Trace Element Variations in Some Central Pacific and Hawaiian Sediments.
Abstract
The abundance of Rb, Sr, Ba, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn from the tops of cores raised from the Central and western equatorial Pacific have been determined by rapid instrumental techniques. A wide variety of sediment types occurs in the area studied, enabling contrasts to be made on a lithologic as well as a regional basis. A series of elemental variation maps are presented to show regional patterns of distribution for these trace elements. The distribution patterns for Ba and Cu clearly show an enrichment of these two elements in areas of high organic productivity. When only the biogenically derived sediments are considered, there is a strong positive correlation between Ba and Cu. Rb appears to follow its geochemically related element, K. The K/Rb ratios are lowest in the carbonate oozes and highest in the brown clays. The average K/Rb ratio for all samples is 255, only slightly higher than the average crustal value. Cr contents are generally about the same as values reported for crustal rocks with the exception of some volcanic sediments near the Hawaiian Islands. These sediments contain Cr in excess of 180 ppm. Zn is homogeneously distributed throughout much of the area studied although a possible relation between high Zn values and proximity to island phosphorite (guano) deposits has been noted. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0723574
Entities
People
- William C. Burnett