Sedimentary Processes Within the Canadian Arctic Archipelago: Relationships Among Sedimentological, Geochemical, and Magnetic Sediment Properties

The sedimentological, geochemical, physical and magnetic properties of 40 surface basal sediment samples box cores collected throughout the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (CAA) from Beaufort Shelf to Lancaster Sound were analyzed determine sedimentary processes that operate within CAA during pre- post-industrial periods (i.e., before after 1900 Common Era or CE). In addition, chronology seven selected regional was established using 210Pb measurements, where base is dated between 1550 1820 CE. These provide an opportunity robustly compare post-1900 conditions with those colder Little Ice Age period (LIA; ∼1500–1900 different combined multivariate statistical analyses result in identification three provinces distinct characteristics: (a) West province (Mackenzie Shelf/Slope, west Banks Island M'Clure Strait) typified by detrital associations (Fe-Rb-Ti-Zn), high organic matter inputs, dominance magnetite low-coercivity minerals aluminosilicate contents; (b) Intermediate Zone (Amundsen Coronation gulfs) distinguished Si-Al-Zr-Sr-K associations, Mn oxyhydroxides precipitation, constant grain concentrations a mixture marine terrigenous matter; (c) East Province (Queen Maud Gulf, Victoria Barrow straits, Eclipse sounds) described carbonate matter, high-coercivity pre-industrial samples. Our results confirm dynamics are controlled supplies river discharges provinces, whereas more influenced sea ice coastal erosion. Basal 210Pb-dated suggest intensification Mackenzie, Coppermine, Ellice rivers runoff, extensive sea-ice cover consequently transport latter LIA period.