Preface The expedition ARK XIX/3 with the German icebreaking RV ...

During ARK XIX/3c, bottom sediment sampling was conducted by means of multicorer
(MUC) and large box corer (GKG) along the standard "Hausgarten" transect, and
along a N-S transect in approximately 2500 m water depth (Fig. C3-1). In total, 19
MUC and 28 GKG were deployed at 17 locations of which 15 MUC and 12 GKG were
sampled at 14 locations for sedimentological and related studies (Tab. C3-1). Icerafted
debris (IRD) was analysed from 28 stations of 14 locations and 2 samples from
"Victor 6000" dive # 229 (see chapter C. 5, Pirrung et al.). Additionally, photos were
taken of the sediment surface and the profile of most box cores. The lithology of
selected box cores was described visually by Kukina (chapter C. 4).
Various methods will be applied to describe the modern sedimentation in the
"Hausgarten" area. Granulometric and x-radiograph analyses may reveal information
on processes such as gravity flow, bottom current activity and sedimentation from sea
ice and/or icebergs. X-radiograph analyses will further provide supplementary
information on internal sedimentary structures indicative for e.g. benthic activity.
Sedimentation rates will be calculated from radionuclide analyses including
radiocarbon dating ( 210 Pb, 137 Cs, 14 C). Sources and transport pathways of sediments
will be characterized by magnetic suceptibility, bulk mineralogy and clay mineralogy as
well as gravel analysis. The composition and source of organic matter will be derived
from analyses of bulk organic matter, and of selected biomarkers such as fatty acids,
sterols and alkanes. These data will be compared with sediment trap data to evaluate
the significance of selective degradation on organic matter while settling through the
water column. Micropaleontological analyses on e.g. diatoms and dinoflagellate cysts
together with carbonate and opal contents will finally give information about
environmental conditions such as sea-ice cover, advection of water masses and
sediments and sediment source areas on centennial to millennial time scales.
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