Analysis of clay and Mn deposits from the Pacific

The authigenic fractions and deposition rates of these elements have been estimated from the measured concentrations using various models. The results show that in Pacific clays about 90% Mn, 80% Co and Ni and 50% Cu are authigenic whereas the major fraction (>90%) of Sc, Ti, Fe, La, Th and U are of detrital origin.

Anticorrelation between the clay accumulation rates and the concentrations of Mn, Co, Ni and Cu is observed. This suggests a uniform authigenic deposition of these elements superimposed on varying amounts of detrital materials. The concentrations of Sc, Ti and Th are almost independent of sedimentation rates, indicating that their authigenic deposition is small compared to their detrital contribution.