Resumen de Contourite deposits in Protector Basin (Antarctica)

Lara F. Pérez Miguel, Francisco Javier Hernández Molina, Fernando Bohoyo Muñoz, Andrés Maldonado López, Juan Tomás Vázquez, Jesús Galindo Zaldívar, Francisco José Lobo Sánchez, Yasmina M. Martos Martín

• A morphological and stratigraphical study of the sedimentary succession of Protector Basin (South Scotia Sea, Antarctica), based on the analysis of multichannel seismic reflection profiles, reveals the interaction between the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) and the Weddell Sea Deep Water (WSDW). This interaction is recognized from the Middle Miocene to the present-day contourite deposits, once the connection between the Weddell and Scotia Seas was established through narrow seaways in the South Scotia Ridge. We identified three main depositional intervals, which mark major events on the water masses circulation patterns.