Sediment samples were collected via a 4-barrel multi-corer (R/V Endeavor, segmented into 1-2 cm sections, dried in a drying oven (35°C) and homogenized via mortar and pestle.
Instruments
Polished sediments were observed under a Leitz DMRX-MPVSP microscope photometer using a magnification up to 500X with reflected white light, uѵ fluorescence, plane-polarized light, and cross-polarized light.
Location:
Amazon Delta (approximately: 4 N, 47 W; 2400-3500m); Sierra Leone Rise (approximately: 7 N, 20 W; 2800-3800m).