RESEARCH PROGRAM 6

The focus of RP6 is on identifying key variables preserved in the sedimentary record that best describe the climatic/oceanographic variability of the ESP. RP6 addresses the themes of how upwelling, ocean circulation and ventilation, and productivity off Chile vary through time (during the late Quaternary and the Holocene) and space (N to S, coast-offshore) in response to climate forcing, from seasons to thousands of years. Key issues regarding the degradation activity of organic matter, specific biomarkers indicators of paleo-redox conditions as well as changes in community structure and key species are also included in our research efforts. Modeling tools in relation to changes in the intensity and latitudinal migration of the Southern Westerlies which control precipitation changes on the continent are being developed. RP6 concentrates the research efforts in three main geographical areas that provide to be the best for addressing the three central themes of the Center. These are: a) the laminated sediments of Mejillones Bay in northern Chile; b) the coastal area off Concepción in central-south Chile through the COPAS Time-Series study; and c) the fast accumulating sediments of the fjord region and adjacent oceanic areas.