Geochemical characteristics of surface sediments from the middle deep-sea basin of South China Sea

CAI Guanqiang; LI Shun; ZHAO Li; GAO Hongfang; ZHONG Hexian

doi:10.16562/j.cnki.0256-1492.2018.05.009

2018 Vol. 38, No. 5

Article Contents

Article navigation > Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology > 2018 > 38(5): 90-101

Next Article Previous Article

CAI Guanqiang, LI Shun, ZHAO Li, GAO Hongfang, ZHONG Hexian. Geochemical characteristics of surface sediments from the middle deep-sea basin of South China Sea[J]. Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology, 2018, 38(5): 90-101. doi: 10.16562/j.cnki.0256-1492.2018.05.009

Citation:

CAI Guanqiang, LI Shun, ZHAO Li, GAO Hongfang, ZHONG Hexian. Geochemical characteristics of surface sediments from the middle deep-sea basin of South China Sea[J]. Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology, 2018, 38(5): 90-101. doi: 10.16562/j.cnki.0256-1492.2018.05.009

Geochemical characteristics of surface sediments from the middle deep-sea basin of South China Sea

Key Laboratory of Marine Mineral Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources, Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, CGS, Guangzhou 510760, China

Received Date: 17 April 2017

Revised Date: 03 July 2017

Publish Date: 28 October 2018

Abstract

Abstract

This paper presents the major and trace elements compositions of the 224 surface sediments taking from the middle deep-sea basin of South China Sea (SCS). Data shows that the samples have low SiO₂ and relatively high Fe₂O₃, MgO, CaO, Na₂O, and MnO. The abundances of most trace elements are also higher compared to the upper continental crust. The sediments are composed of four fractions, i.e. the terrigenous silicate fraction, calcareous clastic fraction, pyroclastic fraction and authigenic mineral fraction. The terrigenous silicate and calcareous clastic fractions dominate, while the pyroclastic and authigenic mineral fractions are relatively low in general but significant in some regions. The geochemical characteristics of the surface sediments in the middle deep-sea basin of SCS are mainly controlled by water depth, depositional processes, and sediment sources. The distribution of calcareous clastic fraction is mainly controlled by water depth and deep bottom current transportation. The intensive dissolution of calcium carbonate results in the relatively low content of calcareous clastic fraction in the deep-sea basin deposits, while the terrigenous sediments are supplied to the middle deep-sea basin mainly from the source regions to the west and southwest. The pyroclastic fraction, which is characterized by relatively high content of Na₂O, is possibly derived from the Luzon arc, and mainly deposited in the eastern deep-sea basin and the region to the north of the spreading ridge.
- major elements /
- trace elements /
- geochemistry /
- South China Sea

FullText(HTML)

References

[1]	Wang L J, Sarnthein M, Erlenkeuser H, et al. East Asian monsoon climate during the Late Pleistocene: high-resolution sediment records from the South China Sea[J]. Marine Geology, 1999, 156: 245-284. doi: 10.1016/S0025-3227(98)00182-0 CrossRef Google Scholar
[2]	钱建兴.晚第四纪以来南海古海洋学研究[M].北京:科学出版社, 1999. Google Scholar QIAN Jianxing. A Study of Paleoceanography in the South China Sea During the Late Quaternary [M]. Beijing, Science Press, 1999. Google Scholar
[3]	翦知湣, 王吉良, 成鑫荣, 等.南海北部近6Ma以来的氧同位素地层与事件[J].中国科学D辑, 2001, 31 (10) : 816-822. Google Scholar JIAN Zhimin, WANG Jiliang, CHENG Xinrong, et al. Oxygen isotope stratigraphy and events in the northern South China Sea during the last 6 million years[J]. Science in China (Series D), 2001, 31 (10): 816-822. Google Scholar
[4]	汪品先, 翦知湣, 赵泉鸿, 等.南海演变与季风历史的深海证据[J].科学通报, 2003, 48(21): 2228-2239. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:0023-074X.2003.21.005 CrossRef Google Scholar WANG Pinxian, JIAN Zhimin, ZHAO Quanhong, et al. Evolution of the South China Sea and monsoon history revealed in deep sea records[J]. Chinese Science Bulletin, 2003, 48(21): 2228-2239. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:0023-074X.2003.21.005 CrossRef Google Scholar
[5]	蔡观强, 彭学超, 张玉兰.南海沉积物物质来源研究的意义及其进展[J].海洋科学进展, 2011, 29(1):113-121. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-6647.2011.01.014 CrossRef Google Scholar CAI Guanqiang, PENG Xuechao, ZHANG Yulan. The significances of and advances in the study of sediment sources in the South China Sea[J]. Advances in Marine Sciences, 2011, 29(1):113-121. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-6647.2011.01.014 CrossRef Google Scholar
[6]	邵磊, 李献华, 韦刚健, 等.南海陆坡高速堆积体的物质来源[J].中国科学D辑, 2001, 31(10): 828-833. Google Scholar SHAO Lei, LI Xianhua, WEI Gangjian, et al. Provenance of a prominent sediment drift on the northern slope of the South China Sea[J]. Science in China (Series D), 2001, 31(10): 828-833. Google Scholar
[7]	邵磊, 乔培军, 庞雄, 等.南海北部近代沉积物钕同位素分布及意义[J].科学通报, 2009, 54(1): 98-103. Google Scholar SHAO Lei, QIAO Peijun, PANG Xiong, et al. Nd isotopic variations and its implications in the recent sediments from the northern South China Sea[J]. Chinese Science Bulletin, 2009, 54(1): 98-103. Google Scholar
[8]	Li X H, Wei G J, Liu Y, et al. Geochemical and Nd isotopic variations in sediments of the South China Sea: A response to Cenozoic tectonism in SE Asia[J]. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 2003, 211: 207-220. doi: 10.1016/S0012-821X(03)00229-2 CrossRef Google Scholar
[9]	刘志飞, 赵玉龙, 李建如, 等.南海西部越南岸外晚第四纪黏土矿物记录:物源分析与东亚季风演化[J].中国科学D辑, 2007a, 37(9): 1176-1184. Google Scholar LIU Zhifei, ZHAO Yulong, LI Jianru, et al. Late Quaternary clay minerals off Middle Vietnam in the western South China Sea: Implications for source analysis and East Asian monsoon evolution[J]. Science in China (Series D), 2007, 37(9): 1176-1184. Google Scholar
[10]	刘志飞, Colin C, 黄维, 等.珠江流域盆地表层沉积物的黏土矿物及其对南海沉积物的贡献[J].科学通报, 2007b, 52(4): 448-456. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:0023-074X.2007.04.013 CrossRef Google Scholar LIU Zhifei, Colin C, HUANG Wei, et al. Clay minerals in surface sediments of the Pearl River drainage basin and their contribution to the South China Sea[J]. Chinese Science Bulletin, 2007, 52(4): 448-456. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:0023-074X.2007.04.013 CrossRef Google Scholar
[11]	Wan S M, Li A, Clift P D, et al. Increased contribution of terrigenous supply from Taiwan to the northern South China Sea since 3 Ma[J]. Marine Geology, 2010, doi:10.1016/j.margeo.2010.09.008 CrossRef Google Scholar
[12]	Wei G J, Liu Y, Ma J L, et al. Nd, Sr isotopes and elemental geochemistry of surface sediments from the South China Sea: Implications for Provenance Tracing[J]. Marine Geology, 2012, (319-322): 21 -34. Google Scholar
[13]	Liu Z F, Colin C, Li X H, et al. Clay mineral distribution in surface sediments of the northeastern South China Sea and surrounding fluvial drainage basins: Source and transport[J]. Marine Geology, 2010, 277: 48-60. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2010.08.010 CrossRef Google Scholar
[14]	杨群慧, 林振宏, 张富元, 等.南海中东部表层沉积物矿物组合分区及其地质意义[J].海洋与湖沼, 2002, 33(6): 591-599. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:0029-814X.2002.06.004 CrossRef Google Scholar YANG Qunhui, LIN Zhenhong, ZHANG Fuyuan, et al. Mineral assemblage provinces for surficial sediments of the central-eastern South China Sea and their geological significances[J]. Oceanologica et Limnologia Sinica, 2002, 33(6): 591-599. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:0029-814X.2002.06.004 CrossRef Google Scholar
[15]	张霄宇, 张富元, 章伟艳.南海东部海域表层沉积物锶同位素物源示踪研究[J].海洋学报, 2003, 25(4): 43-49. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:0253-4193.2003.04.006 CrossRef Google Scholar ZHANG Xiaoyu, ZHANG Fuyuan, ZHANG Weiyan. Regional variation of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio and compositions of the surface sediment in the eastern South China Sea[J]. Acta Oceanologica Sinica, 2003, 25(4): 43-49. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:0253-4193.2003.04.006 CrossRef Google Scholar
[16]	张富元, 张霄宇, 杨群慧, 等.南海东部海域的沉积作用和物质来源研究[J].海洋学报, 2005, 27(2): 79-90. Google Scholar ZHANG Fuyuan, ZHANG Xiaoyu, YANG Qunhui, et al. Research on sedimentations and material sources in the eastern South China Sea[J]. Acta Oceanologica Sinica, 2005, 27(2): 79-90. Google Scholar
[17]	Wetzel A, Unverricht D. A muddy megaturbidite in the deep central South China Sea deposited ~350 yrs BP[J]. Marine Geology, 2013, 346: 91-100. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2013.08.010 CrossRef Google Scholar
[18]	Morton B, Blackmore G. South China Sea[J]. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2001, 42(12): 1236-1263. doi: 10.1016/S0025-326X(01)00240-5 CrossRef Google Scholar
[19]	Rudnick R L, Gao S. Composition of the Continental Crust[M]//In: Rudnick R L (Ed.). Treatise in Geochemistry. The Crust, vol. 3, Elsevier, Oxford, 2003: 1-64. Google Scholar
[20]	Taylor S R, McLennan S M. The Continental Crust: Its Composition and Evolution[M]. Blackwell, Oxford, 1985. Google Scholar
[21]	赵一阳, 鄢明才.中国浅海沉积物地球化学[M].北京:科学出版社, 1994. Google Scholar ZHAO Yiyang, YAN Mingcai. Geochemistry of Sediments in Chinese Shallow Sea [M]. Beijing, Science Press, 1994. Google Scholar
[22]	Nessbitt H W, Markovics G, Price R C. Chemical processes affecting alkalis and alkaline earths during continental weathering[J]. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 1980, 6: 887-898. Google Scholar
[23]	Cullers R L. The controls on the major and trace element variation of shales, siltstones and sandstones of Pennsylvanian-Permian age, from uplifted continental block in Colorado to platform sediment in Kansas, USA[J]. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 1994, 55: 4955-4972. Google Scholar
[24]	邵磊, 李学杰, 耿建华, 等.南海北部深水底流沉积作用[J].中国科学D辑, 2007, 37(6): 771-777. Google Scholar SHAO Lei, LI Xuejie, GENG Jianhua, et al. Deepsea bottom current sedimentation in northern South China Sea[J]. Science in China (Series D), 2007, 37(6): 771-777. Google Scholar
[25]	Gaillardet J, Dupré B, Allègre C J. Geochemistry of large river suspended sediments: Silicate weathering or recycling tracer[J]. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 1999, 63: 4037-4051. doi: 10.1016/S0016-7037(99)00307-5 CrossRef Google Scholar
[26]	Borges J, Huh Y. Petrography and chemistry of the bed sediments of the Red River in China and Vietnam: Provenance and chemical weathering[J]. Sedimentary Geology, 2007, 194: 155-168. doi: 10.1016/j.sedgeo.2006.05.029 CrossRef Google Scholar
[27]	Liu Z F, Zhao Y L, Colin C, et al. Chemical weathering in Luzon, Philippines from clay mineralogy and major-element geochemistry of river sediments[J]. Applied Geochemistry, 2009, 24: 2195-2205. doi: 10.1016/j.apgeochem.2009.09.025 CrossRef Google Scholar
[28]	陈忠, 夏斌, 颜文, 等.南海火山玻璃的分布特征、化学成分及源区探讨[J].海洋学报, 2005, 27(5):73-81. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:0253-4193.2005.05.011 CrossRef Google Scholar CHEN Zhong, XIA Bin, YAN Wen, et al. Distribution, chemical characteristics and source area of volcanic glass in the South China Sea[J]. Acta Oceanologica Sinica, 2005, 27(5): 73-81. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:0253-4193.2005.05.011 CrossRef Google Scholar
[29]	梁细荣, 韦刚健, 邵磊, 等. Toba火山喷发在南海沉积物中的记录—ODP1143站钻孔火山玻璃的证据[J].中国科学D辑, 2001, 31 (10): 861-866. Google Scholar LIANG Xirong, WEI Gangjian, SHAO Lei, et al. Records of Toba eruptions in the South China Sea-chemical characteristics of the glass shards from ODP 1143[J]. Science in China (Series D), 2001, 31(10): 861-866. Google Scholar
[30]	Roser B P, Korsch R J. Provenance signatures of sandstone-mudstone suits determined using discriminant function analysis of major-element data[J]. Chemical Geology, 1988, 67: 119-139. doi: 10.1016/0009-2541(88)90010-1 CrossRef Google Scholar
[31]	Cullers R L. The controls on the major and trace element variation of shales, siltstones and sandstones of Pennsylvanian-Permian age, from uplifted continental block in Colorado to platform sediment in Kansas, USA[J]. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 1994, 55: 4955-4972. Google Scholar
[32]	McLennan S M, Taylor S R, McCulloch M T, et al. Geochemical and Nd-Sr isotopic composition of deep-sea turbidites: crustal evolution and plate tectonic associations[J]. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 1990, 54: 2015-2050. doi: 10.1016/0016-7037(90)90269-Q CrossRef Google Scholar
[33]	McLennan S M, Hemming S, Mcdaniel D K, et al. Geochemical approaches to sedimentation, provenance and tectonics[J].Geological Society of America Special Paper, 1993, 284: 21-40. Google Scholar
[34]	Crichton J G, Condie K C. Trace elements as source indicators in cratonic sediments: a case study from the early Proterozoic Libby Creek Group, southeastern Wyoming[J]. The Journal of Geology, 1993, 101: 319-332. doi: 10.1086/648226 CrossRef Google Scholar