Costa de fiordes da Patagônia Central, Chile, morfologia submarina e fácies acústicas

Abstract

This study interprets acoustic sub-bottom profiles and submarine 3D models of some of fjords adjacent to Campo de Hielo Patagónico Sur (Southern Patagonian Icefield), Chile. The overdeepened fjord basins show irregular morphology and distinctive landforms associated with a grounding-line, ice tongues and icebergs sedimentary system. Acoustic reflectors display two main facies: chaotic and laminated, according the internal reflection configuration and the external geometry. The sediments probably were deposited during the Holocene deglaciation, as shown by the visible reflectors of sub-bottom profiler. The geometry of the depocenters and the acoustic reflectors characteristic show evidence of pre-existing topography and bathymetry influence. Due to the great water depths of the fjord basins, terminal margins may have a mix of floating and grounded cliff behaviour, albeit the predominant temperate glacial regime. © 2006 Sociedade Brasileira de Geofísica.