The origin of the opal-layer full of todorokite veinlets in polymetallic nodules from the Eastern Pacific Ocean

ZHUANG Dan-dan; CHU Feng-you; ZHU Ji-hao

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1001-909X.2015.02.004

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Journal of Marine Sciences ›› 2015, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (2) : 19-29. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-909X.2015.02.004

The origin of the opal-layer full of todorokite veinlets in polymetallic nodules from the Eastern Pacific Ocean

ZHUANG Dan-dan^1,2, CHU Feng-you^*1,2, ZHU Ji-hao^1,2

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Abstract

There are three main manganese oxides in polymetallic nodules. They are vernadite、todorokite and birnessite. Different manganese oxides have their specific origins and growth environments. It is found that there is a special opal-layer which is full of todorokite veinlets in the polymetallic nodules from the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Microscope、EPMA (Electron Probe MicroAnalysis) and ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer) methods were used to find out the micro-structure and geochemical features of the opal-layer and its surrounding minerals, in order to investigate the origin of the opal-layer. It shows that: (1) The special opal-layer and its surrounding area are mainly composed of todorokite,vernadite and opal. (2) Todorokite has high reflectivity and Mn/Fe ratio. It is mainly composed of MnO and of diagenetic origin. (3) Vernadite has moderate reflectivity and low Mn/Fe ratio. It is mainly composed of MnO and FeO, it is of hydrogenic origin. (4) Opal has low reflectivity. It is mainly composed of SiO₂ and of biogenic origin. A model was set up for the formation of the opal-layer and the todorokite veinlets inside. It could be divided into 5 stages as follows:(1)In the oxidizing environment, vernadite was formed on the surface of the half-buried nodule.(2) The dissolving of biogenic opaline silica leaded to a vast amount of colloidal silica in the upper water of the seafloor. The colloidal silica deposited on the surface of the half-buried nodule, forming the opal-layer.(3) In the oxidizing environment, vernadite was formed on the surface of the half-buried nodule. At the same time, the diagenesis of the nodule and dehydration of opal led to the formation of cracks in the opal-layer.(4) The nodule was buried by the silica-rich sediments. In the reducing environment, the todorokite veinlets formed in the previous cracks by the invasion of interstitial water from the surrounding sediments.(5) The nodule re-exposured in the water, forming vernadite on its surface in the oxidizing environment.

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the Eastern Pacific Ocean / the area between Clarion and Clipperton / polymetallic nodules / opal / todorokite

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ZHUANG Dan-dan, CHU Feng-you, ZHU Ji-hao. The origin of the opal-layer full of todorokite veinlets in polymetallic nodules from the Eastern Pacific Ocean[J]. Journal of Marine Sciences. 2015, 33(2): 19-29 https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-909X.2015.02.004

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