Geochemistry of sediments and kerogenes of ODP Hole

It was concluded that this material had a marine affinity. Variations in geochemical characteristics reflect differences in the extent of preservation, rather than changes in organic provenance.

These changes appear to reflect differences in water depth and the position of the depositional site relative to the oxygen-minimum zone. Sediments displaying the most elevated levels of organiccarbon and hydrogen enrichment probably reflect sedimentation within the oxygen-minimum zone. Waters within the oxygen-minimum zone were probably dysaerobic, rather than anoxic.