High-resolution carbon isotope (δ 13 C) profiles from shallow-and deep-water carbonates in the South Atlantic (Campos and Santos Basins) are here correlated to stratigraphically well calibrated Tethyan sections, constraining the end of major evaporite deposition in the South Atlantic to the early Aptian Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE) 1a interval. The unusually extensive evaporite deposition would have reduced the global dissolved sulfate inventory, possibly increasing global preservation of organic matter by decreasing sulfate reduction; this could explain the coincidence in timing between OAE 1a and the dramatic negative sulfur isotope excursion over this interval. Therefore, in addition to the coeval eruption of the Ontong Java Plateau, the opening of the South Atlantic may have played an important role in the genesis and character of OAE 1a.

-QUATERNARY PALEOCLIMATIC ZONATION OF SANTOS BASIN BASED ON PLANKTONIC FORAMINIFERA. The climatic zones based on planktonic foraminifera recovered from two piston cores collected on the slope of the Santos Basin, has shown the record of climate oscillations over the last ~620 ka. Seven zones and 14 subzones were recognized, represented by glacial (zones U, W and Y; subzones U2, U1, W2, W1, Y2, Y1B, Y1A) and interglacial intervals (zones T, V and X; subzones V3, V2B, V2A, V1, X1 to X3) of Pleistocene and the Holocene (zone Z). The Pulleniatina plexus allowed the division of subzone V2 in two (V2B and V2A) and provided eight regional correlation horizons along the subzones V3 and V2. The coiling direction of Globorotalia truncatulinoides helped the recognition of boundaries between subzones U2/U1, V2B/V2A, X3/X2 and X2/X1, showing as a useful tool for the refinement of the zones and subzones of the Quaternary. The permanent presence of suggests a constant influence of cold and productive waters over the past ~620 ka, especially in the southern part of the study area.Key words: biostratigraphy, planktonic foraminifera, Quaternary, correlation of biohorizons, paleoclimatic zoning.RESUMO -O zoneamento climático, estabelecido a partir de foraminíferos planctônicos, para dois testemunhos coletados no talude da bacia de Santos, registrou as oscilações climáticas dos últimos ~620 ka. Foram reconhecidas sete zonas e 14 subzonas, representadas por intervalos glaciais (zonas U, W e Y; subzonas U2, U1, W2, W1, Y2, Y1B e Y1A) e interglaciais (zonas T, V e X; subzonas V3, V2B, V2A, V1, X1 a X3) do Pleistoceno e o Holoceno (Zona Z). O plexo Pulleniatina permitiu a divisão da subzona V2 em duas (V2B e V2A) e forneceu ao longo das subzonas V3 e V2 oito horizontes para a correlação regional. O controle do sentido de enrolamento de Globorotalia truncatulinoides auxiliou o reconhecimento dos limites entre as subzonas U2/U1, V2B/V2A, X3/X2 e X2/X1, demonstrando ser uma ferramenta útil para o refinamento das zona/ subzonas do Quaternário. A permanente presença de Globorotalia inflata sugere uma constante influência de águas frias e produtivas ao longo dos últimos ~620 ka, em especial na região sul da área de estudo.Palavras-chave: bioestratigrafia, foraminíferos planctônicos, Quaternário, biohorizontes de correlação, zoneamento paleoclimático.

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Guanabara Bay, since its discovery, has largely changed with the human occupation causing large amounts of deposited sediment and waste, as well as domestic and industry sewage. Surface sediment was analysed for foraminifera and ostracoda distribution, diversity and dominance studies. These results were compared with TOC analyses aiming the determination of pollution bioindicators. In general, foraminifera dominant species were Ammonia tepida, Buliminella elegantissima and Quinqueloculina seminulum. The foraminifera assemblages presented distinct abundance and diversity values in different regions of the bay. The diversity was higher in the entrance (south) and in the central region than in the north region of the bay. The dominant species, that are characteristic of stressed environments, presented higher values of abundance in the north region. The TOC values increased from south to north regions, and were inversely proportional to foraminifera diversity. The very high TOC values in very polluted areas suggest sediment deposition in anoxic-dysoxic environment. The ostracoda Gen. Cyprideis was dominant and its occurrence increased from south to north region. Occurrence of Callistocythere sigmocostata, Xestoleberis sp., Aurila sp., and Paracypris sp. were restricted to the entrance and central area, indicating a preference for less restricted conditions, like marine conditions. Foraminifera and ostracoda characteristic responses to the environment conditions related high TOC values showed their importance as bioindicators of stressed environments caused by anthropogenic pollution, in the Guanabara Bay.