed up to 25 km downstream from the vent site, enabled us to investigate how microbial communities change in the presence of a natural plume. The (trace) metal and REE content of suspended particulate matter (SPM) was determined using HR-ICP mass spectrometry and the microbial communities of the neutrally buoyant plume, above plume-, below plume-, and near-bottom water and sediment were characterised by using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing methods. Both vertically in the water column and horizontally along the neutrally buoyant plume, geochemical and biological changes were evident as the neutrally buoyant plume stood out by its enrichments in (trace) metals and REEs, of which the concentrations changed as the plume aged. This was also reflected in the background pelagic system as Epsilonproteobacteria started to dominate and the biodiversity appeared to reduce with distance away from the Rainbow hydrothermal vent field. The Rainbow hydrothermal plume provides a geochemically enriched natural environment, which is a heterogeneous, dynamic habitat that is conducive to ecological changes in a short time span.

Cable bacteria induce long-distance electron transport in the seafloor and can exert a powerful control on the elemental cycling in marine sediments by creating extreme excursions in porewater pH. Yet, the natural distribution of cable bacteria is still largely unknown, and so their role in coastal biogeochemical cycling remains poorly quantified. Here we show that cable bacteria can be abundant in the sediments of intertidal bivalve reefs, where they strongly influence the pore water geochemistry, resulting in a potentially beneficial interaction between the sulfur oxidizing microbes and biodepositing fauna. Cable bacteria occurred in sediments accumulating within mussel and oyster reefs in the Wadden Sea (The Netherlands), at cumulative filament densities up to 1038 m cm−2. Additionally, cable bacteria were found at moderately high cumulative filament densities (up to 56 m cm−2) in a heavily bioturbated sandy sediment adjacent to the muddy reefs. Microsensor profiling revealed strong sulfide removal and intense acid generation associated with the electrogenic sulfide oxidation metabolism of the cable bacteria. Strongly elevated concentrations of dissolved calcium (up to 35 mM), manganese (up to 250 μM), and iron (up to 700 μM) were observed in the pore waters, consistent with acidity-driven dissolution of calcium carbonates and iron sulfides. This field study provides substantive evidence that cable bacteria exert a decisive control on the cycling of sulfur and carbonate minerals in cohesive coastal sediments, and identifies that the distribution and influence of cable bacteria covers a greater range of natural habitats than previously believed.

The Cascais Canyon delivers contaminated sediments from the shelf to the deep marine environment. Multi-core PE252-32, located at 2100 m water depth in the canyon, records the latest 300 years of sedimentation. It was dated by 210Pb and analyzed texturally and geochemically for major elements and selected trace metals (Cu, Cr, Hg, Li, Ni, Pb and Zn). Cluster analysis performed on the down-core geochemical data identified four groups of variables related by grain-size, geochemical source and composition. Mercury, Pb and Zn were grouped in a cluster representing the anthropogenic component. Cluster analysis was applied again particularly to the latter cluster relatively to depth, in order to constrain the onset and temporal evolution of anthropogenic contamination. A second clustering, made on the basis of Hg, Pb and Zn, grouped samples by age and degree of anthropogenic contamination. One cluster contained relatively uncontaminated samples older than 1900 AD, and another cluster samples younger than 1900 AD with distinct metal enrichment. Maximum enrichments occurred during the early 1980s, followed by a slight recovery from the mid-1980s to the present. Mercury was the element with the highest enrichment factor (EFHg=5). Despite relatively low accumulation rates at this core location, our results show the importance of the Cascais Canyon as a transport route for contaminated sediments from the Tagus prodelta into the deep regions of the Portuguese Margin. El Cañón submarino de Cascais distribuye sedimentos contaminados de la plataforma continental al medio marino profundo. El testigo PE252-32, situado a 2100 metros de profundidad dentro del cañón, registra los últimos 300 años de su sedimentación. Se ha datado con 210Pb y ha sido analizada su granulometría, elementos mayoritarios y traza (cobre, cromo, mercurio, litio, níquel, plomo y zinc). Se ha llevado a cabo un análisis estadístico clúster, inicialmente aplicado a las series de datos geoquímicos en función de la profundidad, identificándose 4 grupos de variables, relacionados por la granulometría, procedencia y composición geoquímica. Los metales mercurio, plomo y zinc aparecen agrupados en un clúster que representa la componente antropogénica. A continuación el mismo análisis estadístico se aplicó específicamente a este grupo, en función de la profundidad, organizando las muestras según la edad de contaminación antropogénica. Como resultado las muestras quedan agrupadas en dos clústers principales, el de las muestras no contaminadas y más antiguas de 1900 AC, y el de las muestras más recientes de 1900 AC, marcando esta fecha el inicio de la contaminación por impacto de la actividad humana. Los máximos enriquecimientos ocurren durante el inicio de la década de los años ochenta, seguidos de un ligero descenso a partir de mediados de la misma década hasta la actualidad. De entre los demás, el mercurio es el elemento con el mayor grado de enriquecimiento (EFHg=5). Aunque la tasa de acumulación de sedimentos en este lugar es relativamente baja, los resultados obtenidos ponen en evidencia la importancia del Cañón submarino de Cascais como vía de transporte de sedimentos contaminados depositados en el pro-delta del Tajo a las regiones profundas del margen de Portugal.

Processes, pathways and fluxes of sediment transport and deposition in the Nazaré submarine canyon, Portuguese continental margin, were investigated by water column profiling of suspended particulate matter, recording of near-bottom currents and suspended particulate matter fluxes with benthic landers, and by analysis of surface sediment cores. The results show that fine-grained suspended sediment from the adjacent shelf is captured in the upper canyon and actively transported through the canyon to the abyssal plain under influence of tidal currents and intermittent sediment gravity flows. Tidal currents are actively resuspending and transporting sediment in the upper to middle canyon, as reflected by high concentration of suspended particles in bottom waters, high horizontal and vertical sediment fluxes in the bottom water layer and high sediment accumulation rate on the seabed. Diminishing strength of tidal currents leads to focussed sediment deposition in the middle canyon. Further transport of sediments toward the lower canyon takes place predominantly by sediment gravity flows occurring on yearly or longer timescale. Turbidity currents strong enough to transport sand-sized material to the lower canyon occur only on centennial or longer timescales. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In this study we describe recent coccolith assemblages from surface sediments of the central Portuguese continental margin. By investigating variation in coccolith concentrations and relative abundances along north–south and onshore–offshore gradients and between submarine canyons and open shelf and slope areas, and by correlation of coccolith distribution with sediment characteristics (sediment bulk composition and particle-size, Corg/Ntot and sediment accumulation rate), we assess to what extent (paleo)ecological information can be distinguished from taphonomical effects (dissolution and mechanical destruction, lateral transport and dilution with terrigenous material). The main finding of this study is that original distribution patterns reported for living coccolithophores from the Portuguese margin surface waters are reflected by patterns in relative abundances of coccoliths in the underlying sediment, despite the vigorous current dynamics and active sediment transport on the shelf and in the canyons. Like in the surface water assemblages, Gephyrocapsa oceanica, Coronosphaera mediterranea, Helicosphaera carteri and Coccolithus pelagicus are more prevalent in sediments of the continental shelf and upper canyon reaches, whereas Gephyrocapsa muellerae, Calcidiscus leptoporus and the group comprising Umbilicosphaera sibogae, Umbellosphaera irregularis and Rhabdosphaera spp. have higher relative abundances in sediments of the open slope. Greater abundance of the coastal assemblage in sediments of the upper Nazare Canyon appears associated with persistent high productivity driven by amplification of coastal upwelling and internal tidal pumping in the canyon head and the shelf area south of it. Enrichment of oceanic species in the upper reaches of both the Nazare and Lisbon–Setubal Canyon, compared with adjacent shelf areas, suggests displacement of oceanic coccolithophores in oceanic surface water masses advected coastwards along the canyon axes. While coccolith relative abundances in the sediment thus seem to reflect original distribution patterns, precluding major post-mortem redistribution of coccoliths, we found a distinct inverse relationship between coccolith concentration and sediment particle size, suggesting that sedimentary processes control the accumulation of coccoliths in the sediment. We propose a taphonomy-driven scenario, in which coccolith preservation is favored by rapid incorporation in the sediment near their area of origin, while coccoliths reworked by currents and transported away from their area of origin are subject to non-selective destructive processes, including dissolution and mechanical abrasion. This scenario would explain the observed apparent paradox of the preservation of the primary ecological signal in an environment known for its dynamic sedimentary processes. This study provides important insights on the processes governing the preservation of the ecological signature in the sedimentary record and testifies on the enormous potential of coccoliths in paleoapplications.

The Whittard Canyon (NE Atlantic) is one of the largest canyon systems on the northern Bay of Biscay margin. It likely receives a high input of organic matter from the productive overlying surface waters, and part of this organic matter may eventually be transferred down the canyon into the Whittard Channel extending from the canyon mouth onto the Biscay Abyssal Plain. To establish if substantial transport of organic matter takes place from the canyon into the deep-sea channel we: (1) deployed a benthic lander in the Whittard Channel for a period of one year to measure near-bottom particulate matter transport and deposition rates; (2) collected surface sediment samples from the Whittard Channel and adjacent areas to assess possible organic matter enrichment in the channel (3) surveyed transects across the channel and adjacent areas with towed video camera to assess distribution of benthic megafauna potentially indicating enhanced flux of fresh organic material. The video surveys revealed massive occurrence of elpidiid holothurians in the proximal Whittard Channel, whilst only low numbers were counted further down the channel and on areas adjacent to the channel. We speculate that these deposit-feeding holothurians were attracted by the elevated content of relatively fresh organic matter in surface sediments of the proximal channel, as indicated by analysis of the surface sediment samples. Yet, whilst we expected that organic matter enrichment in the channel could be attributed to down-canyon transport through the Whittard Canyon, this could not be confirmed by data recorded by the benthic lander. During most of the 1-year deployment period, the net near-bottom currents and suspended particulate matter transport was directed in up-channel direction. During two sediment-gravity flow events recorded in March and July 2011, most likely originating from the Whittard Canyon, substantial deposition of particulate matter did occur in the Whittard Channel. However, the material deposited during those events consisted largely of inorganic sediment and was relatively poor in fresh organic material, and hence could not have substantially contributed to the organic matter enrichment observed in the channel. The highest deposition flux of fresh organic matter, recorded in May 2011, was not associated with any down-channel flow and more likely was derived from local settling of phytodetritus produced during the spring phytoplankton bloom. Based on our observations we infer that the organic enrichment observed in the proximal Whittard Channel is due to redistribution of phytodetritus by bottom currents, and accumulation of this material in the topographic depression formed by the Whittard Channel. The mobility of the elpidiid holothurians allows them to exploit these localised food sources.

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) core scanning provides rapid high-resolution (down to 1 mm) records of chemical composition on split sediment cores. The measurements are non-destructive and require very limited sample preparation. The new Avaatech XRF Core Scanner, operational since 2002, covers the atomic mass range from Al to U. Instrument parameters, especially tube voltage, can be adjusted to provide optimum settings for selected elements or sets thereof. Owing to the nature of the surface of split sediment cores, particularly effects resulting from sample inhomogeneity and surface roughness, results are semiquantitative, yet provide reliable records of the relative variability in elemental composition downcore. Selected case studies from diverse sedimentary settings in the NE Atlantic Ocean illustrate a range of applications of XRF logging data. These include preliminary stratigraphic interpretations (glacial-interglacial cycles), provenance studies of the terrigenous sediment fraction, lithological characterization, early diagenetic processes and distinction between carbonate phases (aragonite v. calcite).

The preservation of C org in various shelf seas from different geological, hydrological and climatological settings is compared. Most of these shelves have been studied extensively over the last two to three decades, often within the framework of large (inter)national research projects. Various factors (physical oceanography, chemical conditions, sedimentation rates) that could influence the preservation of C org are discussed. Not only recent conditions, but also longer time scale fluctuations (glacials versus inter-glacials, sea level variations) are dealt with. Most (>95%) of the C org introduced onto shelves by primary production and imported from the oceans and continents is mineralized in the water column and sediments. It appears that the role of shelves as sinks for C org is sometimes overestimated. Large areas of the continental shelves do not show any accumulation of organic matter under present day conditions. Only locally, where hydrological and sedimentological conditions are favourable for organic matter accumulation considerable amounts of C org are buried. On longer time scales the role of shelves as sinks for C org is limited, even more than under recent conditions. Continental slopes, canyons and deep-sea fans are thought to be the main sinks for C org .

This study reports on measurements of organic carbon (Corg) and total nitrogen (Ntot) in surface sediments originating from 6 transects along the northwest European continental margin. After elimination of carbonates by an acidification technique using sulphurous acid, both elements were analysed in the same sediment sample using an elemental analyser. Corg and Ntot in the sample were comparatively low, ranging between 1 and 10 mg C and 0.2 to 1 mg N g−1 dry sediment. In a second analysis, the samples were analysed without acid addition, resulting in Ntot concentrations of 0–50% higher compared to their acidified counterparts. As a consequence, molar C/N ratios derived from the analysis of Corg and Ntot in the acidified sample ranged between 6 to 11, while the Ntot separate analysis reduced C/N ratios to 6 to 8. It is suggested that the addition of sulphurous acid to eliminate inorganic carbon volatilises nitrogenous organic matter.

Stable Pb isotope ratios ((206)Pb/(207)Pb, (208)Pb/(206)Pb), (210)Pb, Pb, Al, Ca, Fe, Mn and Si concentrations were measured in 7 sediment cores from the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula to assess the Pb contamination throughout the last 200 years. Independently of their locations, all cores are characterized by increasing Pb/Al rends not related to grain-size changes. Conversely, decreasing trends of (206)Pb/(207)Pb were found towards the present. This tendency suggest a change in Pb sources reflecting an increased proportion derived from anthropogenic activities. The highest anthropogenic Pb inventories for sediments younger than 1950s were found in the two shallowest cores of Cascais and Lisboa submarine canyons, reflecting the proximity of the Tagus estuary. Lead isotope signatures also help demonstrate that sediments contaminated with Pb are not constrained to estuarine-coastal areas and upper parts of submarine canyons, but are also to transferred to a lesser extent to deeper parts of the Portuguese Margin.

Three short marine sediment cores from the Cascais Submarine Canyon (CSC; cores 252-32 and 252-35) and the Estremadura Spur (core 252-16) on the central Portuguese Margin were analysed for Hg, Pb, Al, and Mn concentrations, and both Pb and Hg stable isotope compositions, in order to reconstruct trends in Hg and Pb sources and accumulation. Sediment ages were determined based on Pb-210 measurements. The studied cores reveal increasing Hg and Pb concentration, independent of grain-size variations, since the middle of the 19th century towards the Present. Concomitantly, a decreasing trend of Pb-206/Pb-207 to less radiogenic values towards the surface was found, indicating increasing anthropogenic inputs. The lowest values of delta Hg-202 were generally observed in the older sediments characterized by low Hg and Pb concentrations, suggesting a low input of anthropogenic metals. Odd mass number (Hg-199 and Hg-201) Hg isotopes in sediment samples from core 252-16 were characterized by positive mass independent fractionation (MIF), while recent sediments from cores 252-32 and 252-35 did not reveal significant MIF, probably reflecting both the proximity to the source of anthropogenic Hg contamination (Tagus Estuary) and the importance of the CSC as a particle carrier. The multi-tracer approach, based on both stable Hg and Pb isotopic signatures, confirms anthropogenic Hg and Pb enrichment in recent marine sediments and also allows us to distinguish between areas dominated by detrital (e.g. CSC) versus hemipelagic (Estremadura Spur) sedimentation.

We present a conceptual model which explains benthic foraminiferal microhabitat preferences in terms of differences in the downward organic flux. We argue that under oligotrophic conditions the microhabitat depth is controlled by the availability of metabolizable food particles in the sediment. Under more eutrophic conditions, the ecosystem is no longer food-controlled, but instead, a critical oxygen level determines down to what depth we find a living fauna. Under food-limited conditions, anaerobic degradation of organic matter may provide an additional food source around the redox front, which could explain deep infaunal maxima reported in the literature. In a sample transect through the Adriatic Sea, both microhabitat controls (food-limited and oxygen-limited) are present. On the shelf and the upper part of the slope, the rather shallow depth of the microhabitat is controlled by a critical oxygen level. In the 1250 m deep southern basin and on the lower part of the slope, on the contrary, the availability of metabolizable organic matter, and not a critical oxygen level, determines down to what depth living foraminifera are found.

International audience; Live benthic foraminifera were studied in eight cores collected along a depth transect ranging 282–4987 m on the Portuguese margin. Total standing stocks (TSS) and species assemblages from both 63–150- and >150-μm fractions are compared between stations along the transect and with previous live foraminiferal studies from the Bay of Biscay and western Iberian margin. Based on the sedimentary organic matter contents and ecological traits of the retrieved foraminifera, three groups of stations are distinguished: (1) eutrophic upper-slope stations (282–1002 m) with faunas dominated by Uvigerina mediterranea, U. elongatastriata, Melonis barleeanus, Bigenerina nodosaria, Trifarina bradyi, Epistominella vitrea, Cribrostomoides bradyi, and Bolivina robusta, (2) mesotrophic middle- to lower-slope stations (1374–2475 m) with faunas dominated by Uvigerina peregrina, Globobulimina affinis, and Repmanina charoides, and (3) oligotrophic lower-slope and abyssal-plain stations (2908–4987 m) with faunas in the larger size fraction dominated by Cibicides kullenbergi and agglutinated species such as Reophax fusiformis and Recurvoides sp. 1. The smaller size fraction is dominated by opportunistic calcareous species such as Bulimina translucens, Epistominella exigua, and Nuttallides pusillus, along with Reophax fusiformis, but most of these species are diminished at 4987 m, where Reophax fusiformis, Pullenia salisburyi, and various monothalamous agglutinates are dominant. This succession of assemblages probably reflects the increasing scarcity of trophic resources with water depth. This hypothesis is corroborated by 1) the clear decrease of TSS with increasing water depth, and 2) the decreasing sediment phytopigment concentrations towards deeper sites. Moreover, the decreasing percentage of perforate calcareous foraminifera, and increasing percentage of agglutinated foraminifera with water depth, suggests that, in general, perforate calcareous species have higher trophic requirements than agglutinated ones.

Piston cores from the summits of coral topped carbonate mounds at the south west Rockall Trough margin reveal that the sediments have undergone significant post-depositional modifications affecting the original geochemical signature and mineralogical composition of the sediments. This diagenetic imprint provides information about the geochemical processes within cold-water coral mounds. The most prominent result of diagenetic alteration of the primary sediment composition is the absence or poor preservation of aragonitic coral skeletons in certain depth intervals associated with lithification.This study focuses on the enrichment of redox-sensitive elements and the dissolution of primary magnetic ferric iron minerals in the depth interval below lithification levels. By combining the magnetic susceptibility with the XRF signal of Fe and Ti specifically, intervals with susceptibility variations related to the conversion of strongly magnetic into weakly magnetic iron species can be defined.In all three studied cores a succession is recognised with a lithified interval with aragonite dissolution and low-Mg calcite precipitates that is underlain by an interval of magnetite dissolution and of iron and manganese enrichment. For the most recent lithified interval it is demonstrated that initial lithification occurred before an erosional regime was in place, most likely near the end of interglacial or at the start of glacial periods. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.