Sediments on the continental margin off South West Africa between latitudes 17⁰ and 25⁰ S

Bremner, James Michael

Sediments on the continental margin off South West Africa between latitudes 17⁰ and 25⁰ S

Doctoral Thesis

1978

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Geological Sciences

Faculty

Faculty of Science

Abstract

The study area lies on the north-central part of the South West African continental margin. It covers approximately 57 000 n.miles² , and extends from 2 n.miles offshore to a depth of about 1 500 m. Four cruises of the R.V. THOMAS B. DAVIE were undertaken over a two year period (May, 1972 to May, 1974) to collect 555 sediment samples, 38 rock samples, and bathymetric data. The main effort of the study has been directed at the unconsolidated sediments of the continental margin, and particular emphasis was placed on the authigenic mineral deposits. On sedimentological grounds, the continental margin is divided by a latitudinal boundary at 18°40' S. This boundary coincides with the northern flank of the Walvis Ridge Abutment, and separates the morphologically distinct Kunene and Walvis Continental Margins. To the north, the Kunene Shelf is narrow (~24 n.miles) and breaks at about 200 m depth whereas in the south, the Walvis Shelf is wide (~64 n.miles) with a poorly defined shelf break at about 360 m depth, and features an inner shelf break over most of its length.

Description

Bibliography: p. 176-192.

Keywords

Geology

Reference:

Collections

PhD / Doctoral

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