The Miocene Nullarbor Limestone is the most recent formation in the Cenozoic Eucla Group and was deposited in the Eucla Basin, southern Australia, at ~38°S paleolatitude during the early to middle Miocene. The rocks form the modern surface of the vast, karsted Nullarbor Plain. Older Eucla Group marine carbonates (Eocene-earliest Miocene) are cool-water in nature and dominated by bryozoans and echinoderms. The Nullarbor Limestone is subtropical in composition and rich in coralline algae (rhodoliths and articulated types), large and small benthic foraminifera and molluscs. Diverse zooxanthellate corals are also present but not numerous. Deposition is interpreted to have taken place in three main paleoenvironments: rhodolith gravels, seagrass banks, and open seafloors. The Southern Ocean extended inboard ~450 km from the shelf edge during Nullarbor Limestone deposition. Interpreted paleodepths ranged from the top to the base of the photic zone, implying a small slope over a wide shelf. The Miocene Eucla platform is therefore interpreted to have been epeiric in nature. Paleoenvironment distribution is explained using epeiric platform sedimentation patterns and comparisons with modern environments. Open seafloor environments, the deepest settings, are thought to have been below fair-weather wave base. Rhodolith gravels accumulated at intermediate depths, where waves frequently swept the seafloor. Seagrass banks developed in the shallowest waters farthest inboard, where wave energy had been largely dissipated. Diverse corals, large benthic foraminifera and micrite envelopes inboard and in the western part of the basin support the notion of paleotemperatures generally above 20°C, the upper limit of subtropical carbonate accumulation. Although deposition occurred during the Miocene Climatic Optimum, a simple overall temperature increase cannot completely account for the subtropical nature of these sediments at mid-latitudes. Tropical components decrease from west to east, implying a temperature gradient, probably due to the warm proto-Leeuwin Current. Thus, these subtropical carbonates were deposited at mid-latitudes and their presence did not simply reflect a change in global climate. / Thesis (Master, Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2010-12-23 16:05:47.981

<p>The results of the multivariate analyses suggest that most of the variation in the composition of the samples was of an intra-sample nature, illustrating large scale patchiness in foraminiferal distribution. There were, however, definite differences between communities around Robben Island and in St Helena Bay, and least variation was found between the control and pipeline sites, and between the stations of each site. When the trace metal concentrations and the percentage nitrogen increased, the richness, diversity and abundance of foraminifera tended to decrease. Sediment grain size positively affected abundance but negatively affected diversity and richness. In both areas mean grain size did not, however, appear to play a very large role in influencing diversity. Cadmium, copper, chromium, the percentage nitrogen and the mean grain size were identified as the most important variables influencing the community structure by the BIOENV BEST routine in PRIMER. The trace metals and percentage nitrogen only had negative effects on the diversity and abundance as well as on the abundance of the dominant genera, whereas the mean grain size had variable effects.</p>

Within Big Bend National Park, the unconformable contact between the Buda Limestone and the overlying Boquillas Formation represents the Commanchean-Gulfian boundary. Previous studies of the geochronology of this interval have relied primarily on provincial ammonite faunas rather than foraminifera, and place the Buda and basal Boquillas in the Lower Cenomanian. Because of its indurated nature, a comprehensive foraminiferal biozonation has not been acquired for the Buda Limestone. Recent revisions to Cretaceous foraminiferal biozonations and taxonomies necessitates a new biostratigraphic study of the Buda - Boquillas interval. The overlapping ranges of F. washitensis, G. bentonensis, G. caseyi, P. appenninica, P. delrioensis, P. stephani, and R. montsalvensis place the Buda within the upper portion of the Early to Middle Cenomanian Th. globotruncanoides Zone. Microkarst found on the surface of the Buda Limestone has been interpreted as representing a subaerial exposure and sequence boundary. However, microkarst-like features can result from subaqueous or intrastratal processes. Carbon and oxygen stable isotope analysis of the lower and middle Buda has indicated a mean δ13C value of 1.73‰ VPDB, which is in line with other values reported from the Lower Cenomanian. The top 2.6m of Buda contains a 0.62‰ negative δ13C shift from 1.88‰ VPDB to 1.26‰ VDPB in a 40 cm interval, expected if subaerial exposure occurred. Higher variation in measured carbon isotope values beneath the contact also lend evidence for meteoric alteration. The standard deviation in δ13C values from the top 2.8 m of the Buda is 0.207, which is 2.16 times larger than the rest of the studied section at 0.096. The Buda contains a shallow pelagic-dominated fauna of heterohelicids (45-90%), globigerinellids (3-37%), and hedbergellids (4-22%). Intermediate-depth globigerinellids display an initial increase followed by a marked decrease in abundance upsection, interpreted as sea level transgression and regression, respectively. The lower contact of the Buda with the Del Rio Clay has been previously interpreted as a subaerial exposure, and a P:B break from ~0% planktonics in the upper Del Rio to ~80% in the Buda supports this claim. This study therefore interprets both the upper and lower contacts of the Buda as sequence boundaries. The overlying 1.2 m Boquillas is nearly devoid of benthics and represents a deeper assemblage including the double-keeled Dicarinella sp., as well as several Upper Cenomanian (D. algeriana Subzone) species. Based on foraminiferal data, the duration of the Buda - Boquillas unconformity is roughly equivalent to the missing Th. reicheli and Th. greenhornensis Biozones, or a sizable portion of the Middle Cenomanian. / Systematic paleontology -- Biostratigraphy of the Buda Limestone -- Biostratigraphy of the lowermost Boquillas Formation -- Stable isotope geochemistry. / Department of Geological Sciences

During the Late Pliocene, between 3.3 Ma and 2.6 Ma, tectonic events changed ocean basin interactions against a background of shifting orbital forcing mechanisms and a global cooling trend. A climate system that had been locked in a stable, warm state gradually transformed into one typified by the high-amplitude glacial–interglacial fluctuations characteristic of the later Quaternary. The onset of Northern Hemisphere glaciations in the Late Pliocene marks an important step in this transition, due to the role of feedback mechanisms including ice albedo. A crucial factor in this Northern Hemisphere ice sheet expansion is the North Atlantic surface ocean circulation. To evaluate how they are linked, a ca. 200-kyr time slab spanning 2782-2520 ka (Late Pliocene–Early Pleistocene) was analyzed at millennial scale resolution from eastern North Atlantic Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) Site 610 and Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Site U1313. The causes of the Plio-Pleistocene climatic turnover are compared to that of the well-documented Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) M2 occurring in the Late Pliocene (3.3 Ma). MIS M2, a severe glacial event seen as a precursor to later Quaternary-style glaciations, was investigated from western North Atlantic DSDP Site 603. Utilizing a same-sample methodology, two paleoceanographic proxies were used: (1) dinocyst assemblages, and (2) foraminiferal geochemistry (δ18O and Mg/Ca). Dinocysts are proven tracers of sea-surface temperature (SST), salinity, nutrient supply, and sea ice cover, and are analyzed here to characterize the overlying water masses at the studied sites. Strong dinocyst assemblage fluctuations attest to variations in the influence of the North Atlantic Current (NAC). Using Mg/Ca ratios for the planktonic foraminifer Globigerina bulloides to determine absolute SSTs allows salinity changes to be reconstructed when combined with stable oxygen isotopes. This study shows a persistent Gulf Stream–NAC in the western North Atlantic during MIS M2, favoring a southern shift of the NAC over a shutdown of the thermohaline circulation. At the newly established Plio-Pleistocene boundary, a profound turnover in dinoflagellate cyst assemblages reveals a shift in ocean mode during MIS 104 (2.6 Ma). Three distinct dinocyst ecozones demonstrate this fundamental reorganization of the North Atlantic circulation.

The Sulaiy Formation, which is the oldest unit in the Lower Cretaceous succession, is conformably overlain by the Yamama Formation and it is a challenge to identify the precise age of the two formations using foraminifera and other microfossil assemblages. In the eastern side of Saudi Arabia, the Sulaiy Formation and the base of Yamama Formation are poorly studied. The main objectives of this study is to enhance the understanding of the Sulaiy Formation sequence stratigraphical correlation, regional lateral variations and palaeoenvironmental investigation. Lithological and semi-quantitative micropalaeontological analysis of 1277 thin sections taken from core samples from nine cored wells providing a geographically representative distribution from the Saudi Arabian Gulf. These cores intersected the base of the Yamama Formation and the Sulaiy Formation in the total thickness of cored wells of 843.23 meters (2766.5 feet). On the evidence provided by the foraminifera, the Sulaiy Formation is considered to represent the Berriasian to the lowermost Valanginian. The investigation of the micropalaeontology has provided considerable insights into the biocomponents of Sulaiy and the base of Yamama formations in order to identify their biofacies. These microfossils include rotalid foraminifera, miliolid foraminifera, agglutinated foraminifera, calcareous algae, calcispheres, stromatoporoids, sponge spicules, problematica (e.g. Lithocodium aggregatum), molluscs, corals, echinoderms and ostracods. Systematics of planktic and benthic foraminifera is accomplished using the foraminiferal classification by Loeblich and Tappan (1988) as the main source. The assemblage contains foraminifera that recorded for the first time in the Sulaiy Formation. Other microfossils were identified and recorded to help in the identification of the sedimentary environments. The investigation of the micropalaeontology and the lithofacies analysis have provided evidence the identification of the various lithofacies. About twenty four microfacies were identified on the basis of their bio−component and non-skeletal grains. The lithofacies and the bio−component results have provided the evidence of the sedimentary palaeoenvironmental model namely the Arabian Rimmed Carbonate Platform. This palaeoenvironmental depositional model is characterised by two different platform regimes. They are the Platform Interior and the Platform Exterior each of which have unique sedimentary lithofacies zones that produce different types of lithofacies. Each lithofacies is characterised by special depositional conditions and palaeobathymetry that interact with sea level changes and the accommodation space. The important palaeoenvironments are intertidal, restricted lagoon (subtidal), open marine, deeper open marine, inner shoal, shoal and platform margin. Generating, and testing, a depositional model as a part of formulating a sequence stratigraphical interpretation of a region is a key to understanding its geological development and – ultimately – reservoir potential. The micropalaeontology and sedimentology of the Sulaiy Formation in the subsurface have indicated a succession of clearly defined shallowing−upwards depositional cycles. These typically commence with a deep marine biofacies with wackestones and packstones, capped with a mudstone-wackestone maximum flooding zone and an upper unit of packstone to grainstones containing shallow marine biofacies. The upper part of the Sulaiy Formation is highstand-dominated with common grainstones that host the Lower Ratawi reservoir which is capped by karst that defines the sequence boundary. This karst is identified by its abundant moldic porosity that enhanced the the reservoir quality by increasing its porosities into greater values. Integration of the sedimentology and micropalaeontology has yielded a succession of shoaling−upwards depositional cycles, considered to be 4th order sequences, that are superimposed on a large scale 3rd order system tract shallowing−upwards, highstand-associated sequence of the Sulaiy Formation. The Lower Ratawi Reservoir is located within the latest high-stand portion of a third-order Sulaiy Formation sequence. The reservoir consists of a succession of several sequences, each of which is sub-divided into a lower transgressive systems tract separated from the upper highstand systems tract by a maximum flooding surface (MFS/Z). The last of these depositional cycles terminates in beds of porous and permeable ooid, or ooidal-peloidal, grainstone. The reservoir is sealed by the finer-grained sediments of the Yamama Formation.

Les zones à oxygène minimum (OMZs) sont des régions océaniques pratiquement dépourvues d'oxygène. Au cours des derniers milliers d'années, des changements climatiques globaux ont influencé l'intensité et l'extension spatiale de ces zones. Cette thèse propose de reconstruire les concentrations en oxygène dissous des eaux de fond au large de la marge Nord Est du Pacifique pour le Quaternaire supérieur à travers trois méthodes indépendantes, ayant pour dénominateur commun l'enregistrement fossile des foraminifères benthiques. Une première méthode dite micropaléontologique, basée sur l’abondance relative de trois assemblages, est développée dans un premier article. Un second article établit une relation entre l’oxygénation et la porosité de l'espèce Bolivina seminuda, caractérisée par une variation de couverture de pores de la [O$_2$]. Un troisième article est consacré à une méthode morphométrique, basée sur un indice prenant en compte la taille et la circularité des spécimens de chaque échantillon. Chacune de ces méthodes a pu être calibrée grâce aux foraminifères benthiques prélevés dans des sommets de carottes dont la teneur actuelle en oxygène dissous est connue. Ainsi, les estimations quantitatives montrent des valeurs d'oxygène faibles ($\sim$ 0.05 mL.L$^{-1}$) durant les évènements climatiques chauds (évènements de Dansgaard-Oeschger) et plus élevées ($\sim$ 0.5 mL.L$^{-1}$) pendant les évènements froids, pouvant atteindre $\sim$ 1 mL.L$^{-1}$ durant les stades associés aux évènements de Heinrich. Dans un dernier chapitre, ces trois méthodes sont appliquées à l'OMZ de la Mer d'Arabie, et un lien entre oxygénation, mousson indienne, et régime des vents est discuté. / Oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) are areas in the ocean that are almost completely devoid of dissolved oxygen. For several decades, global climate changes are known to be responsible for fluctuations in the intensity and spatial extent of these OMZs. In this thesis, three independent methods were developed for reconstructing the oxygen concentration of OMZ bottom waters during the late Quaternary. All these methods are based on benthic foraminifera preserved in the fossil record. A micropaleontological method is described in a first publication. This approach is based on the relative abundance of three benthic foraminiferal assemblages. A second publication explores the connection between oxygenation and porosity of the benthic foraminiferal species Bolivina seminuda, characterised by a pore surface area that depends on the [O$_2$]. A third article describes a morphometric approach to past oxygen reconstruction based on a semi-automatic method used to calculate an averaged size and roundness index for each sample. Recent benthic foraminifera, recovered from core-top sediments for which the modern bottom water dissolved oxygen content is known, are used to calibrate the three methods. It is found that warm interstadials (corresponding to Dansgaard-Oeschger events) exhibit conditions almost depleted in [O$_2$] ($\sim$ 0.05 mL.L$^{-1}$) while cold stadials show higher values ($\sim$ 0.5 mL.L$^{-1}$) reaching $\sim$ 1 mL.L$^{-1}$ during stadials associated with Heinrich events. In the final chapter, all three methods are successfully applied to the Arabian Sea OMZ, and a link between oxygenation, the indian monsoon, and the local wind regime is discussed.

O presente estudo compreende a análise de distribuição dos foraminíferos bentônicos vivos no talude continental da Bacia de Campos e Platô de São Paulo, procurando compreender os fatores ambientais condicionantes dessa distribuição. Amostras de sedimento foram coletadas, entre 400 e 3000 m de profundidade, no outono/inverno de 2008, e verão de 2009. Dados sedimentológicos, geoquímicos e microfaunísticos permitiram identificar dois setores na área de estudo. O Setor I inclui amostras do talude superior e médio (400-1300 m de profundidade), e é caracterizado por valores altos de densidade, diversidade, densidade das espécies de foraminíferos bentônicos indicadoras de produtividade (BFHP), de carbono orgânico, e pela presença de espécies como Adercotryma wrighti, Globocassidulina subglobosa e Pullenia bulloides, refletindo maior disponibilidade de alimento, com fluxos episódicos de fitodetritos. O setor II, constituído de amostras do talude inferior e Platô de São Paulo (1300-3000 m de profundidade), é caracterizado por baixos valores de densidade, diversidade, BFHP e de carbono orgânico, com predomínio de espécies epifaunais, indicando condições mais oligotróficas. O oxigênio não se mostrou um fator restritivo à distribuição da microfauna, entretanto, constatou-se que os processos hidro-sedimentares (p.e ação da CB junto ao fundo) e a morfologia de fundo são fatores controladores das condições tróficas no ambiente, determinando assim variações latitudinais e temporais da microfauna de foraminíferos bentônicos vivos na Bacia de Campos. / The present study comprise the analysis of the distribution of living benthic foraminifera on the continental slope of Campos Basin and Plateau of São Paulo to understand the environmental factors determining this distribution. Sediment samples were collected between 400 m and 3000 m water depth, in the austral autumn/winter of 2008, and summer of 2009. Sedimentological, geochemical and microfauna data indicated the existence of two sectors in the study area. Sector I includes samples from the upper and middle slope (400-1300 m water depth), and is characterized by high levels of density, diversity, Benthic Foraminifera High Productivity (BFHP), organic carbon and the presence of species such as Adercotryma wrighti, Pullenia bulloides and Globocassidulina subglobosa, reflecting greater availability of food, with episodic phytodetritus fluxes. Sector II, consisting of samples of the lower slope and Plateau of São Paulo (1300-3000 m water depth), is characterized by low values of density, diversity, BFHP and organic carbon, with species predominant epifaunal, indicating more oligotrophic conditions. Oxygen was not a limiting factor to the distribution of the microfauna, however the hydro-sedimentary (BC influence in the sea floor) and morphology processes are background factors controlling trophic conditions of the environment, determining the temporal and latitudinal variations of the microfauna of living benthic foraminifera in Campos Basin.

Análises microfaunísticas, sedimentológicas e geoquímicas realizadas em testemunho coletado na plataforma interna ao largo de Itajaí, SC, (26°5916,8S -048°0433,6W) permitiram reconhecer nos últimos 7.600 anos, três fases com distintas condições de fluxos de matéria orgânica e hidrodinâmicas. A primeira fase (7.600 5.000 anos cal. A.P.) é caracterizada por baixa produtividade, constatada pelos baixos valores dos indicadores de produtividade (Corg, CaCO3 e índice Benthic Foraminífera High Productivity - BFHP), condições hidrodinâmicas mais intensas (predomínio de areia e alta frequência de Globocassidulina subglobosa) e águas mais oxigenadas (valores elevados do índice Benthic Foraminífera Oxic Index BFOI e porcentagens relativamente altas de espécies epifaunais). O clima nesse período era relativamente mais seco e o nível médio do mar estava aproximadamente 3 m acima do atual. A segunda fase (5.000 3.000 anos cal. A.P.) é marcada pelo relativo incremento na paleoprodutividade (aumento de Corg, CaCO3 e índice BFHP), condições hidrodinâmicas menos intensas (baixa frequência de G. subglobosa e aumento no conteúdo de lama) e diminuição na disponibilidade de oxigênio nas águas de fundo (valores relativamente baixos do índice BFOI). O clima aparentemente torna-se progressivamente mais úmido e há diminuição progressiva do nível relativo do mar. A terceira fase (3.000 900 anos cal. A.P.) é caracterizada por aumento expressivo na produtividade (maiores porcentagens de Corg, CaCO3 e do índice BFHP e altas frequências de espécies infaunais e detritívoras), provavelmente as correntes de fundo são menos intensas (predomínio de sedimentos lamosos e baixa frequência de G. subglobosa) e com conteúdo de oxigênio mais restritivo (valores relativamente baixos do índice BFOI). Nesse período, há aumento significativo no aporte de material terrígeno, evidenciado por acentuado incremento na frequência de Buliminella elegantissima e das razões Fe/Ca e Ti/Ca. O aumento na produtividade poderia estar relacionado ao aumento da umidade ao longo do Holoceno, devido à intensificação do Sistema de Monções da América do Sul (SMAS) ocasionada por variações no ciclo de precessão e possivelmente aumento na frequência de El Niño, que corroboram para o aumento de chuvas no sul do Brasil. O clima mais úmido e o fortalecimento de frentes frias (ventos de S/SW) poderiam ter favorecido à penetração de águas frias e ricas em nutrientes vindas do sul, relacionada à descarga do Rio da Prata / Microfaunal, sedimentological and geochemical analyses from a core collected on the inner shelf off Itajaí, SC, allowed us to recognized , in the last 7,600 years, three phases with different organic matter fluxes and hydrodynamic conditions. The rst phase (7,600 5,000 years cal. B.P.) is characterized by low productivity, evidenced by low values of productivity proxies (organic carbon (Corg), calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and Benthic Foraminífera High Productivity index - BFHP), more intense hydrodynamic regime (dominance of coarser sediments and higher frequencies of Globocassidulina subglobosa) and waters with more oxygen availability (higher values of the Benthic Foraminífera Oxic Index BFOI and relatively high percentages of epifaunal species). The climate during this period was relatively dry and sea-level was approximately 3 m above the present. The second phase (5,000 3,000 years cal. B.P.) is marked by a relative increase in productivity (increase of Corg, CaCO3 and BFHP), hydrodynamical conditions were probably less intense (lower frequencies of G. subglobosa and muddy sediments), and oxygen availability decreased (lower BFOI index values). The climate apparently became progressively more humid and a progressive decline of the sea-level occurred. The third phase (3,000 900 years cal. B.P.) is characterized by a significant increase of productivity (higher percentages of Corg, CaCO3, infaunal and detritivores species, and increase of BFHP index values), probably bottom currents were less intense (muddy sediments and lower frequencies of G. subglobosa) and oxygen contents more restrictive (lower BFOI values). A significant increase in the input of continental material occurs during this period, as highlighted by an increase of Buliminella elegantissima frequencies and increase of the Fe/Ca and Ti/Ca ratios. The increase of productivity could be related to moisture increase throughout the Holocene, due to the intensification of the South American Monsoon system (SAMS) caused by variations in the precession cycle and possibly increased El Niño frequency, which corroborates the increase in rainfall in southern Brazil. The wetter climate and strengthening cold front may have favored the penetration of cold water rich in nutrients from the south, related to the discharge of the Rio de La Plata

O presente trabalho é um estudo de reconstituição paleoambiental da Baixada Litorânea do Mosaico da Juréia-Itatins (MJI) e da região marinnha do Cone do Rio Grande (CRG), talude superior defronte ao Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, inferido a partir da análise de associações de foraminíferos bentônicos, durante os últimos 19.000 anos. Foram também realizadas análises geoquímica da razão Mg/Ca de Globigerinoides ruber (white, stricto sensu), bem como tafonômicas e morfométricas de testas bentônicas, com o intuito de refinar as interpretações paleoambientais, principalmente as obtidas na região do CRG. A Transgressão Santos (~21.227-20.448 a ~5.558-4.558 anos cal A.P.) foi detectada somente no período de 9.400 a 8.385 anos cal A.P. na região costeira do MJI, devido à presença de sedimentos continentais na porção superior do testemunho S03. Durante este intervalo de tempo, as análises microfaunísticas e tafonômicas permiti ram reconhecer quatro fases conspícuas de incursões de águas marinhas (9.400-9.338; 9.072-8.894; 8.656-8.641 e 8.594-8.500 anos cal A.P.) intercaladas por quatro fases de proeminente contribuição continental (9.338-9.072; 8.500-8.385; 8.806-8.672 e 8.625-8.594 anos cal A.P.) na paleolaguna do MJI. Durante as incursões de águas marinhas, observou-se aumento da diversidade de espécies calcárias, com a predominância de Pararotalia cananeiaensis, Ammonia spp. e Elphidium spp. Nos dois períodos de maior aporte continental em que foram encontradas testas de foraminíferos bentônicos, a diversidade diminuiu drasticamente, e houve o concomitante predomínio do gênero Blysmaphaaera. Após 8.385 anos cal A.P. as associações de foraminíferos bentônicos desapareceram dos sedimentos da paleolaguna, que passou a apresentar características cada vez mais continentais. Na região do CRG, as análises microfaunísticas bentônicas e tafonômicas permitiram o reconhecimento de cinco fases com características paleoambientais distintas. A primeira fase (19.000 a 18.600 anos cal A.P.) caracterizou-se por uma maior taxa de sedimentação, e pela presença de testas ricas em sulfeto e monossulfeto de ferro. A segunda (entre 18.600 e 17.000 anos cal A.P.) teve como principal característica o aumento do grau de oxigenação do meio, indicado pela presença de espécies epifaunais típicas de ambientes mais oxigenados, tais como Quinqueloculina spp., Pyrgo spp. e Eponides repandus, e pelo aumento do índice Benthic Foraminiferal Oxygen Index (BFOI). A terceira fase (17.000 a 16.000 anos cal A.P.) se caracterizou pela diminuição da energia de fundo do meio, o que propiciou maior acúmulo de matéria orgânica nos sedimentos e baixos teores de oxigênio no meio bentônico, tal como indicado pelos maiores valores do índice Benthic Foraminifera High Productivity (BFHP). Essas primeiras três fases corresponderam ao período Heinrich Stadial 1 (HS1). A quarta fase (16.000 e 14.700 anos cal A.P.) foi configurada pela transição entre o HS1 e a Reversão Fria Antártica (Antarctic Cold Reversal - ACR), e foi marcada por modificações significativas no nível da oxigenação do meio, especialmente em ~15.000 anos cal A.P., e provável aumento da temperatura das águas de fundo do CRG, conforme indicado pela presença de Bulimina marginata, Uvigerina peregrina e Quinqueloculina spp. A quinta e última fase (14.700 e 14.000 anos cal A.P.) correspondeu ao início do ACR, com diminuição do hidrodinamismo e da oxigenação do meio e aumento do acúmulo de matéria orgânica nos sedimentos, como demonstrado pelo menor grau de desgaste das testas e pelos índices BFHP e BFOI. Já a análise geoquímica da razão Mg/Ca em testas de G. ruber indicou que as paleotemperaturas superficiais marinhas (Mg/Ca SST) tenderam a aumentar de 19.000 anos cal A.P. ao Presente. Os valores de paleossalinidades superficiais marinhas (SSS) dessa região inferidas pelos valores de \"delta\' POT.18\' Oivc-sw, não apresentaram padrão definido de 19.000 a ~8.500 anos cal A.P. A partir dessa idade, elas tiveram leve tendência à diminuição até o Presente. As variações secundárias dos valores de Mg/Ca SST e de \"delta\' POT.18\' Oivc-sw parecem ter sido influenciadas principalmente pelas alterações da circulação oceânica atlântica e por fenômenos atmosferico-climáticos associados a Última Deglaciação. No Holoceno, estes fatores se tornaram secundários, e os valores de Mg/Ca SST e de \"delta\' POT.18\' Oivc-sw passaram a ser influenciados pelas variações climatico-atmosféricas do hemisfério sul, especialmente as que se deram na região antártica. Também foram influenciadas por aumento da temperatura global, pluviosidade sobre a América do Sul, oscilações secundárias do paleonível relativo do mar durante a Transgressão Santos, variações da pluma de águas menos salinas do Rio de La Plata e por ocorrência de fenômenos tais como a Oscilação Atlântica Multidecadal e o El -Niño - Oscilação Sul. / This thesis is a study of the paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the Juréia-Itatins Mosaic coastal lowlands (JIM) and the marine region of Rio Grande Cone (CRG), upper slope in front of Rio Grande do Sul State, inferred from analyses of benthic foraminiferal assemblages during the last 19.000 years. Geochemical analyses of Globigerinoides ruber (white, stricto sensu) along with taphonomical and morphometric analyses of benthic tests were also performed in order to refine the paleoenvironmental interpretations, especially those obtained at CRG. The Santos Transgression (~21,227-20,448 to ~5,558-4,558 cal yr B.P.) was detected only during the period from 9,400 to 8,385 cal yr B.P. in the coastal lowlands of JIM, due to the presence of continental sediments in the upper portion of the S03 core. During this time interval the microfaunistic and taphonomical analyses allowed the recognition of four phases of conspicuous marine waters incursions (9,400-9,338; 9,072-8,894; 8,656-8,641 and 8,594-8,500 cal yr B.P.) interspersed by four phases of prominent continental contribution (9,338-9,072; 8,500-8,385; 8,806-8,672 and 8,625-8,594 cal yr B.P.) in the paleolagoon of JIM. During the marine waters incursions, there was an increase of di versity of calcareous species, wit h the predominance of Pararotalia cananeiaensis, Ammonia spp. and Elphidium spp. In the two periods o f higher continental inflow in which benthic foraminiferal tests were found the diversity decreased drastically, and there was a concomitant predominance of Blysmaphaaera genus. After 8,385 cal yr B.P. the benthic foraminiferal assemblages di sappeared of paleolagoon sediments, which began to show increased continental features. In the CRG\'s region, the benthic microfaunistic and taphonomical analyses allowed the recognition of five phases with distinct paleoenvironmental characteristics. The first phase (19,000 to 18,600 cal yr B.P.) was characterized by a higher sedimentation rate, and the presence of tests containing iron sulphide and monossulphide. The second (between 18,600 and 17,000 cal yr B.P.) had as main characteristic the increase of the oxygenation grade of the environment, evidenced by both the presence of epifaunal species typical of more oxygenated environments, such as Quinqueloculina spp., Pyrgo spp. and Eponides repandus, and by the Benthic Foraminiferal Oxygen Index (BFOI). The third phase (17,000 to 16,000 cal yr B.P.) was characterized by the decrease of bottom hydrodynamic energy, which provided higher organic matter accumulation in the sediments and the low levels of oxygen in the benthic environment, as indicated by the higher values of Benthic Foraminifera High Productivity (BFHP) index. These first three phases corresponded to the Heinrich Stadial 1 (HS1) period. The fourth phase (16,000 to 14,700 cal yr B.P.) was configured by the transition between the HS1 and the Antarctic Cold Reversal (ACR). It was marked by significant changes in the environment oxygen level especially at ~15,000 cal yr B.P. and by the correspondent increase of bottom water temperature in the CRG, as indicated by the presence of Bulimina marginata, Uvigerina peregrina and Quinqueloculina spp. The fifth and last phase (14,700 to 14,000 cal yr B.P.) corresponded to the beginning of ACR, with decrease of hydrodynamics and oxygenation grade of the environment and increase of organic matter accumulation in the sediments, as demonstrated by both the lower degree of tests wear and by the BFOI and BFHP indexes. The geochemistry analysis of Mg/Ca ratio in G. ruber tests indicated that the paleo-sea surface temperatures (Mg/Ca SST) tended to increase from 19,000 cal yr B.P. to the Present. Meanwhile the paleo-sea surface salinities (SSS) inferred by the values of \"delta\' POT.18\' Oivc-sw, did not had a defined pattern from 19.000 to ~8,500 cal yr B.P. Since then they have registered a slight tendency to decrease. The secondary variations of Mg/Ca SST and \"delta\' POT.18\' Oivc-sw values appear to have been influenced primarily by the variations of Atlantic Ocean circulation and by the atmospheric-climatic phenomena associated with the Last Deglaciation. In the Holocene however these paleoclimatic factors became secondary, and the Mg/Ca SST and \"delta\' POT.18\' Oivc-sw values became influenced by climatic-atmospheric variations of the southern hemisphere, especially those that occurred over the Antarctic region. They were also influenced by the increase in global temperature, the rainfall regimen over South America, the secondary oscillations of the plume of less saline waters from La Plata River, and by the occurrence of phenomena such as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and the El-Niño-Southern Oscilation.

O presente estudo teve por objetivos caracterizar a região circunjacente ao emissário submarino de esgoto das Cigarras, São Sebastião, SP, e avaliar a influência dos esgotos por ele disposto na qualidade dos sedimentos locais e sobre as associações de foraminíferos bentônicos. Para atingir tal objetivo, foram analisadas 20 amostras coletadas ao redor do emissário submarino, em Setembro de 2006 e 2007, sendo mais duas amostras (pontos controles) coletadas distantes da área de influência do emissário, porém no canal de São Sebastião. Em cada estação foram analisados parâmetros físico-químicos da coluna dágua, a granulometria, a geoquímica e o conteúdo microfaunístico dos sedimentos. Foraminíferos vivos e mortos foram analisados separadamente, sendo posteriormente realizados estudos taxonômicos, morfológicos, tafonômicos e estatísticos. Com relação às análises realizadas na coluna dágua, apenas o parâmetro oxigênio dissolvido, da maioria dos pontos analisados em 2006, apresentou valor abaixo do limite de referência estipulado pelo CONAMA. De acordo com os resultados granulométricos, os sedimentos da área de estudo são classificados como arenolamosos, o que permite inferir circulação de fundo fraca a moderada. As estações com maiores concentrações de lama são as que apresentaram maiores teores de carbono orgânico, nitrogênio e enxofre. No tocante as concentrações de HPAs, de modo geral, os valores são considerados baixos, i.e. inferiores a 5 g.kg-1. Análises composicionais e morfológicas revelaram diferenças significativas entre as tanatocenoses e as biocenoses identificadas próximo ao emissário. Nas tanatocenoses observou-se dominância da espécie oportunista Ammonia tepida, sendo também observada significativa abundância de Pararotalia cananeiaensis e Cribroelphidium spp. Nas biocenoses, em contrapartida, apesar de Ammonia tepida ser dominante, as espécies que apresentaram maior abundância são indicadoras de ambiente rico em matéria orgânica, tais como Brizalina stritula e Bolivina spp. As tanatocenoses são constituídas por carapaças médias e pequenas, parcialmente fragmentadas, com poucos indivíduos piritizados, limonitizados ou preenchidos por monossulfeto de ferro. Já nas biocenoses, as carapaças são médias, pequenas e sem alteração de cor. Com relação aos pontos controles, Pararotalia cananeiaensis e Ammonia tepida são as espécies dominantes nas tanatocenoses e biocenoses, respectivamente. Observou-se, nestes pontos, maior abundância, riqueza e diversidade, o que possivelmente está associado à localidade na qual os mesmos foram amostrados, ou seja, distantes da saída do emissário e com menor susceptibilidade à influência do esgoto por ele disposto. Por meio dos resultados das análises taxonômicas e estatísticas, concluiu-se que os foraminíferos mortos não podem ser utilizados em estudos de monitoramento ambiental, uma vez que não representam com fidelidade a associação viva do local amostrado. A partir dos dados granulométricos, geoquímicos e das biocenoses conclui-se que a região sofre enriquecimento orgânico nos sedimentos, afetando negativamente a abundância e a diversidade das associações de foraminíferos bentônicos. / The influence of submarine outfall of domestic sewage on the benthic foraminifera and sediments quality at Cigarras, São Sebastião, SP, is evaluated in this dissertation. Twenty water and bottom sediment samples were collected around the outfall in September 2006 (ten samples) and 2007 (ten samples). Another two samples were collected in the São Sebastião Channel far from the domestic sewage disposal as controls. For each water sample physicochemical analyses were carried out. In the sediments, grain size, geochemistry and foraminifera composition were analyzed. The taxonomy, morphology, taphonomy and statistics of live and dead foraminifera were analyzed separately. Water sample water column analyses showed that only dissolved oxygen was below CONAMA reference levels at the majority of sites sampled in 2006. The area is characterized by sandmud sediments, with weak to moderate bottom circulation. Samples with the highest mud percentages also have the highest concentrations of organic carbon, sulphur and nitrogen. HPA values are low, less than 5 g Kg-1 in most samples. There are significant compositional and morphological differences between thanatocenoses and biocenoses near the outfall. The opportunistic species Ammonia tepida, Pararotalia cananeiaensis and Cribroelphidium spp. dominate the death assemblages. Although A. tepida is the dominant species in the living assemblages, indicators of organic matterial, such as Brizalina striatula e Bolivina ssp. are abundant. The thanatocenoses are represented by partially fragmented medium and small tests, with few tests pyritized, limonitized or filled with iron monossulfate. Tests in the biocenoses are medium to small, without any alteration of color. The controls are made up mainly by Pararotalia cananeiaensis among the dead organism, and by Ammonia tepida among the living. Foraminifera at these control sites are more abundant, richer and more diverse than near the outfall. This is interpreted as due to their distance from the influence of the sewage disposal around the outfall diffusers. The results of this study suggest that thanatocenoses cannot be used in environment studies, because they do not faithfully represent the local living assemblage. The analyses of grain size-geochemistry and the biocenoses show that the area is undergoing organic enrichment from domestic sewage outfall, with negative effects on the abundance and diversity of living benthic foraminiferal assemblages.