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Classification and genesis of deep-sea REY-rich sediments in the Pacific Ocean
WANG Tianyi, DONG Yanhui, CHU Fengyou, SHI Xuefa, LI Xiaohu, SU Rong, ZHANG Weiyan
Journal of Marine Sciences ›› 2024, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (1) : 23-35.
PDF(8050 KB)
PDF(8050 KB)
Classification and genesis of deep-sea REY-rich sediments in the Pacific Ocean
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.
Pacific Ocean / REY-rich sediments / Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone
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