Sedimentary Patterns and Spatial Distributions of Heavy Minerals along the Continental Shelf in the Espírito Santo State, Brazil

Abstract

Heavy minerals can be used as tools to understand sedimentary patterns across continental shelves better. Furthermore, these minerals are economically important, forming marine placers. This study investigates the spatial distributions of heavy minerals in sand deposits along the Espírito Santo Continental Shelf, considering that the shelf presents distinct sedimentary regimes, characterized by the three different morpho-sedimentary compartments (Paleovalley Shelf, Doce river Shelf, and Abrolhos Shelf). Fifteen different heavy mineral species were identified across the study area, with a predominance of ilmenite. The spatial distribution is heterogeneous (quantitative) in each compartment. However, the heavy mineral distribution in each sector is similar (qualitative). The supply and accommodation regimes do not influence the heavy mineral assemblages and sediment maturity. However, there is a significant relationship between supply regime (delta sedimentation) and higher average abundances of each heavy mineral species. Marine placers are closely related to Holocene sedimentation.