The distribution of rare earth and minor elements in manganese nodules, micronodules and sediments along an east-west transect in the southern Pacific

H. Kunzendorf, G.P. Glasby, P. Stoffers, W.L. Plüger

    Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

    Abstract

    Rare earth and other trace elements in manganese nodules, micronodules and surface sediments from a transect in the Southwestern Pacific Basin at 42°S were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The data include analyses of 23 manganese nodules, 10 micronodules and 15 sediments.

    The REE distributions along the transect suggest that three major processes were involved in the accumulation of these elements. These are: (1) adsorption from seawater onto highly reactive Fe-rich particles from hydrothermal particle plumes at the crest of the East Pacific Rise (2) adsorption from seawater onto the Fe-rich ferromanganese mineral phase vernadite and (3) supply of terrigenous material.

    Only the second process leads to significant REE enrichment in the manganese nodules. Enrichment is highest in nodules from areas influenced by northward-flowing “Antarctic Bottom Water”.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalLithos
    Volume30
    Issue number1
    Pages (from-to)45-56
    ISSN0024-4937
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1993

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