Shallow marine sediments off the coast of Tacna, Perú, 2004

Abstract

The marine sediments collected in late September 2004 at depths <50 m south of the mouth of the river Sama (18°10’S), were predominantly sandy (>60 %). The highest content of the fine fraction, silt and clay (±35%), was located in the deepest parts of the study area and in the extreme north (off Cerro Cortado) and south (Los Palos), including also shallower areas. In the central area, the slope is steeper throughout the study area, and the average grain size is larger sediment; these conditions are a reflection of the higher hydrodynamic energy that exists. In the central area there is also the typical grain size decreased as the depth increases and the distance from the coastline. The distribution of organic matter showed a trend similar to the fine fraction, with a maximum of 5.02%