Coniacian/ Santonian depositional environment on the Rio Grande Rise as evidenced from carbonate sediments at Hole 516F.

Abstract

Sediments in the lower sections of Hole 516F show a classic sequence of sediment deposited within progressively deepening waters. The bottom-most sediments clearly accumulated in shallow depths, as suggested by the presence of photosynthetic coralline algae. The presence of matrix indicates low energy, reflecting either the local absence of currents within the fractures of volcanic rocks or very shallow waters leeward of islands. It is possible that the water depths were less than 10 m and certainly less than 50 m. -from Author