The Ceara Rise in the western equatorial Atlantic provides an ideal target for constructing a bathymetric transect of drill sites. It is located in the main flow path of the two principal water masses in the oceans. Mixing between these water masses creates the initial chemical and physical properties for deep water in the eastern basins of the Atlantic and for the Indian and Pacific oceans.Therefore it is imperative to understand the history of deep-water circulation and chemistry in this region in order to evaluate the changes in deep-water chemistry and carbonate preservation that are observed in other ocean basins.

This Scientific Prospectus is based on pre-cruise JOIDES panel discussions. The operational plans within reflect JOIDES Planning Committee and thematic panel priorities. During the course of the cruise, actual site operations may indicate to the Co-Chief Scientists and the Operations Superintendent that it would be scientifically or operationally advantageous to amend the plan detailed in this prospectus. It should be understood that any proposed changes to the plan presented here are contingent upon approval of the Director of the Ocean Drilling Program in consultation with the Planning Committee and the Pollution Prevention and Safety Panel.

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