Early diagenesis of nurtrients （C, N, P and Si） stored in sediments of two reservoirs in southwestern China

Damming is a common anthropogenic intervention along the course of rivers, which is defined as ＂artificial-lake effect＂, both in China and across the world. Today as many as 48000 dams and/or reservoirs are in operation in the Changjiang River （Yangtze River） drainage area, and more are being constructed. While damming is well known to affect riverbome nutrient loads, and thus the riverine ecosystems owing to removal of carbon fixation, and removal of particles in reservoir sediments, there is limited information on the detailed early diagenesis of sediments in reservoirs including the regeneration processes of nutrients deposited in sediments and exchange flux across the sediment-water interface, which is important for mass balance of riverbome nutrients. In the present study, two large-size reservoirs, Wujiangdu Reservoir （WJDR） and Dongfeng Reservoir （DFR）, located on the main steam of the Wujiang River and with uniformity hydrography and discrepancy biogeochemical activity （e. g. primary production）, were selected for a comparative study on the detailed processes of nutrient regeneration. Water, pore water and sediment were sampled from these two reservoirs and dissolved organic carbon （DOC）, NH4^＋, NO3^-, PO4^3-, dissolved silica （DSi） in the overlying water and pore water, and total organic matter in sediments were determined. The results of correlation analysis suggested that in these two reservoirs, processes of nutrient regeneration near the sediment-water interface were significantly different. As a result of rapid decomposition of algae-derived ＂labile＂ organic matter in upper sediments, nutrient regeneration processes and upward fluxes in WJDR are dramatically stronger than those of DFR. NH4^＋ upward flux from sediment in WJDR was about 17 times higher than that in DFR. PO4^3- flux in WJDR is about 13 times above that in DFR. DOC flux in WJDR is larger that in DFR by 5 times, and DSi by 1 time.     

Oxygen isotopic composition of coexisting minerals of sillimanite-hypersthene rocks from the Por’ya bay area: Evidence of fluid involvement in granulite-facies metamorphism

Hypersthene-garnet-sillimanite-quartz enclaves were studied in orthopyroxene-plagioclase and orthopyroxene-clinopyroxene crystalline schists and gneisses from shear zones exposed in Palenyi Island in the Early Proterozoic Belomorian Mobile Belt. Qualitative analysis of mineral assemblages indicates that these rocks were metamorphosed to the granulite facies (approximately 900°C and 10–11 kbar). Oxygen isotopic composition was determined in rock-forming minerals composing zones of the enclaves of various mineralogical and chemical composition. The closure temperatures of the isotopic systems obtained by methods of oxygen isotopic thermometry are close to the values obtained with mineralogical geothermometers (Grt-Opx and Grt-Bt) and correspond to the high-temperature granulite facies (860–900°C). Identified systematic variations in the δ¹⁸O values were determined in the same minerals from zones of different mineral composition. Inasmuch as these zones are practically in contact with one another, these variations in δ¹⁸O cannot be explained by the primary isotopic heterogeneity of the protolith. The model calculations of the extent and trend of the δ¹⁸O variations in minerals suggest that the only mechanism able to generate the zoning was fluid-rock interaction at various integral fluid/rock ratios in discrete zones. This demonstrates that a focused fluid flux could occur in lower crustal shear zones. The preservation of high-temperature isotopic equilibria of minerals testifies that the episode of fluid activity at the peak of metamorphism was very brief.     

A Forearc (Guleman, Elaziğ) Ophiolite: Evidence from Peridotite Mineral Geochemistry

The Guleman ophiolite,one of the most important ophiolitic massifs of the Southeast Anatolian Ophiolitic Belt,consists of a core of serpentinized mantle rocks overlain by an ultramafic sequence,layered and isotropic gabbro,and sheeted dykes.The ophiolite structurally overlies the Lower Miocene Lice Formation and is overlain by young sandstones and shales of the Upper Maashtrichtian-Lower Eocene Hazar Complex and Middle Eocene Maden Complex.The Guleman ophiolite tectonically overlain by Precambrian to Upper Triassic Bitlis metamorphic massif.The mantle peridotites compose mainly of fresh and in place serpentinized harzburgite tectonite with local bands and lenses of dunites with large-sized chromitite pods.The Guleman peridotites commonly show porphyroclastic texture,high-temperature fabrics such as kink-bands in olivines.According to microprobe analyses,the harzburgite and dunite have low Ca O and Al2O3 abundance similar to Mariana forearc,and their average Cr-(=Cr/(Cr+Al)atomic)ratio of Cr-spinelsis surprisingly high(0.63)besides Fo content of olivine is between 90.9 to 92.3 in peridotites.According to Mg#(Mg/(Mg+Fe2+))versus Cr#in spinel diagram,the degree of partial melting is higher than 35%and spinel values plot in the forearc peridotites field.The Gulemanharzburgites have low Ca O,Al2O3 and Ti O2 contents in orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene lammelles,resembling those of depleted harzburgites from modern forearcs and different from moderately depleted abyssal peridotites.Consequently,we propose that the Guleman peridotites form in a forearc setting during the subduction initiation that developed as a result of northward subduction of the southern branch of the Neo-Tethys in response to the convergence between Arabian and Anatolian plates.     

PCBs and OCPs in sediments from Hongfeng Reservoir in Guizhou Province,China

In this research, chlorinated hydrocarbons (polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides) were measured by GC-ECD in sediments from the Hongfeng Reservoir area. The concentrations of total PCBs range from 3.2 to 31.6 ng/g, among which PCB28, PC…     

Carotenoid diagenesis in recent marine sediments—I. The Peru continental shelf (15°S, 75°W)

We report here the distribution of carotenoids in Peru marine surface sediments, including partial identification of 37 pigments, 33 of which have not been previously reported to occur in marine sediments. Our analysis demonstrates that zooplanktonic crustacea, diatoms, dinoflagellates, cryptomonads, purple nonsulfur photosynthetic bacteria, and unidentified species of photosynthetic bacteria are contributors to sedimentary organic matter. Fucoxanthin, fucoxanthinol, diadinoxanthin, peridinin and peridininol, the principal carotenoids of diatoms and dinoflagellates observed in sediment traps, are nearly absent from our sample, even though these phytoplankton are the primary source of organic matter. We attribute this to the presence of 5,6 epoxides in these pigments, a feature which causes rapid cleavage of the polyene and fragmentation to low molecular weight compounds.     

PCBs and OCPs in sediments from Hongfeng Reservoir in Guizhou Province, China

In this research, chlorinated hydrocarbons （polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides） were measured by GC-ECD in sediments from the Hongfeng Reservoir area. The concentrations of total PCBs range from 3.2 to 31.6 ng/g, among which PCB28, PCB52 are the major congeners with the concentrations from 0.5 to 4.6 ng/g, and from 0.4 to 28.1 ng/g, respectively. The concentrations of these pollutants decrease from surface to bottom, while the concentrations at 1-4 cm are lower than at 5-8 cm, suggesting the decline of PCBs input. TOC concentrations of sediment are found in a significant positive correlation with those of PCBs, suggesting that PCBs are mainly adsorbed on organic matter and particles. HCHs and DDTs are the predominant organochlorine pesticides with the concentrations ranging from 1.6 to 8.9 ng/g （average 3.2 ng/g） and 0.9 to 25.7 ng/g （average 7.8 ng/g）, respectively. β-HCH and γ-HCH （lindane） are the predominant HCH isomers from sediments, and p, p＇-DDE and p, p＇-DDT are the predominant DDT isomers. DDT/DDE＋DDD and α-HCH/γ-HCH ratios range from 0.6 to 0.9 and 0.1 to 3.0, respectively, which indicates more use of lindane than technical mixtures of HCHs before, and also suggests changes in HCHs and DDTs in the environment. The high values of β-HCH and p, p＇-DDE also show that atmospheric input is one of the important sources of the Hongfeng Reservoir, because β-HCH and p, p＇-DDE are stable and have low Sw and Pv so that they can be easily transferred over a long range in atmosphere.     

Geochemical characteristics of acid mine drainage and sediments from coal mines, Shanxi Province, China

In this study, geochemical characteristics of acid mine drainage （AMD） and its sediments from the Malan and Sitai coalmines, Shanxi Province, China, were investigated. Many analytical approaches such as IC, ICP-MS, XRD, XRF, and modeling calculation of hydrogeochemistry using PHREEQCI software were employed. The AMD is characterized by higher concentrations of iron and sulfate, a low pH, and elevated concentrations of a wide variety of heavy metals. The results of modeling calculation by PHREEQCI software demonstrate the metals in AMD are present mainly as Me^n＋ and MeSO4^n-2 species. The sediments of AMD are composed mainly of iron-beating minerals such as goethite and schwertmannite, which are controlled by pH, Fe and SO4^2- concentrations. The schwertmannite mineral has been found for the first time in China.     

Provenance of Oligocene–Miocene sediments in the Subei area,eastern Altyn Tagh fault and its geological implications: Evidence from detrital zircons LA-ICP-MS U–Pb chronology

Oligocene–Miocene strata in the Subei and Xiaobiegai basins of the Subei area, located in the eastern Altyn Tagh fault (ATF), northern Tibetan Plateau, record important characteristics of the ATF evolution. Detrital zircons laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U–Pb ages from two samples, together with paleocurrent directions and clastic composition in the Xishuigou section demonstrate that sediments in the Subei basin originated from the Danghenanshan range along its southern margin. Detrital zircons U–Pb ages from three samples in the Xiaobiegai basin, together with paleocurrent directions and clastic composition, indicate that sediments in the Xiaobiegai basin may partly originate from terranes along the northeastern margin of the basin in addition to the Danghenanshan range. Our results, combined with regional evolution, suggest that the Xiaobiegai and the Subei basins was a combined basin in Oligocene–early Miocene. This basin was folded, tilted, and dislocated at ca. 8 Ma by rapid uplift of the northern Tibetan plateau and rapid strike-slip of the ATF. As a result, the Subei basin became a thrust–fold belt of the Danghenanshan range front, and the Xiaobiegai basin grew into an intermontane basin in the northeastern part of the Danghenanshan range. Thus, the Subei area gradually acquired its present morphotectonic patterns.     

Cretaceous Volcanic Events in Southeastern Jilin Province, China: Evidence from Single Zircon U-Pb Ages

Mesozoic volcanic rocks in southeastern Jilin Province are an important component of the huge Mesozoic volcanic belt in the northeastern area. Study of the age of their formation is of great significance to recognize Mesozoic volcanic rule in northeastern China. Along with the research of rare Mesozoic biota and extensive Mesozoic mineralization in western Liaoning, a number of researchers have focused on Mesozoic volcanic events. The authors studied the ages of the Cretaceous volcanic rocks in southeastern Jilin Province using single Zircon U-Pb. The result shows that the Sankeyushu Formation volcanic rocks in the Tonghua area are 119.2 Ma in age, the Yingcheng Formation in the Jiutai area 113.4±3.1 Ma, the Jinjiatun Formation in Pinggang Town of Liaoyuan City and the Wufeng volcanic rocks in the Yanji area 103.2±4.7 Ma and 103.6±1 Ma, respectively. Combined with the data of recent publication on volcanic rocks ages; the Cretaceous volcanic events in southeastern Jilin Province can be tentatively subdivided into three eruption periods： 119 Ma, 113 Ma and 103 Ma. The result not only provides important chronology data for subdividing Mesozoic strata in southeastern Jilin Province, establishing Mesozoic volcanic event sequence, discussing geological tectonic background, and surveying the relation between noble metals to the Cretaceous volcanic rocks, but also offers important information of Mesozoic volcanism in northeastern China.     

Purines,pyrimidines and organic carbon in lake sediments — A comparison of sediments from lakes of varying degrees of eutrophication

Sediment cores from the Great Lakes of North America and the Bodensee (Lake Constance) were analysed for purine and pyrimidine contents and total organic carbon. Lakes subject to recent cultural eutrophication showed steep increases in both organic carbon and purine and pyrimidine concentrations in the recently deposited sediments. Analytical results for Lake Huron (oligotrophic) and for a highly eutrophic area of the Bodensee (Gnadensee) appeared remarkably similar, in that only gradual, linear increases were observed in the total organic carbon curves. The curves for total purines and pyrimidines were also less steep for these cores as compared to the others studied. A possible explanation is that both areas represent lakes with no serious, recent changes in productivity. Uracil was found to decrease in concentration faster than any other purine or pyrimidine in the first few centimeters of all cores, supporting previous suggestions of more rapid turnover of this pyrimidine in sediments.     

Vertical variation of phosphorus forms in surface sediments from Wuli Bay, Taihu Lake, China

1IntroductionPhosphorus,an essential nutrient for the primaryproductivity in freshwater systems,is an important fac-tor controlling lacustrine eutrophication.Although ex-ternal input of phosphorus has been assumed as the vi-tal responsibility for the eutrophication of lakes(ZhuJun et al.,2005),the remobilization of phosphorus insediments has a distinct influence on it as well(Bostr m et al.,1982).The concentrations of totalphosphorus(Ptotal)in the sediments are often related tothe trophic st…     

Crustal stabilization:Evidence from the geochemistry and U–Pb detrital zircon geochronology of quartzites from Simlipal Complex,Singhbhum Craton,India

Cratonic stabilization was a critical crustal process during the Hadean to Archean for the formation of cratons.The understanding of how and where this process took place is significant to evaluate the architecture of continents.The Singhbhum Craton of eastern India has well preserved Precambrian volcanosedimentary sequences.The Simlipal volcano-sedimentary complex of Singhbhum Craton consists of circular bands of mafic volcanic rocks interlayered with quartzites/shales/phyllites.In the present study,we report petrographic and geochemical characteristics of quartzites from Simlipal Complex coupled with U–Pb ages of detrital zircons and zircon geochemistry to understand the provenance and depositional conditions and its connection with the crustal stabilization in the Singhbhum Craton.The quartzites are texturally mature with sub-angular to sub-rounded quartz grains followed by feldspars embedded in a silty matrix.Based on modal compositions and major element ratios,these quartzites are categorized as quartz arenite and sub-lithic arenites.Trace element abundances normalized to Archean Upper Continental Crust(AUCC)display positive anomalies at U,Zr,Hf and negative anomalies at Nb.REE patterns are characterized by negative Eu anomalies(Eu/Eu^*=0.47–0.97)and flat HREE suggesting felsic provenance.These quartzites show depletion of LILE,enrichment of HFSE and transition metals relative to AUCC.High weathering indices such as CIA,PIA,and ICV are suggestive of moderate to intense chemical weathering.Low trace element ratios such as Th/Cr,Th/Sc,La/Sc,La/Co and Th/Co indicate a predominantly felsic source for these rocks.The overall geochemical signatures indicate passive margin deposition for these quartzites.Detrital zircons from the Simlipal quartzites yield U–Pb ages 3156±31 Ma suggesting Mesoarchean crustal heritage.The trace element geochemistry of detrital zircons suggests that the zircons are magmatic in origin and possibly derived from the 3.1 Ga anorogenic granite/granitoid provenance of Singhbhum Craton.These observations collectively indicate the Mayurbhanj Granite and Singhbhum Granite(SBG-III)provenance for these quartzites,thereby tracking the stabilization of the eastern Indian Shield/Singhbhum Craton back to Mesoarchean.     

A preliminary magnetic study on lacustrine sediments from Zoigê Basin,eastern Tibetan Plateau,China: Magnetostratigraphy and environmental implications

A preliminary magnetic study was conducted on Core RM (310 m long), drilled in the Zoigê Basin (33 °57′N, 102 °21′E), on the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Greigite in SD state exists as a main magnetic contributor along the whole core. In addition, magnetite and haematite are detected between 160-45 m. NRM directions show a complex record with many apparent changes in inclination, for which greigite or the remanence acquisition process may be responsible. Nevertheless, the Matuyama/Brunhes boundary and, possibly, the Blake Event are identified. Between 310 and 160 m (as well as between 45 and 4.5 m), predominant anoxic conditions favour the formation of greigite, leading to higher susceptibility (χ) and remanence peaks. However, higher carbonate content during dry periods in these zones, may dilute the concentration of magnetic minerals, resulting in lower values of magnetic parameters. Between 160 and 45 m, weak oxic conditions preserve detrital magnetic minerals. The increasing χ background in this zone may indicate changes in the concentration of magnetite and haematite related to the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau, while higher χ peaks may indicate fluctuations to anoxic conditions, which enhance greigite concentration.     

Tectono-thermal events in East Kunlun,Northern Tibetan Plateau: Evidence from zircon U–Pb geochronology

The widely distributed high-grade gneisses in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt (EKOB) are keys to understand the Precambrian tectonic evolution of the Northern Tibetan Plateau. In this study, new LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb ages from paragneiss and schist of the Proterozoic Jinshuikou Group and quartzite of the Proterozoic Binggou Group are reported in an attempt to evaluate the Neoproterozoic and Paleozoic tectono-thermal events of the EKOB. These geochronologic data can be classified into 4 groups: Group 1 ages ranging from 2243 Ma to 3701 Ma are represented by inherited zircons from protolith and confirm the existence of Eoarchean to Paleoproterozoic continental nucleus in the source region of the Jinshuikou Group. Group 2 ranging from 928 Ma to 1849 Ma yields lower intercept ages of 0.9–1.0 Ga which represent the Neoproterozoic tectono-thermal event. This event, similar to that of the northern margin of Qaidam, might be a response to the assembly of Rodinia. Group 3 ranges from Neoproterozoic to early Paleozoic with lower intercept ages which are identical to the weighted mean ages of Group 4. These two age groups confirm the tectono-thermal event related to Paleozoic oceanic subduction. Moreover, based on the youngest age of 2.2 Ga in Group 1 and the upper intercept age of 1.8 Ga in Group 2, the depositional timing of the Jinshuikou and Binggou groups can be defined as Paleoproterozoic and Mesoproterozoic, respectively.     

Hydrothermal evolution of the Sar-Cheshmeh porphyry Cu–Mo deposit,Iran: Evidence from fluid inclusions

The Sar-Cheshmeh porphyry Cu–Mo deposit is located in Southwestern Iran (∼65 km southwest of Kerman City) and is associated with a composite Miocene stock, ranging in composition from diorite through granodiorite to quartz-monzonite. Field observations and petrographic studies demonstrate that the emplacement of the Sar-Cheshmeh stock took place in several pulses, each with associated hydrothermal activity. Molybdenum was concentrated at a very early stage in the evolution of the hydrothermal system and copper was concentrated later. Four main vein Groups have been identified: (I) quartz+molybdenite+anhydrite±K-feldspar with minor pyrite, chalcopyrite and bornite; (II) quartz+chalcopyrite+pyrite±molybdenite±calcite; (III) quartz+pyrite+calcite±chalcopyrite±anhydrite (gypsum)±molybdenite; (IV) quartz±calcite±gypsum±pyrite±dolomite. Early hydrothermal alteration produced a potassic assemblage (orthoclase-biotite) in the central part of the stock, propylitic alteration occurred in the peripheral parts of the stock, contemporaneously with potassic alteration, and phyllic alteration occurred later, overprinting earlier alteration. The early hydrothermal fluids are represented by high temperature (350–520 °C), high salinity (up to 61 wt% NaCl equivalent) liquid-rich fluid inclusions, and high temperature (340–570 °C), low-salinity, vapor-rich inclusions. These fluids are interpreted to represent an orthomagmatic fluid, which cooled episodically; the brines are interpreted to have caused potassic alteration and deposition of Group I and II quartz veins containing molybdenite and chalcopyrite. Propylitic alteration is attributed to a liquid-rich, lower temperature (220–310 °C), Ca-rich, evolved meteoric fluid. Influx of meteoric water into the central part of the system and mixing with magmatic fluid produced albitization at depth and shallow phyllic alteration. This influx also caused the dissolution of early-formed copper sulphides and the remobilization of Cu into the sericitic zone, the main zone of the copper deposition in Sar-Cheshmeh, where it was redeposited in response to a decrease in temperature.     

Chemistry of magnetite-apatite from albitite and carbonate-hosted Bhukia Gold Deposit,Rajasthan, western India – An IOCG-IOA analogue from Paleoproterozoic Aravalli Supergroup: Evidence from petrographic,LA-ICP-MS and EPMA studies

The Bhukia gold (+copper) deposit hosted by albitite and carbonates that occur within the Paleoproterozoic Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt (ADFB) in western India consists of magnetite, graphite, apatite and tourmaline along with sulfide mineralization. Ubiquitous presence of magnetite and apatite in gold-sulfide association, alteration patterns and shear controlled mineralization suggest it to be IOCG (Iron-oxide copper gold) type deposits. The detailed mineral chemistry of magnetite and apatite are generated and interpreted in terms of their genetic significance, hydrothermal and magmatic origin vis-à-vis their affiliation with IOCG deposition. The data suggest that the magnetite has hydrothermal affiliation. The Ni/Cr ratio is greater than 1, which is explained by differences in solubility and mobility of Ni and Cr in hydrothermal fluids and is corroborated with other key evidences including that of wide ranging Mg concentration further supports a strong hydrothermal input that is envisaged for the deposition of magnetite. Concentration of vanadium in magnetite is generally <1000 ppm in case of barren hydrothermal occurrences while in the study area, it is relatively higher as it is attributed to the gold-sulfide-Cu mineralization. Ti vs Ni/Cr, Ni/(Cr+Mn) vs Ti+V, Ca+Al+Mn vs Ti+V and Al+Mn vs Ti+V variations are interpreted in terms of magnetite genesis. EPMA data suggests that apatite present in Bhukia is of fluorapatite variety with F content >1 wt% and F/Cl >1. Higher concentration of F and moderate Mn along with lower concentration of Cl attests their magmatic hydrothermal character and its derivation from meta-volcano sedimentary source. REE patterns obtained from LA-ICP-MS analysis suggest enrichment of LREE relative to MREE and HREE with negative Eu anomaly. Y/∑REE, La/Sm, Ce/Th and Eu/Eu¹ vs Ce/Ce¹ values of apatite is indicative of their origin in a highly oxidized environment. Presence of magnetite along with apatite is a common feature in IOCG-IOA (Iron-Oxide Apatite) association. Bhukia Gold Deposit has many similarities with Kiruna type Iron-Oxide Apatite (IOA) deposits particularly with respect to their similar tectonic setting, alteration patterns, mineral assemblages such as abundance of magnetite, apatite and presence of late stage sulfides based on EPMA and Laser ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS) studies. Lithological, petro-mineralogical and geochemical signatures of magnetite and apatite infer that the Bhukia is a possible IOCG-IOA type gold deposit typically associated with sulfides and graphite which may be used as petrogenetic indicators and pathfinders for exploration.     

Weathering and climate change since l820 AD in Hoh Xil, Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, China——Evidence from element geochemistry of lake sediments of Gulug Co Lake

Element geochemistry of lake sediments has been widely used to detect climate change because element composition and ratios can reflect the weathering degree in the source area. Given the dement composition of lake sediments from Gulug Co Lake, Hoh Xil, Qing- hai-Xizang Plateau, chemical index of alteration （CIA）, index of composition variability （ICV） and other element ratios have been used to establish the weathering sequence of this area since 1820 AD. The weathering is so weak that the element composition change is more sensitive to climate change and autochthonous processes. From 1820 to 1984 AD, there were two drier periods with a wetter interval from 1870 to 1945 AD. After 1984 the weather showed a tendency of becoming wet.     

Geochemical survey of Portugal: Comparative analysis of data from soils and stream sediments

This study reports some results of a low density geochemical survey covering the entire country, taking both topsoils and active stream sediments as the sampling media. Standardized methods for sampling, sample preparation, analysis and analytical quality…     

Refractory organic matter in sediments from the North–West African upwelling system: abundance,chemical structure and origin

Refractory (insoluble and nonhydrolyzable) organic matter (ROM) was studied in sediments underlying the north–west African upwelling system. Two core samples: beginning of glacial isotope stage 4 (ca. 70,000 yr BP; depth bsf 360 cm) and interglacial isotope substage 5d (ca. 90,000 yr BP; depth bsf 480 cm) were analyzed, along with a surface sample. ROM, which accounts for a substantial part of the total organic matter (OM) in these sediments (ca. 20% for the two core samples and 10% for the surface sample), was isolated and examined for its morphological and chemical features using a combination of transmission and scanning electron microscopy, spectroscopy (FTIR, solid state ¹³C NMR) and analytical pyrolysis (Curie point flash pyrolysis–GC–MS). These studies allowed the chemical structure of the three ROMs (chiefly based on melanoidin-type macromolecules) and their mechanism of formation (degradation–recondensation of products mainly derived from proteinaceous material) to be established. Such a formation probably began in the water column and continued within the sediment upper layers. Important differences, concerned both with OM chemical structure and preservation mechanism, were noted upon comparison with recently studied sediments underlying the Peru upwelling system. These differences between the two systems, in spite of similarities in primary production, must reflect the combined influence of factors such as upwelling intensity (primary productivity), water depth and iron supply.