Classification and genesis of deep-sea REY-rich sediments in the Pacific Ocean

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1001-909X.2024.01.003

Abstract

Abstract:

Deep-sea REY-rich sediments that are rich in lanthanides and yttrium (REY) extensively distributed in regions such as the Western Pacific, Eastern Pacific, Southeastern Pacific, and the Indian Ocean. This study analyzed the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of deep-sea REY-rich sediments from two sites in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCFZ) of the Eastern Pacific. Additionally, geochemical data on elements from 92 deep-sea REY-rich sediment sites across the Pacific were collected. Based on geochemical characteristics in conjunction with mineral composition, the Pacific deep-sea REY-rich sediments are categorized into three types: Al-rich, Fe-rich, and Ba-rich. The Al-rich type, prevalent in the Western Pacific region, primarily consists of zeolite clay, with an average whole-rock Al₂O₃ content reaching up to 14.9%. The Fe-rich type, found near the Eastern Pacific Rise in the Southeastern and Northeastern Pacific, exhibits a high average TFe₂O₃ content of 18.8%. Some samples within this type show a significant positive Eu anomaly, indicating that hydrothermal activity may contribute to the enrichment of REY and associated carrier minerals. The Ba-rich type, mainly located in the CCFZ of the Eastern Pacific, consists predominantly of (siliceous) clay, with an average Ba content of approximately 8 092×10^-6. The elevated Ba levels suggest that the area of sediment formation may have experienced high primary productivity. This environmental condition likely resulted in extensive biogenic apatite deposition, which coupled with strong bottom currents in the CCFZ since the Oligocene, enhanced the accumulation of apatite, thereby promoting the enrichment of rare earth elements.

Key words: Pacific Ocean, REY-rich sediments, Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone

CLC Number:

P736.4

WANG Tianyi, DONG Yanhui, CHU Fengyou, SHI Xuefa, LI Xiaohu, SU Rong, ZHANG Weiyan. Classification and genesis of deep-sea REY-rich sediments in the Pacific Ocean[J]. Journal of Marine Sciences, 2024, 42(1): 23-35.

Figures/Tables 10

Fig.1 Map of Locations for sediment samples from the Pacific Ocean

Tab.1 Basic background information of REY-rich sediment samples

区域名称	区域范围	水深/m	重力柱状样品数/根	地球化学数据数量/组	富稀土层位
区域名称	区域范围	水深/m	重力柱状样品数/根	地球化学数据数量/组	∑REY含量范围/ (×10^-6)	∑REY平均含量/ (×10^-6)	平均埋藏深度/m
西太平洋^{[3,6?-8,10,13,24]}	120°E—160°W 0°—35°N	>4 000	67	2 173	700~7 974	1 447	7.0
东太平洋^[3,17,23]	120°W—160°W 20°N—20°S	>4 500	22	756	700~2 114	1 049	5.8
近东太平洋海隆^[3,20,22]	区域1: 130°W—160°W 15°N—45°N 区域2: 90°W—150°W 5°S—25°S	>4 000	13	401	700~2 228	1 224	4.7

Fig.2 XRD analysis of bulk samples (a) and mineral scanning electron microscope observations (b) of REY-rich sediments (site GC1901) from CCFZ of the Eastern Pacific

Fig.3 Ratio relationship among major, trace elements and ∑REY in sediments from different area

Fig.4 Ratio relationship between P2O5 and TFe2O3 of REY-rich sediments from different area

Fig.5 Content variation of major and trace elements with depth in typical sediment samples from different area

Fig. 6 PAAS-normalized REY patterns of REY-rich sediments from different area (PAAS values are from reference [32]. )

Fig.7 The ratio relationship among Eu*, Ce*, and ∑REY,as well as (La/Sm)N-(La/Yb)N of REY-rich sediments in different area

Tab.2 Age comparisons of REY-rich sediments across various area of the Pacific Ocean

区域	站位	形成年代
西太平洋	DSDP Site 313	中中新世
	ODP Site 869	早中新世
	DSDP Site 170	晚渐新世
	DSDP Site 311	早渐新世
	DSDP Site 168	晚始新世
	DSDP Site 68	晚始新世
东太平洋	DSDP Site 74	早中新世
	DSDP Site 163	晚渐新世
	ODP Site 1220	中渐新世-早中新世
	ODP Site 1222	晚始新世-早中新世
近东太平洋海隆	DSDP Site 37	更新世
	DSDP Site 597	更新世
	DSDP Site 319	上新世-全新世
	ODP Site 1215	始新世-全新世

Fig.8 Paleogeographic reconstruction map of REY-rich sediment sites near the Eastern Pacific Rise (Figure is modified from reference [30]. )

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