Statistical analysis of the material source and the modern sedimentary environment of the ferromanganese nodules enriched area of the North Pacific region

The source of elements and the modern sedimentary environment of the ferromanganese nodules enriched area of the North Pacific region were analysed statistically and discussed in detail. Cluster analysis shows the area's surface sediments are mainly brown clay and biogenic calcareous, calcsiliceous and siliceous ooze. Factor (principal component) analysis shows that the area's trace elements (Fe, Mn, Cu, Co, Ni, Zn, Cr, etc.) mainly come through adsorption of clay minerals and secondarily from authigenic sediments related to biochemical processes. Bao Gende, 1990. Characteristics of element geochemistry in sediments in the ferromanganese nodules enriched area of the North Pacific region.Acta Sedimentologica Sinica. (in press, in Chinese)