Chemical Element Distribution In the Surface Sediments of Kane Basin

Authors

  • Joseph H. Kravitz
  • Frederic R. Siegel

Keywords:

Transition elements, relict sediment, detritus, clay-size fraction, bathymetry, sediment source

Abstract

Magnesium and a suite of first transition elements were analysed in the 2cm fraction of glacial marine surface sediments of the Kane Basin. HIgh concentrations of Mg, Mn. Cr. Co, Ni, Cu and Ti were observed in the western basin in relict sediment, tentatively identified as Ellesmere Island till, containing abundant mahe and carbonate rock detritus. However, Fe and Zn were enriched in the eastern basin when Zn-rich soil and vegetative detritus from Inglefield Land contribute to the sediment source. Unlike other high latitude glacial marine argillaceous sediments which are generally depleted in element concentrations with respect to low-latitude deep-sea clays (Naide and Hood, 1972; Naide et al., 1975, 1976 , the Kane Basin clay size fraction is enriched in Fe, Mg, Ti, Cr and Zn, and depleted in Mn, Ni, when compared with tropical-temperate (non-polar) pelagic sediments. The Kane Basin sediment is enriched in Mg, Cr, Co, Ti and Zn, and depleted in Fe, Mn, Ni and Cu with respect to low latitude deep-sea clays. The bathymetry of Kane Basin, current activity there, and detritus derived from various provenances are responsible for this and are reflected by the elemental distribution in the basin's modern sediments.

 

Downloads

Published

1994-01-20

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 1 (1994): Journal of Coastal Research

Section

Articles

License

Authorization for personal use is granted by the Coastal Education and Research Foundation [CERF]. By submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that the copyright for their article is transferred to the publisher if the article is accepted for publication. Assignment of copyright is not required, however, from authors who work for organizations which do not permit such assignment, The copyright covers the exclusive rights to reprduce and distribute the article, inclduing reprints, photographic reproductions, microform, or any other reproductions of a similar nature, and translations.