Environmental forcing by submarine canyons: Evidence between two closely situated cold-water coral mounds (Porcupine Bank Canyon and Western Porcupine Bank, NE Atlantic)

• DOI: 10.1016/j.margeo.2022.106930
• Publication Date: 2022-10-30T00:57:09Z
• Authors: Luke O'Reilly; Robin Fentimen; Felix Butschek; Jürgen Titschack; Aaron Lim; Niamh Moore; O.J. O'Connor; John Appah; Kimberley Harris; Torsten Vennemann; Andrew J. Wheeler
• Keywords: Submarine canyon; Porcupine; Aggradation

Within the Porcupine Bank Canyon (NE Atlantic), cold-water coral (CWC) mounds are mostly found clustered along canyon lip, with individual disconnected occurring nearby on western Bank. Remotely operated vehicle-mounted vibrocoring was utilized to acquire cores from both of these sites. This study is first employ this novel method when aiming precisely sample two closely situated areas. Radiometric ages constrain records early mid-Holocene (9.1 5.6 ka BP). The were then subjected 3D segmented computer tomography capture mound formation stages. further examined using stable isotopes and benthic foraminiferal assemblages, paleoenvironmental variation that influenced CWC each site. In total, aggradation rate in comparable other Holocene off Ireland. Results derived multiproxy analysis, show regional climatic shifts define environmental conditions allow positive formation. addition, higher adjacent than Benthic foraminifera assemblages planktic δ13C reveal quality organic matter more readily available closer lip. As such, we hypothesize region likely controlled by an interplay between enhanced shelf currents existence Eastern North Atlantic Water-Mediterranean Outflow Water-Transition Zone. geomorphology promotes upwelling water masses enriched particles, including food sediment supply. availability particles support development succession ecological hotspots lip areas seafloor. These observations provide a glimpse into role submarine canyons play influencing macro micro fauna distributions highlights importance their conservation.