The Sefidrud has developed a large delta in the south west of the Caspian Sea. Its delta is characterized by rapid sedimentation rate (20 mm/yr) in the delta plain and low sedimentation rate (1.67 mm/yr) in a very steep delta front. Sefidrud Delta evolution depends upon sediment supply by river and longshore current under rapid Caspian Sea Level (CSL) fluctuation and tectonic setting at the point of entry to the basin. The tectonic setting caused a very steep slope in the delta front. Sediment supply is variable and affected by river avulsion and dam construction. The CSL has undergone significant changes during the last millennium. Therefore, the Sefidrud Delta evolution during the last millennium is explained based on CSL fluctuations. This fluctuation has major impacts not only on coastal lagoons, but also more inland in wetlands when the CSL rose up to at least -21.44 m (i.e. >6 m above the present water level) during the early Little Ice Age. Although previous studies in the southern coast of the Caspian Sea have detected a high-stand during the Little Ice Age period, this study presents the first evidence that this high-stand reached so far inland and at such a high altitude. This study also examines the interdependence of different factors in the evolution of coastal lagoons as a part of delta evolution. Dam flushing operations and rapid sea–level rise (~3 m between 1977 and 1995) have accelerated the infilling of the coastal lagoon system. This rapid infilling (31 mm/yr) makes the whole system more prone to sediment encroachment in the short term. Because the lagoons are short-lived and have dynamic evolution, the impact of the Anthropocene is also visible in the delta evolution.

A regiäo de Monte Verde (Camanducaia, MG) está sìtuada a 1500 m de altitude, na porção sul da serra da Mantiqueira. Alvéolos do relevo serrano, como o entroncamento dos córregos do cadete e da Minhoca com o rio Jaguari, junto à sua área urbana, propìciaram o acúmulo de sucessões métricas de sedimentos argilo-arenosos em condiçöes favoráveis à formação de material turfoso e à preservação de palinomorfos. Nesta área, o presente estudo reconstitui, a partir da integração dos registros palinológico, sedimentológico (granulometria e minerais pesados) e geoquímico/isotópico (C e N) de três testemunhos rasos (até 230 cm), a evoluçäo e os possíveis controles sedimentares e paleoclimáticos do cenário paleoflorístico no Quaternário tardio, com especial atençäo para a Floresta de Araucária. O contexto geral registrado nos testemunhos é de planície de inundação fluvial, com cobertura arbórea próxima, e influência varìável de fluxos de encosta. Na parte montante do vale do cadete, obtiveram-se idades compreendidas entre 38695 - 40522 anos cal A.P., em 220 cm de profundidade, e 2060 - 1880 anos cal 4.P., em 5 cm. Na parte inferior da coluna, até cerca de 16000 anos A.P., há indícios de aumento de distalidade para cima. Entre cerca de 16000 e 3500 anos A.P., evidencia-se redução da influência da matéria orgânica de plantas terrestres, em detrimento de algas, possivelmente em momento de abeÍura relativa da cobertura florestal. Os últimos 3500 anos seriam de restabelecimento da cobeÍura florestal, possivelmente já nos moldes da existente hoje, com redução gradual do aporte de areia. Mais a jusante do mesmo vale, as idades ficaram compreendidas entre 26764-26023 anos cal 4.P., em 210 cm de profundidade, e 2350 - 2150 anos cal A.P., em 10 cm, A parte inferior do intervalo, mais antiga que 20830-20370 anos cal A.P., é dominada por influência de áreas fontes locais, graníticas. Em 20000 anos A.P., fontes distais, metamórficas, passam a atuar, com aumento da influência de algas. Nos últimos 5000 a 6000 anos A.P., tem-se o readensamento da Floresta de Araucária, com manutenção de brejos, sob condiçöes climáticas frias e úmidas. Os resultados sugerem que as mudanças climáticas nos últimos 40 mil anos em Monte Verde não foram acentuadas a ponto de exercer grande impacto florístico e que houve predomínio de Araucaria e elementos associados a essa floresta durante todo intervalo estudado, sob condições climáticas frias e úmidas. / he Monte Verde region (Camanducaia, MG) is located in the southern portion of the Mantiqueira Range, with 1500 m of elevation. Relief alveoli, as the junction of cadete and Minhoca creeks with Jaguari River, sited close to the urban area, propitiated the accumulation of metric sucessions of sandy-mud sediments, under cond itions favorable to the formation of peat material and preservation of paìynomorphs. ln this area, the present study integrates palynological, sedimentological (grain size and heavy minerals) and geochemical/isotopic (C and N) records of three shallow cores (up to 230 cm deep) to reconstruct the evolution and possible sedtmentary and paleoclimatic controls of the Laie Quaternary paleofloristic scenario, with special emphasìs in the Araucaria Forest. The general sedimentary context recorded in the cores is a river floodplain close to tree cover areas, and with variable influence of slope flows. On the upstream Cadete valley, were obtained ages of 38695-40522 cal years BP, at the deep of 220 cm, and 2060-1880 cal years BP, at 5 cm. From the bottom of the column until about 16000 BP, there is evidence of increased distality upwards The time interval between about 16000 and 3500 yr BP shows a reduction in the influence of organic matter derived from terrestrial plants, to the detriment of algae, possibly in a moment of relative opening of the forest cover. The last 3500 years would be characterized by the restoration of forest cover, possibly similar to the existing today, with gradual reduction of the sand supply ln the downstream of the same valley, the ages vary from 26,764 fo 26,023 cal years BP, at 210 cm deep, to 2350 to 2150 cal years BP, at 10 cm. The lower part of the sedimentary column, older than 20830-20370 AP\' is dominated by the influence of local granitìc sources areas. ln 20000 years BP, distal metamorphic sources begin to act paralel with a increased influence of algae. over the last 5000-6000 years, a increase of Araucaria Forest is recorded, with maintenance of weflands under cold and wet climatic conditions. This results suggest that climate changes during the last 40 k years in Monte Verde region were not sufficient to exert great floristic impact. Araucaria and associated forest elements predominated during the whole studied interval, under cold and wet weather conditions.

Les plus anciens anthropoïdes fossiles sont issus de plusieurs formations géologiques asiatiques de l'Eocène moyen à tardif (47 à 34 millions d'années), parmi lesquelles la formation de Pondaung (Birmanie) a délivré la faune la plus diverse. L'objectif de cette thèse est de reconstituer la paléogéographie, l'environnement et le climat de l'Eocène birman afin de mieux comprendre leur histoire évolutive. Dans un premier temps, l'évolution de la provenance du sédiment de Birmanie centrale a été étudiée par une approche alliant pétrographie, lithostratigraphie et géochimie isotopique. L'étude montre que la Birmanie centrale est restée à l'écart de tout apport sédimentaire himalayen et tibétain et formait, à l'Eocène, une bande côtière connectant l'avant-pays indien avec la région de la Sonde. Les paléoenvironnements de la formation de Pondaung ont ensuite été reconstitués par une approche combinant sédimentologie fluviale, pédologie et paléobotanique. Ces approches révèlent un paysage de marécages saisonniers, de forêts ripariennes et d'espaces ouverts, développés sous un climat tropical à forte saisonnalité. Les bois fossiles identifiés représentent différents écotones forestiers similaires à ceux des forêts de mousson actuelles. L'étude en isotope stable de gastéropodes fossiles et de dents de mammifères confirme un régime de précipitation semblable à la mousson moderne. Les paléoenvironnements de Pondaung contrastent avec l'idée d'épaisses forêts primaires comme habitat préférentiel des premiers anthropoïdes et lient leur biodiversité aux zones tropicales saisonnières, où les plus grosses espèces, comme les amphipithécidés, étaient particulièrement compétitives. / The fossil record of the first anthropoids is currently fed by several Middle to Late Eocene Asian strata (47 to 34 millions years ago), of which the Pondaung Formation in Myanmar has yielded the most diverse and prolific fauna. The aim of this PhD is to reconstruct the paleogeography, paleoenvironments, and paleoclimate of the Eocene Burmese successions in order to better constrain the early evolutionary history of the anthropoids. The sediment provenance of central Myanmar was first studied using a multi-proxy approach, combining petrography, sedimentology and isotope geochemistry. Results show that central Myanmar was isolated from any Himalayan or Tibetan input and additionally formed a narrow coastal band linking the Indian foreland with the Sunda area during the Eocene. Alluvial palaeoenvironments of the Pondaung Formation were then reconstructed through a combined sedimentological, pedological and paleobotanical approach. Results revealed a mosaic landscape with seasonal swamps, riparian forests, and open areas, expanding under a tropical climate with significant seasonality. Fossil woods form different ecotones similar to those of modern days monsoonal forests. Paleoclimate reconstruction through stable isotope geochemistry on mammalian fossil teeth and fossil gastropods confirms a monsoonal, modern-like rainfall regime in the Eocene. Pondaung paleoenvironments contrast with the idea of Eocene evergreen rainforests as a preferential living environment for the first anthropoids and link the Eocene biodiversity of anthropoid fauna to the tropical seasonal areas, where the biggest species, such as the amphipithecids, were particularly competitive.

Upper to lower delta plain fluvial sand bodies, sealed by delta plain mudstones, form important hydrocarbon reservoir targets. Modelling complex geobodies in the subsurface is challenging, with a significant degree of uncertainty on dimensions, distribution and connectivity. Studies of modern and ancient paralic systems have produced a myriad of nomenclature and hierarchy schemes for classifying fluvial architectural elements; often lacking clearly-defined terminology. These are largely based on outcrop data where lateral and vertical relationships of bounding scour surfaces can be assessed in detail. Many of these key defining criteria are difficult to recognise or cannot be obtained from typical 3D seismic reflection data at reservoir depths greater than or equal to 2 km subsurface. This research provides a detailed statistical analysis of the Triassic fluvio-deltaic Mungaroo Formation on the North West Shelf of Australia, which is one of the most important gas plays in the world. A multidisciplinary approach addresses the challenge of characterising the reservoir by utilising an integrated dataset of 830 m of conventional core, wireline logs from 21 wells (penetrating up to 1.4 km of the upper Mungaroo Fm) and a 3D seismic volume covering approximately 10,000 km2. Using seismic attribute analysis and frequency decomposition, constrained by well and core data, the planform geobody geometries and dimensions of a variety of architectural elements at different scales of observation are extracted. The results produce a statistically significant geobody database comprising over 27,000 measurements made from more than 6,000 sample points. Three classes of geobodies are identified and interpreted to represent fluvial channel belts and channel belt complexes of varying scales. Fluvial geobody dimensions and geomorphology vary spatially and temporally and the inferred controls on reservoir distribution and architecture are discussed. Results document periods of regression and transgression, interpreted in relation to potential allocyclic and autocyclic controls on the evolution of the depositional system. Statistical analysis of width-to-thickness dimensions and key metrics, such as sinuosity, provided a well-constrained and valuable dataset that augments, and has been compared to, existing published datasets. Uncertainty in interpretation caused by data resolution is addressed; something recognised in many other studies of paralic systems. Given the data distribution, type and resolution, geobodies have possible interpretations as either incised valleys or amalgamated channel belts, with implications for developing predictive models of the system. This study offers the first published, statistically significant dataset for the Mungaroo Formation. It builds upon previous regional work, offering a detailed analysis of this continental scale paralic system and provides insight into the controls and mechanisms that influenced its spatial and temporal evolution. Focusing on improved understanding of geobody distribution and origin, the statistical parameters generated provide a robust dataset that can be used for 3D static reservoir models of analogue systems. Thus, helping to constrain potential geobody dimensions and reduce the uncertainties associated with modelling.

Ce travail pionnier porte sur l'étude de l'architecture stratigraphique du Bassin de la Cuanza à partir d'une approche conjuguée multi-échelle croisant la géomorphologie, l'interprétation sismique et la sédimentologie de faciès de l'intervalle Oligocène à Actuel. L'objectif est de préciser l'âge, le partitionnement de faciès, les milieux de dépôts de la zone littorale dans le but de dater et de caractériser les mouvements verticaux en relation avec le fluage du sel (tectonique gravitaire) et le soulèvement général de la marge en lien avec la déformation de la lithosphère. L'analyse détaillée des affleurements de la zone côtière permet de manière complémentaire de préciser les conditions de drainage de la paléo-Cuanza avec la mise en évidence d'un prisme deltaïque de type patte d'oiseau au Pliocène qui prograde sur un système éolien côtier. Par ailleurs, plus vers l'intérieur du bassin, à hauteur de BomJesus, une zone de haut-fond conduit à la mise en place d'un Gilbert delta alimenté par une possible proto-Cuanza, en marge de la plate-forme mixte du Miocène inférieur. Plus au large de cette plate-forme, dans le secteur de Cabo do São Braz à Barra do Cuanza, l'analyse détaillée de l'architecture stratigraphique sur les falaises permet de caractériser d'un point de vue faciès et processus de dépôt une succession de systèmes de chenaux-levées en compensation montrant localement des processus d'injection sableuse précoce en lien avec l'instabilité des bordures du chenal. Ces systèmes Oligocène à Pliocène sont étroitement contrôlés par la croissance des diapirs (Cabo Ledo) et alimentés à la fois par les apports fluviatiles, le démantèlement des plis diapiriques et des apports de la plate-forme mixte. A Sangano, les marges des chenaux turbiditiques contiennent des sables bioclastiques à bioturbations de type skolithos et Ophiomorpha qui indiquent l'instabilité gravitaire de la plate-forme qui borde les gouttières subsidentes, avec un potentiel de recolonisation du fond sableux par les faunes "turbiportées". En remontant vers le Nord on passe progressivement à des faciès de pente soulignés par des niveaux de black-shales qui marquent la fenêtre de productivité planctonique. Ces faciès sont surmontés par des marnes à intervalles de tempestites caractéristiques de l'offshore transition. Enfin, au Sud de Miradouro da Lua, on a pu mettre en évidence dans le Miocène supérieur des faciès contouritiques qui remontent la pente suivant une succession de cannelures d'érosion. Ces faciès sont tronqués par des dépôts sableux bioturbés typiques d'un environnement de shoreface. Depuis Cabo de Sao Braz jusqu'à Luanda on observe donc une succession à la fois temporelle et paléo-environnementale qui conforte le modèle de soulèvement différentiel/basculement de la série vers le Nord. Du Sud vers le Nord, on observe ainsi une évolution depuis des dépôts turbiditiquesinterdiapiriques oligocènes à miocènes inférieur dans le secteur de Cabo do São Braz/Cabo Ledo jusqu'à des faciès deltaïques de la paléo-Cuanza Pliocène et fluviatiles de braid-delta Pléistocène à hauteur de Miradouro da Lua. / This pioneering work, focuses on the study of the stratigraphic architecture of the Cuanza Basin, from a combined multi-scale approach crossing the geomorphology, seismic interpretation and sedimentologicalfacies from Oligocene interval to Present. The objective is to identify the age, the partitioning of facies, the environments of deposition of the coastal zone in order to date and characterize the vertical movements in relation to the salt creep (gravitational tectonic) and the general uplift of the margin related to the deformation of the lithosphere. Detailed analysis of the outcrops of the coastal zone allowed in a complementary manner specify the conditions of drainage of the paleo-Cuanza putting thus in evidence the identification of a deltaic prism type bird's foot in Pliocene which prograde on a coastal aeolian system. In addition, over to the basin, up to Bom Jesus, a shoal area led to the establishment of a Gilbert delta powered by a possible proto-Cuanza, in conjunction with the mixed platform of lower Miocene. Most off the shelf, in the area of Cabo de Sao Braz to Barra do Cuanza, a detailed analysis of the stratigraphic architecture of the cliffs allowed characterize in a viewpoint facies and depositional processes in a succession of channel-levee systems in compensation, showing locally early sandy injection processes related to the instability of the channel borders. These systems Oligocene to Pliocene are tightly controlled by the growth of diapirs (Cabo Ledo) and and sometimes they are fed by fluvial deposits, dismantling folds diapirs and contributions from mixed platform. In Sangano the turbidite channel banks contain the bioclastic sands with bioturbations type Skolithos and Ophiomorpha which indicate gravitational instability of the shelf that edge the subsidence incisions with a potential for colonization of the sandy bottom by Fauns "turbiportées". Going up to the north we pass gradually to slope facies highlighted by levels of black-shale that marks the window of planktonic productivity. These facies are overlain by marl with intervals of tempestites, characteristics of the offshore transition. Finally, to the South of Miradouro da Lua, we were able to put in evidence in upper Miocene contouritesfacies that climbs the slope following a series of grooves erosion. These facies are truncated by sandy deposits bioturbed typical of shoreface. From Cabo de Sao Braz until Luanda, sometimes is possible to obsreve a temporal and paleoenvironmental succession which reinforces the model of differential uplift or tilting of the series toward to the North. From South to the North, is observed an evolution of interdipiricturbiditic deposits of Oligocene to lower Miocene in the area of Cabo do Sao Braz / Cabo Ledo to deltaic facies of the paleo-Cuanza - Pliocene fluvial braid-delta of Pleistocene in Miradouro da Lua.

A erosão do solo constitui um dos grandes problemas de degradação ambiental em virtude do uso inadequado dos recursos naturais na agricultura moderna, provocando impactos intrínsecos à área agrícola, como perda de solo, água e nutrientes, e extrínsecos, como assoreamento e contaminação dos ecossistemas ripários. Na região do cerrado brasileiro, esse problema torna-se mais evidente pelo rápido crescimento das áreas de agricultura e a introdução da monocultura altamente dependente de insumos e de tecnologias agrícolas, o que alavancou o uso de pesticidas e fertilizantes no Brasil. Este trabalho estudou a redistribuição de solo e a eficiência da mata ciliar na retenção dos sedimentos, pela técnica do 137Cs, em duas transeções localizadas em dois locais de intenso uso agrícola, um cultivado com algodão (Transeção 1) em sistema de plantio convencional (SPC) e o outro cultivado com soja (Transeção 2) em sistema de plantio direto (SPD). No estudo, foram avaliadas a ocorrência dos teores totais e trocáveis dos metais Al, Ba, Co, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se e Zn e de resíduo do herbicida diuron nos solos e nas áreas de deposição das vertentes estudadas. Na Transeção 1, a mata ciliar mostrou-se eficiente na retenção de sedimentos, sendo a deposição classificada como resultado do fluxo de enxurrada laminar. Nesse local, os teores médios dos elementos Mn, Fe, Ba, S, Cu, Zn, Co, Cd e Ni foram maiores e estatisticamente diferentes (Wicoxon 5%) na área de deposição dos sedimentos. Na área cultivada com soja, a ocorrência de deposição inrregular e a evidências de formação de fluxo de enxurrada turbulento tornou a deposição pouco eficiente, com os sedimentos atingindo o curso d'água a jusante da faixa de mata ciliar. Nesse local, apenas o elemento S foi identificado em maior concentração e estatisticamente diferente (Wilcoxon 5%) na área de deposição dos sedimentos. As características distintas dos dois locais de estudo sugerem que a eficiência da mata ciliar na retenção dos sedimentos gerados na área agrícola, quando nas mesmas condições edafoclimáticas, é dependente do comprimento e da declividade da vertente, o que irá influenciar no tipo de fluxo ocorrente, da qualidade ambiental da vegetação ribeirinha e da largura da mata ciliar. / Soil erosion is associated with environmental degradation because of inadequate use of natural resources in modern agriculture, thus promoting in and off-site impacts, represented by soil, water and nutrient losses, silting and contamination of riparian ecosystems. In the Brazilian Cerrado region these impacts become more evident by its fast conversion to agriculture and industrial monoculture crops, highly dependent on chemical supplies and technologies, improving the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in Brazil. The aim of this research was to evaluate soil redistribution and sediment retention in riparian forests using the 137Cs assessment. The research site was composed of two transects in intensively commercial agricultural sites, one (Transect 1) under conventional tillage (SPC) and cotton, and the second (Transect 2) under no-tillage (SPD) and soybeans. Total and exchangeable amounts of Al, Ba, Co, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn, and the residue of the herbicide Diuron were determined along the cultivated slopes and deposition areas in the riparian forest. In Transect 1 the riparian forest was efficient in sediment retention, and deposition was in laminar runoff flow. The concentrations of Mn, Fe, Ba, S, Cu, Zn, Co, Cd and Ni were higher and significantly different in the riparian forest when compared to the erosional slopes (tested by Wicoxon, 5%). In the transect cultivated with soybeans, the irregular deposition and evidences of turbulent runoff pattern restricted deposition in the riparian areas, and the sediments could reach the river system after the riparian forest. In this transect only the Sulphur had higher concentrations in the riparian forest based on the Wilcoxon mean test at 5%. The opposite patterns observed in both areas suggest that the sediment retention efficiency of the riparian forest, even in equivalent soil and climate conditions, will depend on the length and slope of the erosional landscape, which will define runoff patterns; and on the quality and width of the riparian vegetation.

A dissertação visa caracterizar os depósitos sedimentares superficiais da planície arenosa de maré e de fundo/canal da porção superior da baía de Marajó, na área de influencia do Porto de Vila do Conde quanto sua geomorfologia, distribuição sedimentar e assembléia mineralógica de fundo, com ênfase nos minerais pesados. Os sedimentos foram classificados em nove classes texturais. A granulometria variou de argila à matacão. Os principais minerais pesados que ocorrem nos depósitos superficiais são: zircão, estaurolita, turmalina, cianita, granada e rutilo. Secundariamente ocorrem sillimanita, andaluzita, epidoto, apatita, topázio, muscovita, tremolita-actinolita, hornblenda, diopsídio, monazita, augita e biotita. Os grãos de estaurolita, zircão, turmalina e cianita apresentam ampla distribuição em todas as amostras dos sedimentos de fundo e planície. A assembléia mineralógica de pesados indica mais de uma área fonte de sedimentos. As feições geomorfológicas do curso fluvial estudado puderam ser descritas quanto suas formas, profundidades e composições sedimentares. A distribuição sedimentológica apresenta estreita relação com a morfologia e, sobretudo, evidencia as características de alta hidrodinâmica para esta área. Os sedimentos nas planícies de maré arenosas, localmente denominadas de “praias” de uma forma geral, ocorrem pela deposição de material arenoso fino, mal selecionado. Tais áreas, continuamente, recebem sedimento, de origem terciária, devido à proximidade com os afloramentos do grupo Barreiras. A suíte de minerais indica uma proveniência potencial de rochas metassedimentares, metamórficas de alto, médio e baixo grau e ígneas que afloram nas adjacências da área, tais quais de forma primaria a formação Barreiras e pós-Barreiras e secundariamente o complexo cristalino Xingu e o grupo Tocantins. / The dissertation aims to characterize the bottom sediments deposits of the tidal sandy plain and bottom/channel of the upper portion Marajó Bay, in area of the port of Vila do Conde about your geomorphology, sediment distribution and mineralogical assembly background, with emphasis on heavy minerals. The sediments were classified into nine textural classes. The particle size ranged from clay to boulder. The main heavy minerals that occur in the superficial deposits are zircon, staurolite, tourmaline, kyanite, garnet and rutile. Secondly occur sillimanite, andalusite, epidote, apatite, topaz, muscovite, tremolite-actinolite, hornblende, diopside, monazite, augite and biotite. The grains of staurolite, zircon, tourmaline and kyanite are widely distributed in all samples of bottom and tidal plain sediments. The heavy mineral assemblage indicates more than one source area of sediments. The geomorphological features of the studied river course could be described as their shapes, depths and sedimentary compositions. Features of sedimentological distribution are closely related to the morphology and, especially, highlights high hydrodynamics for this area. The sediments in sandy tidal flats, locally called "beaches" in general, occur by the deposition of fine sandy material, poorly selected. Such areas continuously receive sediment of Tertiary origin, due to the proximity of the outcrops of the Barriers group. The mineral suite indicates a potential provenance, metasedimentary rocks, metamorphic high, medium and low grade and igneous rocks that outcrop in the vicinity of the area, in a primary form the Barriers formation and post-Barriers and, then the Xingu crystalline complex and Tocantins group.

O mapeamento da Plataforma Continental Interna visando localização, qualificação e quantificação das reservas de material litoclásticos marinho possui poucos trabalhos relacionados. O Estado de Pernambuco sofre com erosões ao longo de todo seu litoral, e principalmente junto às cidades de Recife e Olinda. Assim, este estudo contribui tanto para o conhecimento da sedimentologia da plataforma continental interna adjacente ao Porto do Recife e à Praia dos Milagres em Olinda, quanto para a execução de futuras intervenções na recuperação das praias da região. Portanto, com objetivo de identificar áreas com concentrações de granulados litoclásticos marinhos compatíveis com especificações necessárias à regeneração de praias, foram analisadas 36 amostras, que foram coletadas ao longo de seis perfis equidistantes em 1 km, perpendiculares à linha de costa na plataforma interna do Porto do Recife. Em laboratório foram realizadas análises granulométricas e o estudo composicional de todas as amostras. Os resultados granulométricos mostram a predominância de sedimentos mal selecionados, ocorrendo classes variadas de tamanho entre seixo pequeno (8 mm) e lama (< que 0,062 mm), com predominância da fração areia grossa. A análise composicional revelou uma hegemonia de carbonatos marinhos. Os dados obtidos apresentam uma redução do suprimento sedimentar terrígeno local. Também de acordo com os resultados obtidos no presente estudo, a plataforma continental interna adjacente ao Porto do Recife e à praia dos Milagres em Olinda-PE, é essencialmente recoberta por areias biogênicas mal selecionadas, oriundas da morte e fragmentação dos organismos componentes dos recifes coralíneos e algálicos que ocorrem na plataforma continental interna. Dessa forma, esta área não possui material siliciclástico suficiente para ser utilizado na exploração mineral para recuperação artificial de praias no Estado de Pernambuco. / There are few studies that map the Internal Continental Platform referring to localization, qualification and quantification of reserves of litoclastic marine material. The Brazilian state Pernambuco suffers from erosions along the whole coast and particularly in areas close to the cities of Recife and Olinda. This study offers new knowledge about the sedimentology of the internal continental platform adjacent to the harbor of Recife and the Beach Milagres in Olinda. Furthermore, it points out measures that can be used to recover regional beaches. Along 6 profiles with a distance of 1km and perpendicular to the coast line at the internal platform of the harbor of Recife, 36 samples were collected and analyzed. Thus, areas with concentrations of litoclastic marine aggregates with the necessary characteristics for the recovery of the beaches were identified. A laboratory was used for granulometry and a compositional study of all samples. The granulometric results show mainly badly selected sediments. There are different sizes from small pebbles (8 mm) to mud (< than 0,062 mm), predominantly coarse sand fraction. The compositional analysis reveals hegemony of marine carbonates. Thus the obtained data indicates a reduction of local terrigenous sedimentary supply. This is probably due to the fact that the selected area is undergoing an initial transgressive process. Also in accordance with the obtained results of this study, the internal continental platform adjacent to the harbor of Recife and the Beach Milagres in Olinda, Pernambuco, is mainly covered by badly selected biogenic sand which has its origin in the death and fragmentation of components of the coral reef of the internal continental platform. As a result the area is not indicated to mineral exploration for the artificial recovery of the beaches in the state of Pernambuco.

Cyprus comprises three tectono-stratigraphic terranes: first, the Troodos Massif made up of Late Cretaceous oceanic lithosphere and its sedimentary cover in the centre of the island; secondly, the Mamonia Complex (and Moni Melange) a passive margin lithological assemblage in the west (and south) and thirdly, the Kyrenia Range, an active margin lithological assemblage in the north. This study focuses on the sedimentary cover of the Troodos Ophiolite in W Cyprus, the Triassic-Cretaceous sedimentary rocks of the Mamonia Complex and Late Cretaceous-Miocene igneous and sedimentary rocks in the Kyrenia Range, mainly based on combined sedimentology, geochemistry and geochronological dating. The Late Triassic-Early Cretaceous Mamonia Complex, SW Cyprus (and the Moni Melange, S Cyprus) represent parts of the emplaced passive continental margin of the S Neotethys. Late Triassic sandstones are characterised by a predominantly felsic source, with a subordinate mafic contribution. Jurassic-Early Cretaceous sandstones have a polycyclic felsic origin. Geochemical analyses are suggestive of progressive weathering and sediment recycling/sorting. The dominance of Ediacaran-Cryogenian and Tonian-Stenian-aged detrital zircon populations is suggestive of an ultimate north Gondwana source, probably recycled from Palaeozoic siliciclastic sedimentary rocks within Anatolia to the north. Similar detrital zircon populations characterise Early Cretaceous deltaic sandstone of the Moni Melange, S Cyprus. Sporadic Late Cretaceous subduction-related magmatism, represented by a Campanian volcaniclastic sequence (80.44±1.0 Ma) inWCyprus and a Late Campanian felsic volcanogenic sequence (72.9±1.0 Ma) in N Cyprus, represents early and more advanced stages of northward subduction during closure of the S Neotethys. Specifically, the Kannaviou Formation in W Cyprus (up to 750 m thick) is made up of deep-marine volcaniclastic sandstones that were mostly deposited by gravity flows and as air-fall tuff, interbedded with clay and radiolarian mudstones. Petrographic and geochemical analyses are indicative of a volcanic arc source, with deposition in a fore-arc basin. Petrographic evidence of terrigenous input (e.g. muscovite, muscovite schist, polycrystalline quartz) points to a subordinate continental source. Mineral chemistry is consistent with a volcanic arc origin. Elevated trace-element ratios in undevitrified volcanic glass (e.g. Th/Nb, Th/La) are indicative of involvement of continental crust or subducted terrigenous sediments in source-arc melting. Felsic volcanogenic rocks (Fourkovouno (Selvilitepe) Formation) in the Kyrenia Range, N Cyprus, occur as an up to 400 m-thick sequence of felsic tuffs, felsic debris-flowdeposits and rhyolitic lava flows. Geochemical analyses are indicative of evolved high-K and shoshonitic compositions, similar to those of the Andean active continental margin. Subduction continued to affect the northern continental margin of the S Neotethys in the Kyrenia Range during the Maastrichtian. This lead to the accumulation of Late Cretaceous sandstone turbidites and related basaltic volcanics, possibly in a back-arc setting. The volcanism took place in two phases (Late Cretaceous and Palaeogene-Early Eocene) during pelagic carbonate accumulation. These lavas have within-plate affinities, but with a variable subduction influence in some areas (e.g. western Kyrenia Range), which may be contemporaneous or inherited from previous subduction. The sedimentary sequences in the Kyrenia Range, N Cyprus, document diachronous closure of the S Neotethys. Late Cretaceous and Eocene sandstone turbidites, and the lower part of the overlying Oligocene-Miocene succession exhibit enrichment in ultramafic components that was probably sourced from ophiolite-related rocks in the Taurides to the north. In contrast, Miocene sandstone turbidites higher in the sequence show an increasing input of continent-derived siliciclastic material (and sorting effects). The terrigenous-influenced sediments are likely to represent erosion of thrust sheets that were emplaced from the S Neotethys onto the Arabian foreland in SE Turkey related to continental collision. Ediacaran-Cryogenian and Tonian-Stenian-aged zircons dominate the Late Cretaceous and Eocene sandstone turbidites, consistent with derivation from the Tauride micro-continent to the north and/or NE. Overlying Miocene sandstones include minor populations of Neoproterozoic-aged zircons, suggestive of reworking from source rocks of ultimately Gondwanan origin (e.g. NE Africa/Arabian-Nubian Shield). In summary, the thesis results exemplify the interaction of tectonic processes associated with the evolution of the S Neotethys Ocean. This began in the area studied with passive margin development (Triassic-Cretaceous), and was followed by multi-stage subduction-related volcanism and sedimentation (Late Cretaceous-Miocene). Final closure of the S Neotethys in this area took place during the Late Miocene-Recent.

The holotypic locality of the brachiosaurid titanosauriform sauropod, Abydosaurus mcintoshi, is quarry DNM-16, located in Dinosaur National Monument. The bones are preserved near the base of a heterolithic, trough cross stratified to planar bedded sandstone channel complex. The trough cross to planar bedded sandstones mark times of variable flow with times of high flow velocity based on bones whose upper surfaces were eroded before final burial. The abundance of mud with the dominant medium to fine sand, and poorly confined sandstone channels indicate the bones were transported and buried in medial to distal intermittent flows of a distributive fluvial system. The quarry is at the base of the Naturita Formation, the base of which is latest Albian in age. The sauropods lived and died in the middle Cretaceous as the Cretaceous seaway advanced southward. The unconformity below the Naturita Formation and on top of the underlying the Ruby Ranch Member represents the LK-2 sequence boundary. The quarry produced ~260 bones, all of which represent Abydosaurus, except for several small theropod teeth, denoting a single catastrophic event acting on a group of sauropods. About one-third of the bones occur in close association or articulation, including three skulls (one articulated with the first five cervical vertebrae), five limbs, and strings of caudal vertebrae. There is no evidence of preburial weathering or breakage, and trample scratch marks are rare. More than 20% of the bones exhibit irregular, mm-scale pits occur on the shafts and the articular ends of limb bones are commonly hollowed out. The irregular pits are termite foraging traces, and hollows indicate extensive mining by these insects. At least seven individuals of Abydosaurus are present, representing at least two ontogenetic stages (juveniles and subadults).Together, these observations indicate the following: (1) the catastrophic death of a sauropod herd; (2) partial carcass maceration; (3) minor transportation, including articulated units (skulls, vertebrae, limbs); (4) rapid burial in migrating, ephemeral, branches of a distributary fluvial system; (5) channel migration resulting in in-situ scouring of the upper surface of some bones; (6) burial of scoured bones. Termite infestation occurred both prior to, and after, fluvial entrainment and burial.