Oxidation fronts in pelagic sediments: diagenetic formation of metal-rich layers

Journal Article · Fri May 23 04:00:00 EDT 1986 · Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/science.232.4753.972· OSTI ID:7245026

Wilson, T R.S.; Thomson, J; Hydes, D J; Colley, S; Culkin, F; Soerensen, J

The periodic deposition of distal turbidites at a site on the Madeira Abyssal Plain causes the development of a nonsteady-state diagenetic system in which an oxidation front migrates downward into the sediment. Data presented here show that iron, manganese, and particulate organic carbon are oxidized at this front by oxidants (molecular oxygen and nitrate) diffusing from above. A numerical model of systems of this type predicts the formation of iron-rich layers under certain nonsteady-state conditions. The layers predicted by the model are closely comparable in thickness and general morphology to iron-rich layers found in certain ocean sediments, the origin of which has been until now unexplained. 23 references, 2 figures, 2 tables.

• Research Organization: Institute of Oceanographic Sciences, Surrey, England
• OSTI ID: 7245026
• Journal Information: Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States), Journal Name: Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States) Vol. 232; ISSN SCIEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

58 GEOSCIENCES
580100* -- Geology & Hydrology-- (-1989)
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMISTRY
DATA
DIAGENESIS
ELEMENTS
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
GEOCHEMISTRY
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC HISTORY
INFORMATION
IRON
IRON ORES
MANGANESE
METALS
NITRATES
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NONMETALS
NUMERICAL DATA
ORE COMPOSITION
ORES
ORIGIN
OXIDATION
OXYGEN
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SEA BED
SEDIMENTS
SYNTHESIS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS