Abstract

ROSALES-HOZ, Leticia; KASPER-ZUBILLAGA, Juan Jose; CARRANZA- EDWARDS, Arturo  and  CELIS HERNANDEZ, Omar. Geochemical composition of surface sediments near Isla de Sacrificios coral reef ecosystem, Veracruz, Mexico. Hidrobiológica [online]. 2008, vol.18, n.2, pp.155-165. ISSN 0188-8897.

Twenty three surface sediment samples were collected in the area surrounding the Isla de Sacrificios located in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. The temporal impact of natural discharges in the area was evaluated through the study of the textural and chemical characteristics of the sediments that surround the Veracruz Reef System. The particle size during the three sampled seasons was associated with the prevailing energy conditions. The degree of influence of terrigenous sediments was evaluated through the content of Al₂O₃, SiO₂, Na₂O and K₂O, which is higher in October (2004) compared to June (2004) and/or February (2005) due to the rainy season. It was observed that gravel, CaO and CO₃ were significant variables grouped in Factor 1 that suggested that gravel-sized fractions are produced by the abrasion of the reef in February (2005) and being correlated with other variables in June (2004). Another groupings were among SiO₂, CaO, K₂O, CO₃, for October (2004) which suggested dilution of carbonates due to the terrigenous input. In addition, the factor analysis showed that grain size and heavy minerals represented by TiO₂, MnO, MgO and Fe₂O₃ have a major importance in February (2005) associated with fluvial discharges. The factor analysis showed that the sedimentological and geochemical characteristics of the sediments varied throughout the different seasons. A correlation among Al₂O₃ and Na₂O, P₂O₅, y Fe₂O₃ and organic carbon in the three sampling seasons suggested that these chemical components have a terrigenous source.

Keywords : Reef; terrigenous; sediments; Gulf of Mexico.

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