Our understanding of how magma-poor rifts accommodate strain remains limited largely due to sparse geophysical observations from these rift systems. To better understand magma-poor rifting processes, chapter 1 of this dissertation is focused on investigating the lithosphere-asthenosphere interactions beneath the Malawi Rift, a segment of the magma-poor Western Branch of the East African Rift (EAR). Chapter 2 and 3 are focused on investigating the sources of melt beneath the Rungwe Volcanic Province (RVP), an anomalous volcanic center located at the northern tip of the Malawi Rift. In chapter 1, we use the lithospheric structure of the Malawi Rift derived from the World Gravity Model 2012 to constrain three-dimensional (3D) numerical models of lithosphere-asthenosphere interactions, which indicate ~3 cm/yr asthenospheric upwelling beneath the thin lithosphere (115-125 km) of the northern Malawi Rift and the RVP from lithospheric modulated convection (LMC) that is decoupling from surface motions. We suggest that the asthenospheric upwelling may generate decompression melts which weakens the lithosphere thereby enabling extension. The source of asthenospheric melt for the RVP is still contentious. Some studies suggest the asthenospheric melt beneath the RVP arises from thermal perturbations in the upper mantle associated with plume head materials, while others propose decompression melting from upwelling asthenosphere due to LMC where the lithosphere is thin. Chapter 2 of this dissertation is focused on testing the hypothesis that asthenospheric melt feeding the RVP can be generated from LMC using realistic constraints on the mantle potential temperature (Tp). We develop a 3D thermomechanical model of LMC beneath the RVP and the entire Malawi Rift that incorporates melt generation. We find decompression melt associated with LMC upwelling (~3 cm/yr) occurs at a maximum depth of ~150 km localized beneath the RVP. Studies of volcanic rock samples from the RVP indicate plume signatures which are enigmatic since the RVP is highly localized, unlike the large igneous provinces in the Eastern Branch of the EAR. In chapter 3, we test the hypothesis that the melt beneath the RVP is generated from plume materials. We investigate melt generation from plume-lithosphere interactions (PLI) beneath the RVP by developing a 3D seismic tomography-based convection (TBC) model beneath the RVP. The seismic constraints indicate excess temperatures of ~250 K in the sublithospheric mantle beneath the RVP suggesting the presence of a plume. We find a relatively fast upwelling (~10 cm/yr) beneath the RVP which we interpret as a rising plume. The TBC upwelling generates decompression melt (~0.25 %) at a maximum depth of ~200 km beneath the RVP where the lithosphere is thinnest (~100 km). Our results demonstrate that an excess heat source from may be plume materials is necessary for melt generation in the sublithospheric mantle beneath the RVP because passive asthenospheric upwelling of ambient mantle will require a higher than normal Tp to generate melt. Studies of volcanic rock samples from the RVP indicate plume signatures which are enigmatic since the RVP is highly localized, unlike the large igneous provinces in the Eastern Branch of the EAR. In chapter 3, we test the hypothesis that the melt beneath the RVP is generated from plume materials. We investigate melt generation from plume-lithosphere interactions (PLI) beneath the RVP by developing a 3D seismic tomography-based convection (TBC) model beneath the RVP. The seismic constraints indicate excess temperatures of ≈ 250K in the sublithospheric mantle beneath the RVP suggesting the presence of a plume. We find a relatively fast upwelling (≈10 cm/yr) beneath the RVP which we interpret as a rising plume. The TBC upwelling generates decompression melt (≈0.25 %) at a maximum depth of ≈200 km beneath the RVP where the lithosphere is thinnest (≈100 km). Our results demonstrate that an excess heat source from may be plume materials is necessary for melt generation in the sublithospheric mantle beneath the RVP because passive asthenospheric upwelling of ambient mantle will require a higher than normal Tp to generate melt. / Doctor of Philosophy / Studies suggest the presence of hot, melted rock deep in the continents makes them weaker and easier to break apart, however, our understanding of how continents with less melted rock break apart remains limited largely due to sparse geophysical observations from these dry areas. To better understand how continents with less melted rock break apart, chapter 1 of this dissertation is focused on investigating the interactions between the rigid part of the Earth, called lithosphere, and the underlying lower viscosity rock layer called asthenosphere beneath the Malawi Rift, a segment of the magma-poor Western Branch of the East African Rift (EAR). Chapter 2 and 3 are focused on investigating the sources of melt beneath the Rungwe Volcanic Province (RVP), an anomalous volcanic center located at the northern tip of the Malawi Rift. In chapter 1, we use the lithospheric structure of the Malawi Rift derived from gravity data to constrain three-dimensional (3-D) numerical models of lithosphere-asthenosphere interactions, which indicate ~3 cm/yr asthenospheric upwelling beneath the thin lithosphere (115-125 km) of the northern Malawi Rift and the RVP that does not seem to drive movements at the surface. We suggest that the asthenospheric upwelling may generate melted rock which weakens the lithosphere thereby enabling extension. However, the source of asthenospheric melt for the RVP is still contentious. Some studies suggest the asthenospheric melt beneath the RVP arises from thermal perturbations in the upper mantle associated with rising mantle rocks or plume head materials, while others propose melting occurs from upwelling asthenosphere due to lithospheric modulated convection (LMC) where the lithosphere is thin. Chapter 2 of this dissertation is focused on testing the hypothesis that asthenospheric melt feeding the RVP can be generated from LMC. We develop a 3D thermomechanical model of LMC beneath the RVP and the entire Malawi Rift that incorporates melt generation. We find decompression melt associated with LMC upwelling (~3 cm/yr) occurs at a maximum depth of ~150 km localized beneath the RVP. Studies of volcanic rock samples from the RVP indicate plume signatures which are enigmatic since the RVP is highly localized, unlike the large igneous provinces in the Eastern Branch of the EAR. In chapter 3, we investigate melt generation from plume-lithosphere interactions (PLI) beneath the RVP. We develop a 3D model of convection using information from seismology we call tomography-based convection (TBC) beneath the RVP. The seismic data indicate excess temperatures of ~250 K beneath the RVP suggesting the presence of a plume. We find a relatively fast upwelling (~10 cm/yr) beneath the RVP which we interpret as a rising plume. The TBC upwelling generates decompression melt at a maximum depth of ~200 km beneath the RVP. Our results demonstrate that an excess heat source from may be plume materials is necessary for melt generation in the sublithospheric mantle beneath the RVP because passive asthenospheric upwelling of ambient mantle will require a higher than normal mantle potential temperatures to generate melt.

Doctor of Philosophy / Traditional military descriptions of conflict tend to focus on the movement of soldiers and armies across battlefields. When the airplane emerged, it forced military theorists to contend with a new, vertical, dimension of conflict. In America, the United States Air Force assumed an important role in this vertical dimension as the country's delivery mechanism for nuclear weapons. However, at the same time that politicians, academics, and military officials debated the offensive uses for aircraft a second debate occurred describing how best to use military means to defend the North American continent. Those who advocated for a defensive system to protect North American, including the President Eisenhower, strongly advocated for a continent-wide test of the new air defense system. That test was conducted once a year between 1960 and 1962 during which all civilian air travel across the U.S. and Canada was suspended. The tests were called the "Sky Shield" exercises. This research shows how a prevailing mood of fear and vulnerability gave air defense proponents the political capital to build a continental air defense network and test it during the Sky Shield exercises. Further, it describes the enduring legacy of this domestically-focused Cold War defense program. The research finds that America's approach to Cold War continental defense was strong when it was aligned with the White House's nuclear strategy, but when successive political leaders changed nuclear strategies that decision negatively influenced continental defense programs. This research is useful because it examines a relatively under-explored area of Cold War defense programs. Traditionally these studies focus on offensive capabilities far from American shores. This study instead examines homeland defense and how it changed during the Cold War as a function of changing nuclear programs and changing threats to the United States.

Coastal water quality is intricately linked to environmental factors, particularly meteorological and hydrological conditions. Weather conditions determine wind speed and direction, which in turn influence coastal currents, and these currents play a critical role in the transport and variability of water quality parameters. Understanding how these dynamic interactions impact water quality is essential for the effective management and preservation of coastal ecosystems. This dissertation investigates the effects of varying flow conditions on key water quality parameters in the Louisiana Continental Shelf, utilizing data from two research cruises. The study specifically focuses on how concentration variability and transport mechanisms of water quality indicators respond to different environmental conditions, including the passage of cold fronts and periods of non-frontal conditions. In this research, data were collected using a conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) system and through the analysis of water samples to assess changes in nutrient concentrations, dissolved oxygen levels, chlorophyll-a, and Colored Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM). These samples were collected under two distinct environmental conditions: following a cold front and during non-frontal conditions. Analytical methods were used to quantify the water quality parameters, while hydrodynamic modeling was applied to assess the transport and dispersion patterns of these indicators. The results show that cold fronts increase nutrient concentrations and decrease dissolved oxygen levels due to enhanced mixing and upwelling. The cold front activity also promotes southwestward transport of water quality parameters, driven by the region's hydrodynamic forces. Under stable weather conditions, nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations increase, but transport is limited, with reduced dispersion resulting from weaker hydrodynamic forces. CDOM component analysis revealed that cold front conditions lower CDOM concentrations and improve light penetration, while non-frontal conditions elevate CDOM concentrations, reducing light penetration and impacting aquatic ecosystem productivity. These findings enhance our understanding of how meteorological events, hydrological conditions, and water quality interact in coastal regions. The research demonstrates how weather conditions distinctly influence nutrient dynamics and CDOM behavior. These insights are crucial for developing effective water quality management strategies for the Louisiana Continental Shelf and similar coastal regions worldwide, supporting global efforts to mitigate challenges posed by climate change and human activity in coastal ecosystems.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides an opportunity for qualifying coastal signatory states to claim extended maritime estate. The opportunity to claim rests on the precept that in certain cases a continental shelf extends beyond the traditionally demarcated two hundred nautical mile (200M) Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) mark. In these cases a successful claim results in states having sovereign rights to the living and non-living resources of the seabed and subsoil, as well as the sedentary species, of the area claimed. Where the continental shelf extends beyond the 200M mark, the Foot of the Continental Slope (FoS) has to be determined as one of the qualifying criteria. Article 76 of UNCLOS de nes the FoS as ". . . the point of maximum change in the gradient at its base." Currently Caris Lots is the most widely used software which incorporates public domain data to determine the FoS as a step towards defining the offshore extent of an extended continental shelf. In this software, existing methods to compute the FoS are often subjective, typically involving an operator choosing the best perceived foot point during consideration of a two dimensional profile of the continental slope. These foot points are then joined by straight lines to form the foot line to be used in the desk top study (feasibility study). The purpose of this thesis is to establish a semi-automated and mathematically based three dimensional method for determination of the FoS using South African data as a case study. Firstly, a general background of UNCLOS is given (with emphasis on Article 76), including a brief discussion of the geological factors that influence the characteristics of a continental shelf and thus factors that could influence the determination of the FoS. Secondly, a mathematical method for determination of the surfaces of extremal curvature (on three dimensional data), originally proposed by Vanicek and Ou in 1994, is detailed and applied to two smooth, hypothetical sample surfaces. A discussion of the bathymetric data to be used for application introduces the factors to be taken into account when using extensive survey data as well as methods to process the raw data for use. The method is then applied to two sets of gridded bathymetric data of differing resolution for four separate regions around the South African coast. The ridges formed on the resulting surfaces of maximum curvature are then traced in order to obtain a foot line definition for each region and each resolution. The results obtained from application of the method are compared with example foot points provided by the subjective two dimensional method of computation within the Caris Lots software suite. A comparison of the results for the different resolutions of data is included to provide insight as to the effectiveness of the method with differing spatial coarseness of data. Finally, an indication of further work is provided in the conclusion to this thesis, in the form of a number of recommendations for possible adaptations of the mathematical and tracing methods, and improvements thereof. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Verenigde Nasies se Konvensie oor die Wet van die See (UNCLOS) bied 'n geleentheid aan kwalifiserende state wat ondertekenaars van die Konvensie is om aanspraak te maak op uitgebreide maritieme gebied. Die geleentheid om op uitgebreide gebied aanspraak te maak berus op die veronderstelling dat 'n kontinentale tafel in sekere gevalle tot buite die tradisioneel afgebakende 200 seemyl eksklusiewe ekonomiese zone (EEZ) strek. In sulke gevalle het 'n suksesvolle aanspraak die gevolg dat die staat soewereine reg oor die lewende en nie-lewende bronne van die seevloer en ondergrond verkry, sowel as die inwonende spesies van die gebied buite die EEZ waarop aanspraak gemaak word. Die voet van die kontinentale tafel (FoS) moet vasgestel word as een van die bepalende kriteria vir afbakening van die aanspraak waar die kontinentale tafel tot buite die EEZ strek. Artikel 76 van UNCLOS defineer die FoS as ". . . die punt van maksimale verandering in die helling by sy basis." Die mees algemeen gebruikte rekenaar sagteware wat openbare domein data aanwend om die voet van die helling te bepaal, is tans "Caris Lots." Die metodes wat in die program gebruik word om die voet van die helling te bepaal, is dikwels subjektief en berus tipies op 'n operateur se keuse van die beste afgeskatte punt van die voet van die helling uit 'n oorweging van 'n twee dimensionele profiel van die kontinentale tafel. Die berekende voet-punte word dan deur middel van reguit lyne verbind om 'n hellingsvoetlyn te vorm. Hierdie voetlyn kan dan in die Suid-Afrikaanse lessenaarstudie (doenlikheidstudie) oor die bepaling van die voet van die kontinentale tafel gebruik word. Die doel van hierdie verhandeling is om 'n semi-outomatiese en wiskundig gebaseerde drie-dimensionele metode te beskryf vir die vasstelling van die FoS, deur as 'n gevallestudie van Suid-Afrikaanse data gebruik te maak. 'n Algemene agtergrond van UNCLOS, met beklemtoning van Artikel 76, word eerstens gegee. 'n Kort bespreking van die geologiese faktore wat die kontinentale tafel beïnvloed en wat gevolglik 'n invloed kan hê op die vasstelling van die voet van die helling, is ingesluit. Tweedens word 'n wiskundige metode, wat oorspronklik in 1994 deur Vanicek en Ou voorgestel is, vir bepaling van die oppervlaktes van maksimale kromming (gebaseer op drie-dimensionele data) in detail bespreek en 'n voorbeeld van 'n toepassing op twee gladde, denkbeeldige oppervaktes word beskryf. Die faktore wat in ag geneem moet word wanneer omvattende dieptemeting data gebruik word, en die metodes wat gebruik word om die rou data te verwerk, word ingelei deur 'n bespreking van die aard van die dieptemeting data wat gebruik is. Die metode word dan toegepas op twee stelle geruite dieptemeting data van verskillende resolusies vir vier afsonderlike streke om die Suid-Afrikaanse kus. Die riwwe wat op die resulterende oppervlaktes van maksimale kromming gevorm word, word dan nagetrek ten einde 'n lyndefinisie van die voet van die kontinentale tafel vir elke streek teen elke resolusie te bepaal. Die resultate verkry uit toepassings van die metode word vergelyk met hellingsvoetpunte soos bepaal deur die subjektiewe twee dimensionele berekeningsmetode in die "Caris Lots" rekenaar-program. 'n Vergelyking van die resultate vir die verskillende data resolusies word ingesluit om die doeltreffendheid van die metode met betrekking tot die hantering van verskillende ruimtelike data resolusies te ondersoek. 'n Aanduiding van verdere werk, bestaande uit 'n aantal aanbevelings vir moontlike aanpassings en verbeterings van die wiskundige en natrek metodes, word ten slotte in die gevolgtrekking van die verhandeling verskaf.

O camarão rosa (Farfantepenaeus subtilis) explotado pela pesca industrial na plataforma continental amazônica brasileira possui um ciclo de vida curto, mas complexo, habitando áreas oceânicas, mais ao norte da área de ocorrência, na fase adulta e larval, e áreas estuarinas e lagunares na fase de pós-larva e juvenil. O período de maior intensidade de reprodução se estende de maio a setembro e logo após a reprodução as larvas eclodem e iniciam sua migração para áreas costeiras, passando por diversas fases, onde se assentam e residem principalmente entre junho e outubro. A partir de setembro até janeiro do ano seguinte é maior a intensidade de recrutamento de juvenis às áreas oceânicas, onde passam a amadurecer e, a partir de dezembro, começam a ser capturados pela pesca industrial. A maior abundância da população adulta em termos de biomassa vai de março a agosto quando também se verificam as maiores capturas. As fêmeas crescem mais que os machos e estão presentes sempre em maior proporção nas capturas (61%). Os comprimentos assintóticos foram estimados em 231 mm ( k = 1,6 \'ano POT.-1\') e 205 mm (k = 0,94 \'ano POT.-1\'), para fêmeas e machos respectivamente. A população apresenta taxa de mortalidade natural relativamente elevada, 2,53 \'ano POT.-1\' para fêmeas e 1,83 \'ano POT.-1\' para machos, sendo observadas acentuadas flutuações de recrutamento e abundância, com evidências de que são fortemente governadas pelas condições ambientais. O estoque vem sendo explotado em níveis moderados nos anos recentes (E = 0,45), embora tenha sofrido elevadas taxas de explotação na década de 80, o que levou a uma redução do tamanho da população. O rendimento máximo sustentável, considerado uma média de longo prazo, foi estimado em 4.032 toneladas de cauda por ano, para um esforço de pesca de 19.370 dias de mar. Nos últimos anos, se observa uma tendência de recuperação da biomassa populacional, mas com as oscilações anuais características da espécie. A vazão do rio Amazonas é o fator ambiental que governa com mais intensidade as condições do ambiente costeiro na região e verificou-se que suas flutuações estão correlacionadas a alterações na abundância da população da espécie. Postula-se que o aporte e sobrevivência das larvas e pós-larvas no ambiente costeiro seja influenciada pela intensidade da vazão do rio. O período em que se assentam nos berçários na zona costeira coincide com a estação de vazante do rio, sendo a sobrevivência favorecida por vazões abaixo da média e vice-versa. Portanto, medidas de ordenamento voltadas para o uso sustentável do recurso devem estar associadas ao conhecimento das condições ambientais nesta fase, bem como a estudos sobre a abundância de pós-larvas e juvenis na faixa costeira. / The brown shrimp (Farfantepenaeus subtilis) exploited by the industrial fishery on the continental shelf of the Brazilian Amazon has a short but complex life cyele, inhabiting oceanic areas, at the north of the area of occurrence, during the adult and larval stages, and estuarine areas and lagoons in post-larval and juvenile. The period of highest intensity of reproduction extends from May to September and soon after the hatch, the larvae start their migration to coastal areas, passing through several stages, where they settle and remain resident between June and October. From September to January of the following year the intensity of recruitment to ocean areas is higher, and once there they start to mature and are caught by the industrial fishery from December on. The highest abundance of the adult population in terms of biomass is observed from March to August when the largest catches also occur. Females grow larger than males and are always present in greater proportion in catches (61%). The asymptotic lengths were estimated at 231 mm (k = 1.6 \'year POT.-1\') and 205 mm (k = 0.94 \'year POT.-1\') for females and males respectively. The population has a natural mortality rate relatively high, 2.53 \'year POT.-1\' for females and 1.83 \'years POT.-1\' for males, and pronounced fluctuations in recruitment and abundance are observed, with evidence of being strongly governed by environmental conditions. The stock has been exploited at moderate levels in recent years (E = 0.45), although it has suffered high rates of exploitation in the 80\'s, which led to a reduction in population size. The maximum sustainable yield, considered a long-term average, was estimated at 4,032 ton of tail per year for a fishing effort of 19,370 days at sea. In recent years, it is observed a tendency of recovering of the population biomass, but annual fluctuations are characteristics of the species. The flow of the Amazon River is the main environmental facto r that governs the conditions of the coastal environment in the region and it was found that it is correlated with the fluctuatícn of the brown shrimp population abundance. It is postulated that the uptake and survival of larvae and post larvae in the coastal environment is lnfluenced by the intensity of river flow, The period during which they settle at the nurseries in the coastal zone coincides with the dry season and their survival is favored when the flow of the river is below the average, and vice versa. Therefore, management measures aimed at sustainable use of the resource must be associated with the knowledge of environmental conditions during this phase, as well as studies on the abundance of post-larvae and juveniles in the coastal zone.

Nos estudos de populações pesqueiras é comum o uso de modelos hidrodinâmicos acoplados a modelos biológicos e, um tipo de modelo merece destaque: o baseado no indivíduo (IBM). A Plataforma Continental do Atlântico Sudoeste comporta uma importante atividade pesqueira e, a influência da circulação na distribuição de ovos/larvas nessa região é pouco entendida. Estudos anteriores sugerem que o transporte de Ekman em direção à costa e o deságue de água fluvial impedem a perda de ovos e larvas da área costeira. Este trabalho apresenta resultados de um estudo englobando os padrões de circulação e de transporte de larvas nessa área, realizado através do desenvolvimento de um IBM para os estágios iniciais da Engraulis anchoita e o acoplamento deste a dois campos de velocidade superficial: a de Ekman, e a saída de um modelo hidrodinâmico 3D. Os resultados mostram que somente a deriva de Ekman não é suficiente para explicar o padrão de retenção larval observado na região. Os valores de retenção encontrados com a utilização da saída do modelo estão próximos aos observados. Maiores concentrações larvais foram obtidas no outono/inverno e menores na primavera/verão. Estes resultados estão diretamente relacionados à combinação dos efeitos dos padrões de vento da área com a influência das Correntes do Brasil e das Malvinas e do deságue continental na circulação sobre a plataforma. / Recruitment of pelagic fishes is the net result a series of continuous events in their life cycle. Most of the variability in natural mortality is thought to occur during the early stages of development and is related to environmental factors. The use of coupled physical-biological modeling in the study of fisheries populations is very common and a particular type of model deserves special mention: the Individual Based Model (IBM). The Atlantic Southwestern Continental Shelf is one of the most productive fishing sites in the Western South Atlantic, but the processes involving the circulation in this area and its influence on eggs/larvae transport and retention are still poorly understood. Recent studies describe the spawning activity of anchovy and its relationship to oceanographic processes and suggest that predominant onshore Ekman transport, during the austral winter/spring, keeps the eggs and larvae in coastal areas. According to these studies, the river runoff contributes to the formation of a retention zone for planktonic organisms over the area. This work presents results of a study that considers both the circulation pattern and larval transport, throught the development of an IBM for the early stages of anchovy Engraulis anchoita. The model is coupled to two surface velocity fields: the Ekman drift, and the output of a 3D hydrographic model. The results show that just Ekman surface velocities are not able to explain the larval dispersion observed in this region. Retention values obtained with the model output are much closer to observed values. Autumn and winter seasons present the highest values of retention. These results are due to the combined effect of the wind patterns registered in the area with the influence of the river runoff and the Brazil-Malvinas shelf circulation.

A dinâmica da matéria orgânica particulada (MOP) nos oceanos, desde sua formação até seu consumo/exportação, é um elo importante no ciclo biogeoquímico do carbono e elementos associados, que ganhou importância nas últimas décadas devido ao aumento do CO2 antropogênico. Para melhorar os modelos e as previsões climáticas, projetos oceanográficos investigam os fatores que influenciam na dinâmica da MOP, sobretudo em regiões produtivas e representativas em escala global. No Atlântico Sul, a região mais produtiva é ao largo do continente africano, devido à contínua ressurgência de borda leste. Entretanto, regiões hidrograficamente dinâmicas também podem contribuir com elevadas taxas de produção dependendo das condições ambientais, cuja importância no reservatório de MOP ainda é desconhecida. Este trabalho tem como objetivo estudar a dinâmica do MOP em suspensão em duas regiões também produtivas do Atlântico Sudoeste: (i) o setor externo da Margem Continental Sudeste Brasileira (Capítulo 1); e (ii) o setor Austral ao sul de 30ºS (Capítulo 2). São discutidos os efeitos das condições oceanográficas no reservatório de MOP e seus padrões interanuais de distribuição geográfica. / The dynamics of particulate organic matter (POM) in the oceans, from its formation to its consumption/export, is an important link in the biogeochemical cycle of carbon and associated elements, which gained importance in the last decades due to increase of anthropogenic CO2. To improve models and climate predictions, oceanographic projects investigate the factors that influence the POM dynamics, especially in productive and representative regions on a global scale. In the South Atlantic, the most productive region is off the African continent, due to permanent Eastern Boundary upwelling. However, dynamic hydrographic regions can also provide with high production rates depending on environmental conditions, whose importance in the POM reservoir is still unknown. This work aims to study the suspended POM dynamics in two productive regions of the southwest Atlantic: (i) the outer Brazilian Southeast Continental Margin (Chapter 1); and (ii) the Austral sector south of 30ºS(Chapter 2). The effects of different oceanographic conditions in the POM reservoir, their interannual pattern and geographic distribution are discussed.

Sedimentary processes are critical geological phenomena in the evolution of continental margins. Environmental forces from various temporal and spatial scales control these processes. Due to the fast increase of anthropogenic activities in marine environments, these studies on sedimentary processes and their products are becoming increasingly necessary. In this context, geophysical data, such as high-resolution 2D seismic reflection profiles, are efficient tools to characterize sedimentary processes and deposits. This study aimed to map and interpret different types of echo character on the continental shelf of the São Paulo Bight to increase the knowledge of the spatial variability of sedimentary processes in current-dominated shelf settings. With this aim, 120 seismic lines, almost 3200 km in length, have been analyzed in conjunction with 451 surficial sediment samples. Based on the broad-scale seafloor morphology, microtopography and seismic characteristics (e.g., sharpness, amplitude, continuity) of sub-bottom reflections, seven echo types distributed in three echo classes were identified in the study area. Type 1-1 is a flat seafloor with either no or low-amplitude sub-bottom reflectors, mainly observed in the middle shelf; type 1-2 is a flat sea floor with medium to high-amplitude sub-bottom reflectors also found in middle shelf settings; type 1-3 is defined by a transparent acoustic response below the seafloor evolving downsection into a highly reflective pattern that covers most of the inner shelf; type 1-4 presents a flat seafloor molded by regularly spaced undulations, and it is restricted to the outer shelf; type 2-1 consists of mounds with no internal reflectors also located on the outer shelf; type 3-1 is an irregular echo with prolonged internal reflectors found around the São Sebastião Island; finally, type 3-2 is a broad irregular echo with high relief variations mainly found in the outer shelf. The analysis of the seismic survey allowed recognizing that the distribution of the echoes reflects not only the composition of the seabed but also the sedimentary processes that acted during the deposition of the material. In the inner shelf and middle shelves, the Brazilian Coastal Current and the action of waves are the main processes responsible for the echo types found, while the outer shelf echo types are strongly influenced by the Brazil Current. / Processos sedimentares são fenômenos importantes na evolução das margens continentais. Esses processos são controlados por forçantes de várias escalas espaciais e temporais. Devido ao rápido crescimento das atividades antropogênicas em ambientes marinhos, estudos sobre processos sedimentares e seus produtos tem se tornado cada vez mais necessários. Nesse contexto, dados geofísicos, como perfis de sísmica de reflexão de alta resolução, são ferramentas importantes na caracterização desses processos e depósitos. O objetivo do estudo foi mapear e interpretar os tipos de caráter de eco na plataforma continental do estado de São Paulo visando aumentar o conhecimento a respeito da variabilidade espacial dos processos sedimentares em plataformas dominadas por correntes. Para alcançar esse objetivo 120 linhas sísmicas totalizando quase 3200 km em extensão foram analisadas em conjunto com 451 amostras sedimentares. Baseados na morfologia de macro e microescala e características sísmicas do sinal acústico de fundo como nitidez, amplitude e continuidade dos refletores, foram identificados 7 tipos de caráter de eco distribuídos em 3 classes (fundo plano, monticular ou irregular). O tipo 1-1 apresenta fundo plano com refletores de sub fundo ausentes ou de baixa amplitude localizado principalmente na plataforma média; o tipo 1-2 refere-se a um fundo plano com refletores internos com amplitudes médias a altas também presente na plataforma média; o tipo 1-3 é definido por uma camada superficial transparente que é substituída em profundidade por uma camada altamente refletiva que cobre grande parte da plataforma interna; o eco 1-4 apresenta fundo moldado por ondulações com localização restrita na plataforma externa; o tipo 2-1 consiste em montes sem refletores internos localizado próximo a quebra da plataforma; o tipo 3-1 é irregular com refletores internos prolongados e é encontrado ao sul da Ilha de São Sebastião; finalmente, o eco 3-2 é um eco irregular que apresenta grandes variações de relevo presente em grande parte da plataforma externa. A análise dos dados sísmicos permitiu o reconhecimento de que os ecos respondem não somente a composição sedimentar superficial, mas também os processos sedimentares que atuaram durante a deposição do material. Nas plataformas interna e média, a Corrente Costeira Brasileira e a ação de ondas geradas pelos ventos são os principais processos responsáveis pela geração dos ecos encontrados, enquanto na plataforma externa, os tipos de eco são fortemente influenciados pela Corrente do Brasil.

Este trabalho trata da caracterização regional entre as drenagens dos rios Paraíba do Sul e Tietê, associada ao processo de captura fluvial, situado entre os municípios de Guararema e Mogi das Cruzes, no Estado de São Paulo. Parte-se da hipótese de processo de captura fluvial no médio curso do Paraíba do Sul e formação do cotovelo de Guararema, o que caracteriza essa anomalia como uma das mais interessantes do planeta Terra. É comum na região o padrão dendrítico e adensamento de drenagens cortados por falhas e fraturas de diversas idades. O embasamento é composto de estruturas cristalinas recobertas por pacotes sedimentares do Terciário e Quaternário. No Graben do Paraíba, superfície alongada e rebaixada entre as Serras do Mar e Mantiqueira, a forte declividade favorece o processo erosivo. A área caracterizada por esses dois importantes rios do território brasileiro é parte integrante do Sistema de Bacias Tafrogênicas do Rift Continental do Sudeste do Brasil (RCSB), a qual foi afetada por falhas NE-SW de grande expressão regional, e o processo de captura seria o responsável pela atual configuração da rede de drenagem. A reativação e movimento de blocos regionais dos períodos Mesozóico e Cenozóico inverteu a direção do Rio Paraíba do Sul em seu setor central, que no passado tributava suas águas no Rio Tietê. Como consequência desse reajustamento regional, alguns dos seus tributários teriam rompido os divisores de água que o separavam das cabeceiras do Tietê e capturado parte de suas drenagens através de processo de recuo de regressivo. O que comprova a captura é a localização do vale seco, feição que pode indicar a antiga ligação entre os dois rios, que foi identificada na área desta pesquisa por meio de análise de cartas, mapas, perfis e fotointerpretação. Devido ao elevado poder erosivo no setor do médio vale do Rio Paraíba, novas capturas podem estar em processo de evolução. / This work deals with the characterization regional drainages between the rivers Tietê and Paraíba do Sul, associated with the capture process river, located between the cities of Guararema and Mogi das Cruzes, State of São Paulo. It starts with the hypothesis capture process in middle course of river Paraíba do Sul and training elbow Guararema what characterizes this anomaly as one of the most interesting of the planet Earth. It is common in the region and the dendritic pattern of drainage densification cut by faults and fractures of various ages. The basement consists of crystalline structures covered by sedimentary packages Tertiary and Quaternary. The Graben Paraíba, elongated surface and lowered between the Serra do Mar and Mantiqueira, the strong declivity favors the erosion process. The area is characterized by these two important rivers of the Brazilian territory is part of the Watershed System Tafrogênicas Continental Rift of Southeastern Brazil (RCSB), which was affected by NE-SW faults of great regional expression, and the capture process would be responsible for the present configuration of the drainage network. The reactivation and movement of regional blocks of Mesozoic and Cenozoic periods inverted the direction of the Paraíba do Sul River in its central section, which in the past taxed waters in Rio Tietê. As a result of this regional readjustment, some of its tributaries have broken the watershed that separated him the headwaters of the Tietê and captured part of its drainage through the process of regressive retreat. This proves the catch is the location of the valley dry feature that may indicate the ancient link between the two rivers, which was identified in this research area through the analysis of charts, maps, profiles and photo interpretation. Due to the high erosive power sector in the middle valley of the River Paraíba, new catch may be in the process of evolution.

Introdução: Os afro-brasileiros compreendem um grupo de negros e pardos com uma ancestralidade diversa. Como as diferenças raciais podem estar associadas a apresentações distintas, torna-se relevante realizar uma análise de associações clínicas e sorológicas de pacientes afro-brasileiros com esclerose sistêmica (ES). Objetivos: Analisar a apresentação clínica e laboratorial, características demográficas e sobrevida dos afro-brasileiros com ES. Métodos: Foram avaliados soros de 260 pacientes adultos com ES (57 afro-brasileiros e 203 brancos). Pacientes com síndromes de sobreposição foram excluídos. Dados clínicos e demográficos foram obtidos de um banco de dados de registros eletrônicos. A análise laboratorial incluiu anti-CENP-A/ CENP-B, Scl70, RNA polimerase III, Ku, fibrilarina, Th/To, PM/Scl75 e PM/Scl100 por line imunoblotting e anticorpos antinucleares por imunofluorescência indireta em células HEp-2. Resultados: Em relação aos brancos, os pacientes afro-brasileiros com ES apresentaram menor tempo de doença (9,0±5,4 anos vs. 11,3±7,5 anos, P=0,001), maior frequência do padrão nucleolar (28% vs. 13%, P=0,008) e menores frequências do padrão centromérico (14% vs. 29%, P=0,026) e CENP-B (18% vs. 34%, P=0,017). Comparações adicionais entre grupos étnicos de acordo com a forma clínica revelaram que pacientes afro-brasileiros com ES difusa apresentaram maior frequência de hipertensão pulmonar (P=0,017), envolvimento cardíaco (P=0,037), padrão nucleolar (P=0,036) e anticorpos antifibrilarina (P=0,037). De maneira diferente foi observado para a forma limitada apenas uma menor frequência de envolvimento esofágico (P=0,050) e padrão centromérico (P=0,049). A análise de sobrevida mostrou que os afro-brasileiros apresentaram maior mortalidade quando ajustados para sexo e forma clínica (risco relativo 3,65; intervalo de confiança de 95% 1,05-12,62, P=0,041). Conclusão: Os pacientes afro-brasileiros com ES, apesar de sua forte impressão de ancestralidade europeia, apresentam características distintas de acordo com a forma clínica e uma doença mais grave do que os brancos, com um padrão muito semelhante ao descrito para negros de outros países / Introduction: African-Brazilians comprise a group of blacks and \"pardos\" with a diverse ancestry. As racial differences can be associated with distinct presentations, it becomes relevant to assess the clinical and serological associations of African-Brazilians with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Objectives: To analyze clinical and laboratory presentation, demographic features and survival of Afro-Brazilians with SSc. Methods: Sera from 260 adult SSc patients (57 African-Brazilians and 203 whites) were evaluated. Patients with overlap syndromes were excluded. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from an electronic register database. Laboratory analysis included: anti-CENPA/CENP-B, Scl70, RNA polymerase III, Ku, fibrillarin, Th/To, PM/Scl75 and PM/Scl100 by line immunoassay and antinuclear antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence on HEp-2 cells. Results: In relation to whites, African-Brazilian patients with SSc presented shorter disease duration (9.0±5.4 years vs. 11.3±7.5 years, P=0.001), higher frequency of nucleolar pattern (28% vs. 13%, P=0.008) and lower frequencies of centromeric pattern (14% vs. 29%, P=0.026) and CENP-B (18% vs. 34%, P=0.017). Further comparison of ethnic groups according to subsets revealed that African-Brazilian patients with diffuse SSc presented higher frequency of pulmonary hypertension (P=0.017), heart involvement (P=0.037), nucleolar pattern (P=0.036) and anti-fibrillarin antibodies (P=0.037). A different pattern was observed for the limited subset with solely a lower frequency of esophageal involvement (P=0.050) and centromeric pattern (P=0.049). Survival analysis showed that African-Brazilians had a higher mortality, when adjusted for gender and clinical subset (relative risk 3.65, confidence interval 95% 1.05-12.62, P=0.041). Conclusion: African-Brazilian patients with SSc, despite their strong imprint of European ancestry, have distinct characteristics according to clinical subset and an overall more severe disease than whites, with a pattern very similar to the described for blacks from other countries