Determine the Quaternary stratigraphy, and map and assess the mineral content of fine-grained sediment deposits in Wilkinson-Murray Basin. Conduct seismic and bathymetric surveys, and collect piston cores and grab samples.
Location
Wilkinson-Murray Basin, Gulf of Maine, United States, North America, North Atlantic;
All 17 cores have been x-rayed and reveal interesting sedimentary textures and fabrics correlated to distinctive seismic stratigraphic units. Presently, cores are being split, sampled, photographed, and analyzed for sediment texture, mineral content (by XRF), water content and bulk density, geotechnical properties, and paleo. TiO2 content (fine-grained rutile) of Quaternary sediment in Wilkinson-Murray Basin increases with depth from 0.7 wt pct at sea floor to 0.9 wt pct at 9 m sub-bottom. These values are similar to those previously determined for a core from Stellwagen Basin. Texture of Quaternary units is correlated to seismic units. Mud of variable thickness (2-9 m) is seismically transparent and overlies a distinctively layered unit containing ice-rafted sand and gravel in a mud matrix. Seismic profiles in the basin provide preliminary assessment of thickness, geographic distribution and volume of TiO2-bearing Quaternary strata. Seismic stratigraphy, sediment texture, mineral content, and geotechnical properties provide a basis for determining provenance and glacial/post-glacial environment of deposition of the Wilkinson-Murray Basin strata. Original Center People field contained: Page Valentine, Kenneth Parolski, Richard Rendigs, David Lubinski, William Winters, Eric Strom, John Risch, Lawrence Poppe.
Chief Scientist's report including personnel, purpose, equipment, tabulated information, station locations, trackmap, narrative of preliminary results, and a listing of physical media and material associated with the cruise.
