Heavy mineral deposits along the east coast of South Africa represent the world's largest demonstrated resource of beach placer ilmenite. This mineral occurs as homogeneous, subrounded grains, with chemical compositions close to pure FeTi03• Concentrates contain between 48 and 52 per cent Ti02, with minor impurities of MnO, MgO, and Cr203. Most coastal ilmenites are unaltered or display only incipient alteration, but the entire spectrum of alteration products from ilmenite to rutile or anatase, is observed. Transmission electron microscopy of weathered ilmenites reveals that ilmenite commonly alters to pseudorutile and then to rutile or anatase, as described by Teufer and Temple (1966) and Grey and Reid (1975). Ilmenite may also alter directly to rutile (or anatase) in a single-stage process. In addition, ilmenite altered by high temperature oxidation and hydrothermal processes is found in the deposits. There is good mineralogical evidence that the alteration of ilmenites found in the coastal sediments is best described by a multi stage model, in which some ilmenite grains were altered prior to final deposition. Other common iron-titanium oxides in the deposits include magnetite, rutile and hematite, which may occur as discrete grains or as composite grains of two or more oxides. Ilmenite and magnetite in the coastal sediments are derived from rocks of both the Karoo Igneous Province and the Natal Basement, while rutile is derived solely from the latter. Ilmenites from certain rock groups may be distinguished on the basis of their chemical composition. However, magnetite chemistry is a better indicator of provenance, and magnetites from the above two sources can be clearly distinguished. The petrography of the iron-titanium oxides may be used as a provenance indicator, but may be misleading, as the proportions of the oxide intergrowths change with transport and weathering. Variations in the proportions and chemical compositions of iron-titanium oxides and other heavy minerals within the coastal sediments are caused by provenance, selective sorting during deposition, age of the deposit, weathering, and the recent geological history of the area. A model is proposed in this study which describes the formation of the heavy mineral deposits in relationship to the above influences. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1993.

Localizadas no litoral sul de Santa Catarina, as planícies costeiras holocênicas de Campos Verdes e Ji caracterizam-se por séries truncadas de cordões litorâneos alternados a campos de dunas livres. Constituem exemplo de planícies formadas em um mesmo contexto regional, porém sob condições distintas quanto ao caráter hidrodinâmico: área semiprotegida de retrobarreira (Campos Verdes) versus tômbolo de mar aberto (Ji). A meta deste trabalho é construir modelos de evolução sedimentar para estas duas planícies com base em fotointerpretação, granulometria, minerais pesados, idades LOE, cálculo de taxas de progradação e simulação computacional. A comparação visa contribuir para a compreensão dos processos formadores ou remodeladores de planícies de cordões em geral e definir o caráter, se autocíclico ou alocíclico, de cada mecanismo no caso em estudo. O desenvolvimento destas planícies teria começado durante a desaceleração da subida de NRM, pouco antes do nível máximo holocênico, alcançado por volta de 5 ka AP. A partir de padrões de transporte e retrabalhamento sedimentar deduzidos com base em estatísticas da distribuição granulométrica (tamanho médio, seleção, assimetria), combinadas com variação dos índices de minerais pesados (iINS, iMET, iZTR, iTZ, iHT, iRZ), infere-se progradação da planície de Campos Verdes para norte, com componente de crescimento longitudinal para oeste, e da planície do Ji para leste, com componente longitudinal para norte. A distribuição dos minerais pesados deve-se em parte a mudança/aproximação, no decorrer do tempo, da fonte representada pelo delta do Tubarão, com entrada crescente de sedimentos menos maturos no sistema. A evolução da planície de Campos Verdes foi dividida em cinco estágios cronológicos: anterior a 4912±270 anos AP (1); de 4199±347 a 2763±205 anos (2); de 2763±205 a 2816±193 anos (3); de 2816 ± 193 a 1946 ± 141 anos (4); e desde 1946 ± 141 anos até o presente (5); com taxas de progradação de 1,07, 0,35, 3,45, 0,76 m/a e indeterminada, respectivamente. O estágio 4 compreende fase de estabilização de dunas eólicas, com lobo deposicional datado em 2255±123 anos, e o estágio 5 inclui fase de reativação deflacionar, com duna parabólica faminta datada de 711±64 anos. Para a planície do Ji, definiram-se cinco estágios cronológicos: anterior a 2794±151 anos (1); de 2794±151 a 2537±140 anos (2); de 2537±140 a 1031±35 (3); de 1031±35 a 831±43 anos (4); e desde 751±43 anos até o presente (5). As taxas de progradação calculadas para os últimos quatro estágios foram de 2,26, 0,28, 1,47 e 1,24 m/a, respectivamente. A fase de estabilização de dunas da geração eólica 3, datada em 1346±73 anos, aconteceu durante o estágio 3. Campos de dunas transgressivos ainda ativos iniciaram seu desenvolvimento durante o estágio 5. O crescimento das duas planícies ocorreu em anti-fase, com alternância entre duas situações: a situação 1 caracteriza-se por predominância de deriva litorânea rumo NE, relacionada a incursões mais freqüentes de frentes frias e massa de ar polar na região; a situação 2 corresponde a dominância de deriva litorânea rumo SW, sob maior ação da massa tropical Atlântica e menor freqüência de incursões de frentes frias. Um boom na progradação de ambas as planícies, registrado por volta de 2700 anos AP, pode estar relacionado à ocorrência de um dos eventos climáticos de escala milenar do Holoceno, o evento Bond 2, caracterizado na região por aumento pontuado de umidade e precipitação e, por extensão, de aporte fluvial. O desenvolvimento ou reativação de dunas do estágio 5 em Campos Verdes pode estar ligado à intensificação dos ventos durante outro evento de escala milenar, a Pequena Idade do Gelo. Fluxos da ordem de 104 m3/ano foram obtidos em simulação estocástica de um cenário geral de trocas de sedimentos entre compartimentos (eg. praia e campo de dunas) no Ji. Na simulação condicionada por variáveis climáticas, observa-se que o transporte eólico, com desenvolvimento de campos de dunas, pode ocorrer mesmo durante períodos chuvosos (precipitação média superior a 400mm), desde que os fluxos eólicos sejam dez vezes maiores que os obtidos na simulação do cenário geral. / The Holocene strandplains of Campos Verdes and Ji (south coast of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil) are characterized by truncated sets of beach ridges alternated with eolian dune fields. They represent examples of neighbor coastal plains formed under the same regional context, but under different hydrodynamic contexts: in a sheltered back-barrier embayment (Campos Verdes) and in an open sea tombolo (Ji). The aim of this work is to construct evolutionary models of sedimentation for both plains based in photointerpretation, grain-size, heavy minerals, OSL ages, calculation of progradation rates and computer simulation. The comparative analysis allows the explanation of the origin of processes responsible for the development of the plains defining whether the mechanisms are autocyclic or alocyclic. Both plains would have begun during the deceleration of the RSL rise, just before the achievement of the Holocene highstand, approximately at 5 ky BP. Patterns of transport and sedimentary reworking based on statistics of grain-size distribution (mean grain-size, standard deviation and skewness) combined with variation of heavy minerals indices (INSi, METi, ZTRi, TZi, HTi, RZi) show northwards progradation with a longitudinal growth component towards west for Campos Verde and progradation towards east with an alongshore growth component towards north for Ji. The heavy mineral distribution is mainly linked to the shift and approximation of the main fluvial source area (Tubarão delta) with an input of less mature sediments into the system. The evolution of Campos Verdes was divided into five chronologic stages: before 4912±270 yr (1); from 4199±347 to 2763±205 anos (2); from 2763±205 to 2816±193 anos (3); from 2816 ± 193 to 1946 ± 141 anos (4); and from 1946 ± 141 anos until present (5); with progradation rates of 1.07, 0.35, 3.45, 0.76 m/yr and undetermined, respectively. A phase of dune stabilization happened during stage 4, indicated by a depositional lobe dated in 2255±123yr and another phase of dune reactivation occurred during stage 5, indicated by a starved parabolic dune dated in 711±64 yr. Five chronologic stages were defined for Ji: before 2794 ± 151 yr (1); from 2794 ± 151 to 2537 ± 140 yr (2); from 2537 ± 140 to 1031±35 (3); from 1031 ± 35 to 831 ± 43 yr (4); and from 751 ± 43 yr until present (5). The progradation rates determined for the last four stages are 2.26, 0.28, 1.47 and 1.24 m/yr. A phase of stabilization of eolian generation 3 was dated in 1346±73yr, within the stage 3. Eolian trangressive dune fields, that are still active, began its development during stage 5. The progradation rates (growth) of the plains show an anti-phase pattern linked to the alternation between two situations: one where there is predominance of net longshore drift towards NE, with frequent cold front incursions and more intense action of polar air mass; and another with the predominance of net longshore drift towards SW with more active tropical Atlantic air mass and less frequent cold front incursions. There was a progradational boom ca. 2700 yr with higher progradation rates in both plains, which might be linked to the occurrence of a millennial Holocene climate change, the Bond event 2, responsible for the punctual humidity and precipitation increase. Dune development or reactivation during stage 5 in Campos Verdes might be linked to an occurrence of another millennial Holocene climate event, the Little Ice Age. Eolian fluxes with magnitude of 104 m3/yr were obtained using stochastic simulation of a general scenario of sediment exchange between stocks (eg. beach and dune field) for Ji. In simulation conditioned by climatic variables, it is possible to observe that the development of dune fields can occur during rainy periods (mean precipitation above 400m) as long as the eolian fluxes are ten times greater than that ones obtained in the general scenario.

O Grupo Guaritas (Eocambriano da Bacia do Camaquã, RS) é formado por rochas siliciclásticas, predominantemente arenosas e conglomeráticas, interpretadas como de origem aluvial e eólica. Esta unidade estratigráfica pode apresentar mais de 1500 m de espessura de sedimentos e abrange as formações Guarda Velha, Pedra das Torrinhas, Varzinha, Pedra Pintada e Serra do Apertado. O Grupo Guaritas relaciona-se a importantes eventos geológicos do sul do Brasil, pois registra o encerramento da sedimentação em bacia extensional do tipo rifte (Bacia do Camaquã) durante o Cambriano, a qual se desenvolveu em área que seria posteriormente recoberta por ampla bacia intracratônica (a Bacia do Paraná), a partir do Ordoviciano. Para contribuir com novas informações sobre a proveniência das unidades eopaleozóicas brasileiras, as rochas arenosas do Grupo Guaritas foram submetidas à análise de minerais pesados, petrografia de lâminas delgadas e luminescência opticamente estimulada (LOE). As análises de minerais pesados foram realizadas na fração areia muito fina de 44 amostras coletadas em afloramentos. Essas análises abrangeram a identificação e quantificação da assembléia de minerais pesados transparentes não-micáceos, além da determinação dos índices ZTR (zircão+turmalina+rutilo), ATi (apatita/(apatita+turmalina)), ZTi (zircão/(turmalina+zircão)) e ZRi (zircão/(rutilo+zircão). As seções delgadas foram utilizadas para descrever os componentes deposicionais e diagenéticos e para classificar os arenitos estudados. Quatro amostras selecionadas foram submetidas ainda à análise da sensibilidade LOE de grãos individuais de quartzo. A sensibilidade LOE foi calculada utilizando a integral da curva LOE assim como de seus componentes, chamados informalmente de rápido, médio e lento. A sensibilidade LOE foi usada para avaliação de grau de retrabalhamento sedimentar. As amostras estudadas foram classificadas como arcóseos, subarcóseos e sublitoarenitos. Os minerais pesados identificados e suas porcentagens médias foram: zircão (36%), turmalina (13%), rutilo (3%), apatita (23%), granada (16%), anatásio (7%), titanita (1%), sillimanita (1%), monazita (<1%), epidoto (<1%), hornblenda (<1%), estaurolita (<1%) e cianita (<1%). Esses minerais pesados foram descritos em todas as unidades estudadas do Grupo Guaritas. Os valores médios do índice ZTR variam de 20 (Fm. Serra do Apertado) a 40 (Fm. Pedra Pintada) enquanto que o índice ZTi apresenta valores médios entre 62 (Fm. Guarda Velha) e 73 (Fm. Pedra Pintada). Os valores médios dos índices ZRi e ATi variam de 81 (Fm. Guarda Velha) a 90 (Fm. Varzinha) e de 79 (Fm. Guarda Velha) a 83 (Fm. Serra do Apertado), respectivamente. As médias da sensibilidade LOE total do quartzo apresentaram valores médios maiores para as unidades inferiores (Fm. Guarda Velha = 3295 contagens e Fm. Varzinha = 3655 contagens) em relação às superiores (Fm. Pedra Pintada = 2271contagens e Fm. Serra do Apertado = 2457 contagens). As médias dos componentes LOE rápido (15-19%), médio (37-38%) e lento (43-46%) não apresentam diferenças marcantes entre as unidades. A assembléia de minerais pesados dominada por zircão, apatita e turmalina sugere que os sedimentos arenosos do Grupo Guaritas são derivados principalmente de rochas ígneas ácidas (granitos neoproterozóicos). A pequena variação do índice ZRi aponta manutenção da configuração litológica da área-fonte durante a deposição das unidades estudadas. A abundância de feldspatos, fragmentos líticos e, principalmente, de apatita indica deposição em ambiente árido e/ou soterramento rápido. Isto é coerente com a sensibilidade LOE do quartzo, que é relativamente reduzida, indicando baixo grau de retrabalhamento sedimentar para as areias do Grupo Guaritas. A sensibilidade LOE mais elevada das areias da Formação Guarda Velha representaria maior contribuição de sedimentos distais mais retrabalhados.A sensibilidade LOE do quartzo permite avaliar o grau de retrabalhamento de sedimentos antigos (Cambriano), já que até então este método tinha sido aplicado somente à sedimentos quaternários. / The Guaritas Group (Eocambrian of the Camaquã Basin, southern Brazil) is mainly composed of fine to coarse-gravelly sandstones, interpreted as a record of fluvial and aeolian depositional systems. This stratigraphic unity may present more than 1500m thick of sediments, comprising the Guarda Velha, Pedra das Torrinhas, Varzinha, Pedra Pintada and Serra do Apertado formations. The Guaritas Group relates to important geological events occurred in southern Brazil during the Eopaleozoic. Its deposition marks the final episode of sedimentary filling of an extensional rift basin (Camaquã Basin) during the Cambrian, in an area after covered by a huge intracratonic basin (Paraná Basin) during the Ordovician. To contribute with new information about the provenance of Eopalaezoic Brazilian sediments, the sandy rocks of the Guaritas Group were analyzed through heavy minerals, thin section petrography and luminescence methods. Heavy minerals analyses were carried out in the very fine sand fraction of 44 rock samples collected from outcrops. These analyses included the identification and quantification of the transparent non-micaceous heavy minerals as well as the determination of the ZTR (zircon+tourmaline+rutile), ATi (apatite/(apatite+tourmaline)), ZTi (zircon/(tourmaline+zircon)) and ZRi (zircon/(rutile+zircon) indices. Thin section petrography was used to describe depositional and diagenetic components and classify the studied sandstones. Further, four samples were selected for measurements of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) sensitivity in quartz single-grains. The OSL sensitivity was calculated using the total OSL curve as well as specific components, informally named fast, medium and slow. The OSL sensitivity of quartz has been used as a proxy for sedimentary reworking. The studied sandstones were classified as arkoses, subarkoses and sublitharenites. The identified heavy minerals and their mean percentages were: zircon (36%), tourmaline (13%), rutile (3%), apatite (23%), garnet (16%), anatase (7%), titanite (1%), sillimanite (1%), monazite (<1%), epidote (<1%), hornblende (<1%), staurolite (<1%) and kyanite (<1%). These heavy minerals were described in all studied units of the Guaritas Group. The mean values of the ZTR indice varied from 20 (Serra do Apertado Fm.) to 40 (Pedra Pintada Fm.) while the ZTi indice presented mean values between 62 (Guarda Velha Fm.) and 73 (Pedra Pintada Fm.). The mean values of the ZRi and ATi indices ranged from 81 (Guarda Velha Fm.) to 90 (Varzinha Fm.) and from 79 (Guarda Velha Fm.) to 83 (Serra do Apertado Fm.), respectively. The total OSL sensitivity of quartz demonstrated higher mean values for the bottom units (Guarda Velha Fm. = 3295 counts; Varzinha Fm. = 3655 counts) than for the upper units (Pedra Pintada Fm. = 2271 counts, and Serra do Apertado Fm. = 2457 counts). The means of the fast OSL component (15-19%), medium (37-38%) and slow (43-46%) did not differ markedly among the units. The heavy minerals assemblage dominated by zircon, tourmaline and apatite suggests that the sandy sediments of the Guaritas Group are mainly derived from acid igneous rocks (neoproterozoic granites).The low range of variation of the ZRi indice points out the maintenance of similar primary source rocks during the deposition of the Guaritas sediments. The abundance of unstable grains such as feldspars, lithic fragments and apatite indicates deposition under arid climate and/or high rate of sediment accumulation. The OSL sensitivity of quartz grains is relatively low, suggesting sands with low degree of reworking. This is compatible with the high content of unstable sand grains (apatite, feldspar and lithic fragments) and elevated rate of sediment accumulation. The greater proportion of grains with higher OSL sensitivity in the Guarda Velha Formation represents an increased contribution of sediments from distal more reworked sources.The OSL sensitivity of quartz allows evaluate the degree of reworking of older sediments (Cambrian), since this method had been applied only to Quaternary sediments.

Magister Scientiae - MSc / Natural radioactivity studies have been carried out to study the textural characteristics, heavy mineral composition, provenance, sediment transport, and depositional environment of beach placer deposits. The naturally occurring radionuclides such as 232Th, 238U and 40K are used as the tracers of the mineralogical properties of beach sands, which reflect the geological characteristics such as transport and sorting processes and the depositional environment. The present work focuses on the radiometric characteristics of beach sand deposits along the west coast of South Africa. Beach sands samples were collected at the Melkbosstrand (MBS) and Ouskip (OSK) beach. The activity concentrations of these radionuclides were determined by high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry using a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector in a low-background configuration.

Idades por luminescência opticamente estimulada foram obtidas nos depósitos eólicos do litoral leste maranhense. As datações permitiram reconhecer ao menos quatro gerações de dunas eólicas, incluindo a atual. As duas gerações mais antigas (G1/G0: idades LOE de 258,9±24,6 a 88,0±8,6 ka A.P.) não são distinguíveis por critérios de campo, somente por dados geocronológicos. A geração eólica 2 corresponde a feições eólicas estabilizadas pela vegetação que ocorrem a até 135 km da linha de costa atual. As idades LOE-SAR de estabilização obtidas para essas feições eólicas compreendem um intervalo estreito de tempo (19 a 14 ka A.P.) no Pleistoceno superior. Essa fase estabilização do sistema eólico é correlacionada com o evento climático HS-1. Durante esse período no leste maranhense, sob maior influência da Zona de Convergência Intertropical pelo seu deslocamento para sul, ocorreu diminuição da intensidade dos ventos alísios e aumento da precipitação. Essas variações climáticas diminuíram a capacidade de transporte eólico e levou o sistema à estabilização. A análise de proveniência sedimentar com base em minerais pesado identificou como principal fonte sedimentar do litoral leste maranhense a plataforma continental localizada a leste da foz do rio Parnaíba, alimentada via deriva litorânea longitudinal para oeste. O rio Parnaíba aparentemente tem contribuição minoritária como fonte sedimentar, tanto para o sistema atual como para as gerações eólicas pretéritas. A dinâmica sedimentar do sistema eólico atual, evidenciada por minerais pesados, granulometria e parâmetros morfoplanimétricos, aponta para intenso retrabalhamento por rios que o limitam parcialmente ao interior e por drenagens intermitentes, de caráter entrelaçado, que o atravessam. O estudo do método de datação LOE e as características LOE dos sedimentos de diferentes localidades do Brasil permitiu identificar a boa aplicabilidade do método vista a alta sensibilidade LOE do quartzo e bom desempenho nos testes aplicados. A sensibilidade LOE do quartzo foi identificada como a principal característica determinante da qualidade da datação LOE. A proposição da razão de sensibilidade Quartzo-\"Al IND.2\'\'O IND.3\':C (\'delta\'\'POTs\' Q) permitiu tanto a padronização do cálculo da sensibilidade LOE como a comparação de medidas interlaboratoriais. A observação de grandes variações nos valores de sensibilidade LOE de quartzo para sedimentos de diferentes localidades são resultado tanto das rochas fonte como dos ciclos de sedimentação e retrabalhamento. A identificação de diferentes proveniências sedimentares com base no uso da sensibilidade LOE foi aplicada, com sucesso, na análise de variações climáticas baseada em mudanças de proveniência sedimentar na Ilha Comprida -SP. / Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages were obtained in eolian deposits from the east coast of Maranhão, Brazil. OSL dating allowed the identification of at least four generations of eolian dunes, including the active dunefields. The two oldest generations (G1/G0: OSL ages 258.9±24.6 to 88.0±8.6 ky B.P.) are not distinguishable by field criteria, only geochronological data. Generation 2 corresponds to eolian features stabilized by vegetation that occurs up to 135 km from the current coast line. OSL-SAR ages of stabilization of these features are between 19 and 14 ky B.P., a narrow time interval during Pleistocene. This event is related to the climatic event HS-1. During this period the intensity of trade winds decreased and precipitation increased in the area due to a greater influence of the Intertropical Covergence Zone, which was shifting south. These climatic variations reduced the capacity of eolian transportation and the led system to to stabilization. Provenance analyzes by heavy minerals identified the continental shelf located east of the Parnaiba river mouth as sedimentary source for the east coast of Maranhão, which is fed by longitudinal litoral drift to west. Parnaiba river apparently has a minor contribution as sedimentary source for recent and past eolian generations. Sedimentary dynamic of the recent eolian system, as indicated by heavy minerals analyzes, grain size analyzes and morphoplanimetric parameters, is characterized by strong reworking by rivers, braided intermittent drainages, that cross the dunefield. All analyzed Brazilian sediments presented relatively high OSL sensitivity and good behavior regarding their luminescence characteristics relevant for radiation dose estimation. The OSL sensitivity of quartz was identified as the main characteristic interfering the OSL dating quality. We propose to standardize the definition of quartz OSL sensitivity using the Quartz-to-\'Al IND.2\'\'O IND.3\':C sensitivity ratio (\'delta\'\'POT.s\'Q). The standardization is a prerequisite to compare data obtained under different measurement conditions and to investigate and develop geological applications of quartz OSL sensitivity. We observed that the major factor controlling the OSL sensitivity is the sedimentary history of the sediment. Longer sedimentary transport provided by huge drainage systems and long-distance littoral drift increases the OSL sensitivity. The use of OSL sensitivity as provenance proxy was successfully applied at Ilha Comprida-SP to analyze climate variations.

Idades por luminescência opticamente estimulada foram obtidas nos depósitos eólicos do litoral leste maranhense. As datações permitiram reconhecer ao menos quatro gerações de dunas eólicas, incluindo a atual. As duas gerações mais antigas (G1/G0: idades LOE de 258,9±24,6 a 88,0±8,6 ka A.P.) não são distinguíveis por critérios de campo, somente por dados geocronológicos. A geração eólica 2 corresponde a feições eólicas estabilizadas pela vegetação que ocorrem a até 135 km da linha de costa atual. As idades LOE-SAR de estabilização obtidas para essas feições eólicas compreendem um intervalo estreito de tempo (19 a 14 ka A.P.) no Pleistoceno superior. Essa fase estabilização do sistema eólico é correlacionada com o evento climático HS-1. Durante esse período no leste maranhense, sob maior influência da Zona de Convergência Intertropical pelo seu deslocamento para sul, ocorreu diminuição da intensidade dos ventos alísios e aumento da precipitação. Essas variações climáticas diminuíram a capacidade de transporte eólico e levou o sistema à estabilização. A análise de proveniência sedimentar com base em minerais pesado identificou como principal fonte sedimentar do litoral leste maranhense a plataforma continental localizada a leste da foz do rio Parnaíba, alimentada via deriva litorânea longitudinal para oeste. O rio Parnaíba aparentemente tem contribuição minoritária como fonte sedimentar, tanto para o sistema atual como para as gerações eólicas pretéritas. A dinâmica sedimentar do sistema eólico atual, evidenciada por minerais pesados, granulometria e parâmetros morfoplanimétricos, aponta para intenso retrabalhamento por rios que o limitam parcialmente ao interior e por drenagens intermitentes, de caráter entrelaçado, que o atravessam. O estudo do método de datação LOE e as características LOE dos sedimentos de diferentes localidades do Brasil permitiu identificar a boa aplicabilidade do método vista a alta sensibilidade LOE do quartzo e bom desempenho nos testes aplicados. A sensibilidade LOE do quartzo foi identificada como a principal característica determinante da qualidade da datação LOE. A proposição da razão de sensibilidade Quartzo-\"Al IND.2\'\'O IND.3\':C (\'delta\'\'POTs\' Q) permitiu tanto a padronização do cálculo da sensibilidade LOE como a comparação de medidas interlaboratoriais. A observação de grandes variações nos valores de sensibilidade LOE de quartzo para sedimentos de diferentes localidades são resultado tanto das rochas fonte como dos ciclos de sedimentação e retrabalhamento. A identificação de diferentes proveniências sedimentares com base no uso da sensibilidade LOE foi aplicada, com sucesso, na análise de variações climáticas baseada em mudanças de proveniência sedimentar na Ilha Comprida -SP. / Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages were obtained in eolian deposits from the east coast of Maranhão, Brazil. OSL dating allowed the identification of at least four generations of eolian dunes, including the active dunefields. The two oldest generations (G1/G0: OSL ages 258.9±24.6 to 88.0±8.6 ky B.P.) are not distinguishable by field criteria, only geochronological data. Generation 2 corresponds to eolian features stabilized by vegetation that occurs up to 135 km from the current coast line. OSL-SAR ages of stabilization of these features are between 19 and 14 ky B.P., a narrow time interval during Pleistocene. This event is related to the climatic event HS-1. During this period the intensity of trade winds decreased and precipitation increased in the area due to a greater influence of the Intertropical Covergence Zone, which was shifting south. These climatic variations reduced the capacity of eolian transportation and the led system to to stabilization. Provenance analyzes by heavy minerals identified the continental shelf located east of the Parnaiba river mouth as sedimentary source for the east coast of Maranhão, which is fed by longitudinal litoral drift to west. Parnaiba river apparently has a minor contribution as sedimentary source for recent and past eolian generations. Sedimentary dynamic of the recent eolian system, as indicated by heavy minerals analyzes, grain size analyzes and morphoplanimetric parameters, is characterized by strong reworking by rivers, braided intermittent drainages, that cross the dunefield. All analyzed Brazilian sediments presented relatively high OSL sensitivity and good behavior regarding their luminescence characteristics relevant for radiation dose estimation. The OSL sensitivity of quartz was identified as the main characteristic interfering the OSL dating quality. We propose to standardize the definition of quartz OSL sensitivity using the Quartz-to-\'Al IND.2\'\'O IND.3\':C sensitivity ratio (\'delta\'\'POT.s\'Q). The standardization is a prerequisite to compare data obtained under different measurement conditions and to investigate and develop geological applications of quartz OSL sensitivity. We observed that the major factor controlling the OSL sensitivity is the sedimentary history of the sediment. Longer sedimentary transport provided by huge drainage systems and long-distance littoral drift increases the OSL sensitivity. The use of OSL sensitivity as provenance proxy was successfully applied at Ilha Comprida-SP to analyze climate variations.

The spatial distribution of heavy minerals along the mine paths 2014 and 2015 at the wet concentrate plant B shows an increase of heavy minerals sand concentration northwards and slime contents southwards, and it is commonly associated with depth and grain sorting; the increase of heavy minerals concentration with depth is considered to be from the surface formed by Unit 6 to the bottom of Unit 7. The Unit 82 is characterized by low heavy minerals concentrations and high slime contents declining northwards. The mineral proportion estimation suggests that ilmenite is the most abundant heavy mineral in the entire area followed by zircon, rutile and mozanite, and some accessory minerals such as chromite, kyanite, staurolite, tourmaline, epidote, spinel and quartz. The ilmenite occurrence is divided into ilmenite low (< 53% TiO₂) and high (> 53% TiO₂); the ilmenite high with zircon and rutile shows tendency to increase northwards while ilmenite low increase southwards. Zircon, monazite, rutile, chromite, kyanite and staurolite show low variability, which is probably associated with high resistance of minerals for abrasion during transportation and diagenesis. The depositional model of the Namalope deposit, in the flat area and wet concentrate plant B in particular, suggests deposition in a shallow marine environment associated with regression for deposition of Unit 6, 7 and 9 and transgression during deposition of Unit 82. The spatial distribution of heavy minerals in the Namalope deposit and its environment of deposition are the key points for discovery of new deposits around the Namalope with the same characteristic of mineral assemblage and they are used for mine strategic plans such as update block model and mine design.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The discovery of lucrative diamond deposits along the west coast of Southern Africa about 1200 kilometres from the Kimberley region during the period 1908 to 1927, gave rise to a number of different theories with respect to their possible provenance. These included the transportation of diamonds from unknown sources in southern Namibia by south-flowing rivers, hidden on- and off-shore kimberlites along the coast, and transportation by west-bound rivers from the hinterland. Subsequent research has shown that the latter is the only plausible theory. The discovery of marine and coastal diamond deposits as far south as the Olifants River estuary showed that the Vaal-Orange drainage in its current form could not have been the only conduit for diamonds to the coast, and the drainage evolution of southern Africa was interpreted as comprising essentially the following two main palaeo-fluvial systems active in the formation of the world's only known diamond mega-placer deposit:  The Karoo River with its headwaters similar to those of the modern Orange and Vaal Rivers and entering the Atlantic Ocean via the present-day Olifants River;  The Kalahari River that drained southern Botswana and followed the route of the modern-day Molopo River, entering the Atlantic Ocean in the vicinity of the present Orange River mouth. An important shortcoming of the above model is that it could not account for the fact that diamond distribution along the west coast shows a marked increase in grade and average stone size at the estuaries of all the major rivers draining from the escarpment to the Atlantic between the Olifants and the Orange Rivers. The presence of fluvial diamond deposits along the courses of the Buffels, Swartlintjies, Spoeg, Horees and Groen Rivers confirms that the increased grade and diamond size at their estuaries is not a function of large bays and rougher bottom topography associated with the rivers, although these could have contributed to this phenomenon. This proves that the catchments of the rivers between the Olifants and Orange Rivers also had access to diamondiferous debris, although they were not in contact with these two major drainages. A number of researchers proposed that diamonds liberated from pre-Karoo kimberlites were moved from their primary hosts to the south-western parts of the subcontinent by Dwyka glacials. From the above it is clear that nearly a century after the discovery of diamonds along the west coast of southern Africa consensus regarding their origin had not been reached. The aim of this study was therefore to establish a model explaining the most likely sources and distribution history of the more important alluvial diamond deposits in southern Africa. The methodology comprised a study of 1878 diamonds collected from 25 alluvial and two kimberlitic sources for comparison with known similar data from 12 kimberlitic populations in southern Africa. The diamond study was supplemented by a study of sedimentary clasts from bulk gravel samples taken along the Middle and Lower Orange River as well as Scanning Electron-microscope (SEM) Analyses of garnet grains and zircon geochronology. The evidence from the study does not support the postulated existence of a former Karoo River. The surface features of diamonds, notably brown spots indicating – in the context of southern Africa - liberation from pre-Karoo kimberlites, as well as the results of Fourier Transform Infrared analyses revealed that the populations at Kwaggaskop along the Sout River, previously considered an erosion remnant of the Lower Karoo River and those occurring south of Brandvlei and Van Wyksvlei in the valley of the Sak River, previously considered to have been reworked from the Middle Karoo River, differ profoundly from each other. In addition, the surface feature studies and Fourier Transform Infrared Analyses clearly show major distinctions between the diamond populations from the Sout River-Olifants River estuary and those from the Kimberley kimberlite province which was said to have supplied diamonds in large quantities to the Olifants River estuary via the postulated Karoo River. Furthermore the idea of a palaeo-Gamoep River playing a significant role in the transportation of diamonds to the west coast is favoured by the presence of brown-spotted diamonds and diamonds with Platelet Preservation Indices revealing severe platelet destruction that could be traced through Bosluispan in the Koa River valley, the Buffels River valley, the Buffels River estuary and to the shallow marine environment north of the Buffels River. Zircon geochronology confirmed the role of the Orange River in the denudation of the sub-continent. With respect to the drainage evolution and diamond distribution in southern Africa the results of this study indicate a complex diamond dispersal model that differs in some respects from prevailing theories. It shows that diamonds liberated from pre- Karoo kimberlites in the north-eastern part of the sub-continent were initially moved in a south-westerly direction by pre-Karoo drainages, then by Dwyka glaciers and ice sheets. Ultimately, after liberation from exhumed glacial and fluvial deposits and together with diamonds subsequently liberated from Jurassic and Cretaceous kimberlites, Cretaceous and younger drainages provided the transport toward the Atlantic Ocean where the diamonds were concentrated along shorelines and in bedrock trap sites. Significant quantities did not reach the coast, but were locked up in fluvial sediments in erosion remnants like terraces, karstic depressions and other segments of palaeo-channels along the way. The presence of diamonds with FTIR characteristics reminiscent of those from Orapa and Jwaneng in the Orange River deposits as well as in a raised marine terrace in southern Namaqualand and in marine deposits north of Concession 12A, also negates the possible existence of a palaeo-Kalahari River, unless it was a very young system that did not interrupt the south-bound dispersal of Botswana diamonds during the Late Oligocene-Early Miocene. The study also included microscopic examination of a parcel of diamonds from the enigmatic Skeleton Coast deposits, north-western Namibia. These results confirmed the conclusion based on geological and geomorphic grounds that these diamonds cannot be linked to the Oranjemund deposits, while their surface features showed that pre-Karoo sources comprise the most likely provenance for the Skeleton Coast diamonds. Thus the combination of FTIR analyses and surface feature studies of diamonds, zircon geochronology and SEM analyses of garnets allowed the formulation of a revised model for the distribution of alluvial diamonds and the drainage history of the sub-continent since the Middle Cretaceous, while the study of sedimentary clasts confirmed the repeated occurrence of high energy fluvial conditions – especially evident in the palaeo-Orange River sediments – that contributed to the high percentage of gem stones in the surviving alluvial diamond populations due to the destruction of poor quality diamonds. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die ontdekking van ryk alluviale diamantafsettings aan die suider-Afrikaanse weskus, meer as 1200 kilometer van die Kimberley-omgewing af tussen 1908 en 1927, het 'n aantal teorieë omtrent moontlike provenansgebiede vir hierdie afsettings tot gevolg gehad. Dit het gewissel van die suidwaartse vervoer van diamante vanaf bronne in suidelike Namibië, diamantdraende kimberliete in die kusvlaktes of op die vastelandstoep onder huidige seevlak, tot die vervoer van diamante deur weswaarts-vloeiende riviere vanuit die binneland. Geen ontdekkings wat eersgenoemde teorie kon ondersteun is in Namibië gemaak nie. Verder, namate meer gevorderde navorsingsresultate aan die lig gekom het, het dit duidelik geword dat kimberliete wat weg van 'n antieke kraton geleë is, grootliks sonder diamante is, en gevolglik het die idee van nabygeleë diamantdraende kimberliete in die kusvlakte of op die seebodem as bron, onaanvaarbaar geword. Grootskaalse wes- tot suidweswaartse vervoer van diamante het gevolglik die enigste aanvaarbare alternatief gebied. Die ontdekkiing van aan- en aflandige mariene afsettings tot so ver as suid van die Olifantrsrivier het getoon dat die Vaal-Oranjestelsel in sy huidige vorm nie die enigste vervoerkanaal vir diamante na die weskus kon wees nie. Die dreineringsgeskiedenis van suidelike Afrika was gevolglik vertolk aan die hand van twee voorgestelde groot oer-rivierstelsels, naamlik: - Die Karoorivier met sy bolope naastenby soortgelyk aan dié van die moderne Oranje- en Vaalriviere, en wat langs die huidige Olifantsrivier uitgemond het; - Die Kalaharirivier wat die suide van Botswana gedreineer het, en min of meer die roete van die huidige Moloporivier gevolg het, met sy monding baie naby aan dié van die moderne Oranjerivier. 'n Belangrike tekortkoming in bogenoemde model is die feit dat dit nie 'n verduideliking bied vir die volgende feit nie: Diamant-produksiedata van die Suid-Afrikaanse weskus toon 'n skielike toename in graad (karaat per 100 ton) en gemiddelde steengrootte van diamante by die monding van al die belangrike riviere tussen die Olifants- en Oranjeriviere, wat vanaf die platorand na die Atlantiese Oseaan dreineer. Die feit dat fluviale diamantvoorkomste in die valleie van die Bufffels-, Swartlintjies-, Spoeg-, Horees- en Groenriviere aangetref word, bevestig dat hierdie verskynsel nie net aan die teenwoordigheid van kus-inhamme en ruwer vloertopografie wat met die riviermondings geassosiëer is, toegeskryf kan word nie, alhoewel dit wel „n bydrae tot hierdie waarneming kon maak. Dit bevestig dat hierdie riviere wel in hul opvang-gebiede ook toegang tot diamanthoudende puin gehad het, sonder enige kontak met die Olifants- of Oranjeriviere. 'n Aantal navorsers het die gedagte geopper dat diamante wat uit voor-Karoo kimberliete vrygestel was, deur bewegende ysplate en/of gletsers vanaf hul provenansgebiede na die suidweste van die subkontinent vervoer is. Uit die voorafgaande paragrawe is dit duidelik dat, ongeveer ʼn eeu ná die ontdekking van diamante langs die suider-Afrikaanse weskus, daar nog nie eenstemmigheid bereik is oor die oorsprong van hierdie diamante nie. Die doel van hierdie studie was gevolglik die daarstelling van „n model wat „n aanvaarbare verduideliking bied vir die verspreiding en afsetting van sommige voorkomste van spoeldiamante in suidelike Afrika soos tans waargeneem. Vir hierdie doel is 1878 diamante afkomstig vanuit 25 alluviale en twee kimberlietvoorkomste ondersoek. Die resultate is vergelyk met soortgelyke inligting wat bekend is vir diamantpopulasies vanuit 12 suider-Afrikaanse kimberliete. Die diamantstudie is aangevul met die ondersoek van spoelklippe vanuit gruismonsters wat langs die Middel- en Benede Oranjerivier versamel is asook Skanderings-elektron Mikroskoop-analises (SEM) van granaatkorrels en sirkoon-geokronologie. Die resultate van hierdie studie ondersteun nie die hipotese van „n eertydse Karoorivier nie. Die teenwoordigheid van bruin spikkels op diamante wat – in die konteks van die geologiese geskiedenis van suidelike Afrika – vrystelling vanuit vóór- Karoo kimberliete impliseer, asook die resultate van FTIR-analises dui op „n komplekse model wat „n alternatief bied vir bestaande sienswyses. Dit toon dat die diamantpopulasies by Kwaggaskop langs die Soutrivier wat veronderstel was om die Benede Karoorivier te verteenwoordig, en dié wat suid van Brandvlei en Van Wyksvlei in die vallei van die Sakrivier aangetref word en veronderstel was om afkomstig te wees uit die Middel Karoorivier, drasties van mekaar verskil. Dit openbaar ook beduidende verskille tussen die diamantpopulasies van die Olifantsriviermonding en dié van die Kimberley-omgewing waarvandaan die veronderstelde Karoorivier groot hoeveelhede diamante aan die Sout-Olifantsrivier sou gelewer het. Verder verskaf die teenwoordigheid van diamante met bruin spikkels en diamante met eienskappe wat toon dat hul stikstofplaatjies vernietig is, „n skakel tussen Bosluispan in die vallei van die Koarivier en die seegebied noord van die Buffelsrivier, via die Buffelsriviervallei en die Buffelsriviermonding, en hierdie feite ondersteun gevolglik eerder die voorstel dat groot hoeveelhede diamante deur die paleo-Gamoeprivier na die weskus vervoer is. Die teenwoordigheid van diamante met FTIR-kenmerke soortgelyk aan dié van Orapa en Jwaneng in die Mid-Oranje afsettings, 'n mariene terras in die suide van Namakwaland en in mariene konsessies noord van Seegebied 12A, opponeer ook die gedagte van 'n paleo-Kalaharirivier, tensy laasgenoemde 'n baie jong stelsel was wat nie die suidwaartse beweging van Botswana-diamante gedurende die Laat Oligoseen tot Vroeg Mioseen verhinder het nie. Die resultate van die sirkoon-geokronologie het die rol van die Oranjerivier in die afplatting van die subkontinent bevestig. Die volgende model tree uit bogenoemde waarnemings na vore: diamante wat in die noordooste van die subkontinent uit kimberliete met „n voor-Karoo inplasingsouderdom vrygestel is, is aanvanklik suidweswaarts vervoer deur voor-Karoo riviere. Daarna is die diamante deur gletsers en ysplate gedurende die Dwyka-tydperk, en uiteindelik ná vrystelling vanuit ontblote glasiale en paleo-fluviale afsettings tesame met diamante wat intussen vanuit Jura- en Krytouderom kimberliete vrygestel is, deur die dreineringstelsels in die Kryt-tydperk en later, verder suidweswaarts vervoer. Sommige het onderweg in fluviale sedimente (terrasse, karstholtes en ander reste van paleokanale) agtergebly, terwyl „n beduidende hoeveelheid tot in die Atlantiese Oseaan vervoer is waar hulle deur mariene prosesse in ou strandlyne en bodemrots opvangstrukture gekonsentreer is. Die studie het ook die mikroskopiese ondersoek van 'n pakkie diamante afkomstig vanuit die enigmatiese afsettings aan die noordelike Skedelkus van Namibië ingesluit. Op grond van geologiese en geomorfologiese getuienis word die afleiding gemaak dat die Skedelkusdiamante nie met die Oranjemund-afsettings verbind kan word nie, terwyl die mikroskopiese oppervlakteksture toon dat bronne met 'n voor-Karoo inplasingsouderdom die mees waarskynlike provenans vir hierdie diamante is. Die kombinasie van FTIR-analises en oppervlaktekstuur-studies van diamante, sirkoongeokronologie en SEM-analises van granate het die formulering van „n hersiene model vir die subkontinent se dreineringsgeskiedenis sedert die Middel-Kryttydperk en diamantverspreiding moontlik gemaak terwyl die studie van sedimentêre klaste getoon het dat hoë-energietoestande, waardeur diamante van swak gehalte vernietig sou word, herhaaldelik voorgekom het, veral in die paleo-Oranjerivier. Die afleiding word gemaak dat hierdie aspek „n bydrae gelewer het tot die hoë persentasie juweelstene in die oorblywende alluviale diamantpopulasies.

Abstract In this Ph.D. thesis sediment cores from the central Arctic Ocean, southwestern Barents Sea and sediment exposures from the Kola Peninsula were investigated in order to reveal interactions between the late middle Pleistocene and late Pleistocene Arctic ice sheets, between Marine Isotope Stages 6 and 1 (MIS 6 and MIS 1). One of the main objectives of this work is to establish provenance areas for the sediments studied in the central Arctic, the southwestern (SW) Barents Sea and the Kola Peninsula, their transport mechanisms and through that their relationship to glaciations in the Arctic and to development in the Kola Peninsula during the late middle and late Pleistocene. Mineralogical and geochemical data from the core 96/12-1pc on the Lomonosov Ridge, central Arctic Ocean was studied to evaluate ice transport from circum-Arctic ice sheets and variability in sediment drainage systems associated with their decay. SW Barents Sea sediments contain important information on Late Glacial and Holocene sediment provenance characteristics in relation to ice flow patterns and ice rafting from different regional sectors. The studied SW Barents Sea sediment cores show that sediments were most likely derived from a combination of far-field Fennoscandian sources, local subcropping Mesozoic strata below the seafloor and sea ice transport. The investigation carried out on the Kola Peninsula indicates that the Eemian (MIS 5e) marine environment in the White Sea Basin and onshore coastal areas gradually changed into a glaciolacustrine environment during MIS 5d to MIS 5a. Subsequently, the Scandinavian Ice Sheet (SIS) covered the Kola Peninsula, most probably during MIS 4. The final deglaciation of the SIS on the Kola Peninsula took place, however, during the late Weichselian (MIS 2) between 16–12 ka. / Tiivistelmä Tässä väitöstutkimuksessa tutkittiin sedimenttikairanäytteitä keskeiseltä Jäämereltä ja Lounais-Barentsinmereltä sekä tarkasteltiin sedimenttiseurantoja Kuolan niemimaalla tarkoituksena selvittää myöhäisen keskipleistoseeni- ja myöhäispleistoseeniajan Arktisten jääkenttien keskinäiset vuorovaikutukset erityisesti merellisten isotooppivaiheiden 6 ja 1 (MIS 6 ja MIS 1) välillä. Tämän työn yhtenä päätavoitteena on määritellä sedimenttien lähdealueet keskeisellä Arktiksella, lounaisella Barentsinmerellä ja Kuolan niemimaalla, sedimenttien kuljetusmekanismit ja näiden perusteella riippuvuudet Arktisiin jäätiköihin ja Kuolan niemimaalla tapahtuneeseen myöhäiskeski- ja myöhäispleistoseenin kehitykseen. Mineraloginen ja geokemiallinen tieto Lomonosovin harjanteen kairauksesta 96/12-1pc, keskeisellä Jäämerellä on perusta arvioitaessa jääkuljetusmekanismeja ympäröiviltä sirkum-Arktisilta jäätiköiltä ja arvioitaessa valuma-alueiden osuutta suhteessa näiden jäätiköiden häviämiseen. Lounaisen Barentsinmeren sedimentit sisältävät tärkeätä tietoja viimeisen jäätiköitymisen loppuvaiheen ja holoseeni-ajan sedimenttien lähdealueista ja suhteista jäävirtauksiin ja jääkuljetukseen eri aluesektoreilta. Tutkitut Lounais-Barentsinmeren sedimentit osoittavat, että sedimentit olivat todennäköisimmin peräisin suhteellisen kaukaisilta Fennoscandian lähdealueilta, paikallisista mesotsoosista merenpohjan kerrostumista ja merijään kuljettamasta materiaalista. Kuolan niemimaalla tehty tutkimus osoittaa, että Eem-kauden (MIS 5e) meriympäristö Vienanmeren altaassa ja rannikkoalueilla vähitellen muuttui glaciolakustriseksi ympäristöksi MIS 5d:n ja MIS 5a:n välisenä aikana. Sen jälkeen Skandinavian jääkenttä (SIS) peitti Kuolan niemimaan, todennäköisimmin koko MIS:n 4 ajanjakson. SIS:n lopullinen deglasiaatio alkoi Kuolan niemimaalla kuitenkin myöhäisen Veiksel-jääkauden (MIS 2) aikana noin 16–12 ka sitten.

L’étude des dépôts de tsunamis est une science relativement jeune, et si de nombreux progrès ont été faits, en particulier au cours des trois dernières décennies, les techniques disponibles à l’heure actuelle ne permettent pas l’étude exhaustive des dépôts, que ce soit à cause de problèmes de conservation, fréquemment rencontrés, ou de limites liées aux techniques analytiques elles-mêmes. En effet, leur résolution spatiale s’avère insuffisante pour les dépôts fins (fractions sableuses et inférieures), soit par leur principe même (absence de visualisation en trois dimensions sur des lames minces, par exemple), soit à cause des techniques d’échantillonnage dont elles dépendent. Ce travail a permis d’explorer les applications d’une technique analytique jusqu’à présent inutilisée dans ce domaine, la microtomographie par rayons X, appliquée à trois dépôts de tsunamis : les dépôts du tsunami de Lisbonne en 1755 sur les côtes Andalouses, ceux d’un tsunami causé en 1996 dans le Lac Karymskoye au Kamchatka, et un potentiel dépôt de tsunami datant de l’Holocène à Ninety Mile Beach, sur le littoral ouest de l’Australie. Les problématiques liées aux techniques d’échantillonnage et au traitement des données brutes et à leur exploitation sont passées en revue et les solutions retenues sont exposées. Les résultats obtenus sont comparés à ceux obtenus par l’utilisation de techniques analytiques dont la pertinence et l’utilité ont été démontrées lors de précédentes études. Cette technique se révèle extrêmement utile pour les analyses structurales (organisation interne des dépôts), texturales (distributions de tailles de grains, fabrique sédimentaire et dynamiques d’écoulements), ainsi que les analyses de composition (abondances en bioclastes et en minéraux lourds par exemple). Le croisement des études structurales et texturales du dépôt du tsunami de 1755 mettent en avant des dynamiques de mise en place allant parfois à l’encontre des scenarii généralement admis et offre un nouveau point de vue sur les dépôts de tsunami. / The study of tsunami deposits is a relatively young science, and even if substantial progress has been made (especially during the last three decades) the techniques available at present day do not allow exhaustive studies of the deposits, weither poor conservation of the deposits, which is a common problem, is to blame, or because of limitations of the techniques themselves. Their spatial resolution often appears to be insufficient for fine deposits (sand size fractions and finer) because of their working principle (lack of three dimensional visualisation of structures on thin sections for instance) or because of the sampling techniques they depend on. This work allowed exploring the applications of an analytic technique, X-ray computed microtomography, which had to this day never used before for the study of tsunami deposits. Three distinct case studies have been made: deposits from the 1755 Lisbon tsunami on the western coast of Spain (Andalusia), deposits from the 1996 tsunami triggered in Karymskoye Lake, and a potential mid-Holocene tsunami deposit at Ninety Mile Beach, western Australia. Problematic linked to sampling techniques and raw data processing and exploitation are addressed. Chosen solutions are exposed. The results are compared to those obtained using techniques whose relevance and usefulness have been proven in previous studies. This technique proves to be extremely useful for structural (deposits inner organisation), textural (grain size distribution, sedimentary fabrics and flow dynamics), and composition (bioclasts and heavy minerals abundances) analyses. Crossing structural and textural analysis of the 1755 Lisbon tsunami deposit unravels deposition modes which go against the usually admitted scenario and offers a new point of view on tsunami deposits.