Abstract

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the composition and distribution of sediments in shallow environments along the W-181 cruise track. Sediment samples were analyzed from Challenger Bank, on the Bermuda Rise, and from Roseway Bank, on the Scotian Shelf. The questions asked in analysis were: What are the correlations between sediment size and composition and the distance the sediments have traveled from their place of origin? What are the correlations between sediment size and composition and the substrate depth, energy and topography?

Conclusion

Analysis of sediments collected on Challenger Bank, in the Blue Grotto cave area, and on Roseway Bank leads to the conclusion that sediments of different sizes become separated based on the energy of the surrounding environment. Sediments in all three locations dispersed themselves according to depth or energy levels, and this is in agreement with research that has been done in the past. The analysis also indicates that bathymetry can be used as evidence in support of sea level change. Future experiments might focus on collecting sediments in a wider range of area across Challenger Bank in an effort to get a better representation of the change in sediment type with depth. Further work in the Blue Grotto cave area could focus on collecting data points in shorter intervals and measuring relative elevation. The Scotian Shelf data could benefit from a greater range of sample analysis as well as further study of local provenance.