Aspectos sedimentares e potencialidades da plataforma continental do Ceará, entre Cascavel e Beberibe

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to provide updated and systematic information about the surface sediments of the eastern continental shelf of Ceará, between the municipalities of Cascavel and Beberibe as well as to discuss some of the potential use and limitations of the existing sediments. Then, it has been considered the characteristics of siliciclastic and bioclastic sediments of the study area inner shelf and bathymetric surveys of detail, as well as sampling of surface sediments. Subsequent sedimentological data analysis, coring and description of the marine substrate, the occurrence of bioclastic granules, and zoning of the occurrence of sediment displayed on the maps. It was possible to identify three major bathymetric zones, starting from the coast to the outermost area raised, plus a fourth area representing the area of occurrence of bioclastics. The data indicated that the area of occurrence of siliciclastic expressively extends up to 15 feet deep , from which have begun to dominate the bioclastic granules. The analysis indicated that the superficial sediment consists mostly of medium to coarse sand mainly constituting the litobioclástics sediments. The zoning of the main characteristics of the sediments analyzed by making sedimentological maps proved essential in understanding processes and phenomena, as well as being a contribution to future work in the area of platform between Cascavel and Beberibe. The analysis of the testimony demonstrated that not only the surface sediments of the area of occurrence of bioclastic granules are enriched in CaCO3, but it also extends to the substrate area to a depth of at least 1.3 meters. Despite the good potential for use of bioclastic in the area, there is a big weakness associated with calcareous algae, which demonstrates the need for its preservation. Studies in relation to sedimentary features and capabilities of the continental shelf must be expanded through new methodologies such as geophysical methods, study the hydrodynamic background and issues related to marine biota, in order to better guide the use of the potentials associated these sediments.