Research Article| January 01, 1996 Late Quaternary sedimentation in the Lesser Antilles island arc R. Pamela Reid; R. Pamela Reid 1Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, Florida 33149 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Steven N. Carey; Steven N. Carey 2University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography, Narragansett, Rhode Island 02882 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Daphne R. Ross Daphne R. Ross 3Department of Mineral Sciences, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. 20560 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar GSA Bulletin (1996) 108 (1): 78–100. https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1996)108<0078:LQSITL>2.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 01 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share MailTo Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation R. Pamela Reid, Steven N. Carey, Daphne R. Ross; Late Quaternary sedimentation in the Lesser Antilles island arc. GSA Bulletin 1996;; 108 (1): 78–100. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1996)108<0078:LQSITL>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGSA Bulletin Search Advanced Search Abstract Investigation of patterns and processes of late Quaternary sedimentation in the Lesser Antilles island arc indicates that the major components of deep-water sediment are volcaniclastic silt and clay, redeposited shallow-water carbonate (mainly aragonite and high-Mg calcite), pelagic carbonate (mainly low-Mg calcite), and windblown dust from Africa. Although sediment derived from the adjacent South American continent is included in accreted trench deposits, marine deposition of this sediment within the arc is insignificant, except at the south end of the forearc.Distribution of sedimentary components within the Lesser Antilles arc is controlled primarily by arc volcanism. A Miocene shift in the locus of volcanism, which caused the arc to bifurcate, created two sedimentologic regimes. In the southern part of the arc, which is characterized by volcanically active islands with high relief, deep-water sediment is dominantly volcaniclastic. In contrast, in the northern part of the arc, where a broad arc platform separates high-relief, active volcanoes from low-relief, extinct volcanoes surrounded by wide carbonate shelves, deep-water sediment is composed mainly of redeposited shallow-water carbonate, pelagic carbonate, and eolian-transported Saharan dust.Superposed on the facies patterns determined by arc volcanism is a subtle, but distinct record of Quaternary climate change. Glacial-interglacial periods are recorded in deep-water sediment by variations in sedimentation rate, composition, and texture. Volcaniclastic sedimentation responded to lowstands of sea level by increased sedimentation rates and thicker and/or more frequent turbidites, reflecting intensified currents in interisland passages and increased erosion of exposed insular shelves. Deep-water carbonate sedimentation records decreased carbonate productivity on exposed shelves and in the open ocean during glacial lowstands, as well as variations in carbonate preservation associated with changes in ocean circulation. Deposition of Saharan dust increased during glacial periods because of intensified wind strengths. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.