济阳坳陷古近系页岩的纹层组合及成因分类

在济阳坳陷古近系中发育大量湖相页岩及纹层状的碳酸盐岩,页岩类型多样。通过对300多块页岩薄片的显微镜下观察分析表明,这些湖相页岩和纹层状碳酸盐岩均由3种基本纹层构成:富有机质纹层(即富含有机质的黏土矿物纹层)、隐晶碳酸盐纹层和黏土纹层。按纹层组合和比例的不同,可将页岩和纹层状碳酸盐岩系统地划分为黑页岩、钙质纹层页岩、富有机质纹层页岩、泥页岩、钙质页岩、纹层状泥灰岩和纹层状灰岩等7种类型,并尝试提出利用纹层组分划分页岩类型的三角形成因分类方案。由于不同纹层形成的古湖泊条件不同,该分类方案不仅能够反映各种页岩的纹层组成,同时也可反映页岩的成因。     

Deglacial seasonal and sub‐seasonal diatom record from Palmer Deep,Antarctica

The Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most sensitive regions of Antarctica to climate change. Here, ecological and cryospheric systems respond rapidly to climate fluctuations. A 4.4 m thick laminated diatom ooze deposited during the last deglaciation is examined from a marine sediment core (ODP Site 1098) recovered from Basin I, Palmer Deep, western Antarctic Peninsula. This deglacial laminated interval was deposited directly over a glaciomarine diamict, hence during a globally recognised period of rapid climate change. The ultra‐high‐resolution deglacial record is analysed using SEM backscattered electron imagery and secondary electron imagery. Laminated to thinly bedded orange‐brown diatom ooze (near monogeneric Hyalochaete Chaetoceros spp. resting spores) alternates with blue‐grey terrigenous sediments (open water diatom species). These discrete laminae are interpreted as austral spring and summer signals respectively, with negligible winter deposition. Sub‐seasonal sub‐laminae are observed repeatedly through the summer laminae, suggesting variations in shelf waters throughout the summer. Tidal cycles, high storm intensities and/or intrusion of Circumpolar Deep Water onto the continental shelf introduced conditions which enhanced specific species productivity through the season. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

济阳坳陷下第三系湖相生油岩的微观特征

利用背散射电子成像技术、扫描电镜和能谱分析对山东济阳坳陷下第三系主要湖相生油岩的微观组构、成分特征进行了高分辨率的观察和分析,同时对其中藻类化石丰度进行了定量统计。结果显示,这些生油岩既有共性又有显著的差异。共性表现在它们都具有纹层状构造,而且有机质都特别丰富,呈纹层分布。差异性表现在纹层单元的成分明显不同:富有机质纹层页岩由有机质纹层和粘土矿物纹层组成;钙质纹层页岩则有两种情况:一类由有机质纹层和钙质超微化石纹层组成,另一类由有机质纹层和粗粒方解石纹层组成,粗粒方解石中含有钙质超微化石;钙质纹层泥岩由细粒方解石纹层和含有机质的粘土矿物纹层组成。生油岩中有机质的分布也有两种形式:一类是有机质纹层,另一类则是藻类化石层,如沟鞭藻化石层和钙质超微化石 (颗石藻 )层.     

藻类勃发—湖相油源岩形成的一种重要机制

浮游藻类是重要的湖相生油母质，本文以渤海湾盆地济阳坳陷早第三纪湖相生油岩为例，研究了其中藻类（主要是颗石藻和沟鞭藻＿化石的分布特征，并通过与现代水体中藻类生产和沉积作用的比较，探讨了生油湖泊中藻类生产和沉积方式及其对油源岩形成所起的控制作用，结果显示，藻类勃发现象在早第三纪生油湖泊中相当普遍，而且贯穿于各类油源岩的形成过程，这类快速事件性沉积是湖相油源岩形成的一种重要机制。     

山东山旺中新世硅藻土的纹层类型及成因

山东临朐山旺地区中新世山旺组硅藻土极为发育。通过对该地区硅藻土纹层的研究,确定其分类和成因,为进一步确立年纹层的存在、利用其进行高分辨率测年、探讨高频古气候旋回奠定基础。山旺组硅藻土的单层纹层厚度一般为100μm左右。依据纹层的物质成分,单层纹层可分为硅藻纹层、有机纹层和粘土纹层三种类型。各类单层纹层组合成为明暗相间的层偶,层偶厚度一般为100～400μm,常常表现为浅色的硅藻纹层逐渐向深色的粘土纹层或有机质纹层渐变过渡。纹层层偶可分为:薄层硅藻纹层-有机质层偶,厚层藻纹层-有机质层偶,薄层粘土纹层-有机质层偶,厚层粘土纹层-有机质层偶和硅藻纹层-粘土纹层层偶。山旺组硅藻土中不同类型的单层纹层以及层偶的形成主要受控于当时湖盆内粘土物质的沉积速率、硅藻的繁盛程度和有机物质的沉积和保存条件。     

Relationship between chemical composition and magnetic susceptibility in sediment cores from Central Indian Ocean Basin

Three sediment cores in a north-south transect (3°N to 13°S) from different sediment types of the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) are studied to understand the possible relationship between magnetic susceptibility (χ) and Al, Fe, Ti and Mn concentrations. The calcareous ooze core exhibit lowest χ (12.32 × 10⁻⁷ m³ kg⁻¹), Al (2.84%), Fe (1.63%) and Ti (0.14%), terrigenous clay core with moderate χ (29.93 × 10⁻⁷ m³ kg⁻¹) but highest Al (6.84%), Fe (5.20%) and Ti (0.44%), and siliceous ooze core with highest χ (38.06 × 10⁻⁷ m³ kg⁻¹) but moderate Al (4.49%), Fe (2.80%) and Ti (0.19%) contents. The distribution of χ and detrital proxy elements (Al, Fe, and Ti) are identical in both calcareous and siliceous ooze. Interestingly, in terrigenous core, the behaviour of χ is identical to only Ti content but not with Al and Fe suggesting possibility of Al and Fe having a non-detrital source. The occurrence of phillipsite in terrigenous clay is evident by the Al-K scatter plot where trend line intersects K axis at more than 50% of total K suggesting excess K in the form of phillipsite. Therefore, the presence of phillipsite might be responsible for negative correlation between χ and Al (r = −0.52). In siliceous ooze the strong positive correlations among χ, Al_exc and Fe_exc suggest the presence of authigenic Fe-rich smectite. High Mn content (0.5%) probably in the form of manganese micronodules is also contributing to χ in both calcareous and siliceous ooze but not in the terrigenous core where mean Mn content (0.1%) is similar to crustal abundance. Thus, χ systematically records the terrigenous variation in both the biogenic sediments but in terrigenous clay it indirectly suggests the presence of authigenic minerals.     

中太平洋海盆表层沉积物及其与锰结核的关系

通过对中太平洋海盆表层沉积物与相伴生的锰结核的研究表面,丰度、品位等有明显的差异,在深海粘土中锰结核干度最度,钙质软泥多,锰结核的发现聚集与沉积物类型,沉积速率、孔隙度、金属含量及形成时的氧化还原条件,水深、底层流等的影响.锰结核的形成,发育与富集是受多种因素所控制,是一个模式内的约制。     

Lithology, Biostratigraphy, and Magneto stratigraphy of Gas Hydrate-Bearing Sediments in the Eastern Nankai Trough

Abstract: Stratigraphic controls on the formation and distribution of gas hydrates were examined for sediments from a BH-1 well drilled in the landward slope of the Nankai Trough, approximately 60 km off Omaezaki, Japan. Three lithologic units were recognized in the 250 m-thick sequence of sediments: Unit 1 (0–70 mbsf) consists of calcareous silt and clay with thin volcanic ash layers, Unit 2 (70–150 mbsf) consists of calcareous silt and clay with volcanic ash and thin sand layers, and Unit 3 (150–250 mbsf) consists of weakly consolidated calcareous silt and clay with thick and frequent sand layers. Soupy structures and gas bubbles in the sediments indicate the presence of two hydrate zones between 40 and 130 mbsf and below 195 mbsf. Nannofossil biostratigraphy and magnetostratigraphy indicate that the sequence recovered at the BH-1 well is mostly continuous and represents sediments deposited from 0 to 1.5 Ma. Calculation of the sedimentation rate reveals a condensed section between 65 and 90 mbsf. The inferred distribution of gas hydrates in the BH-1 well appears to be strongly controlled by the stratigraphy and lithology of the sediments. Thick, gently inclined sand layers in Unit 3 provide a conduit for the migration of gases from deeper regions, and are considered responsible for the formation of the hydrate zone below 195 mbsf. At shallower levels, thin, gently inclined sand layers are also considered to allow for the migration of gases, leading to the formation of the upper hydrate zone between 40 and 130 mbsf. The overlying sub-horizontal silt and clay of the condensed section, truncating the underlying gently inclined sand and silt/clay layers, may provide an effective trap for gases supplied through the sand layers, further contributing to hydrate formation in the upper hydrate zone.     

Higher plant vegetation changes during Pliocene sapropel formation

The δ¹³C values of higher plant wax C_27–33 n-alkanes were determined in three, time-equivalent Pliocene (2.943 Ma) sapropels and homogeneous calcareous ooze from three different sites forming an east-west transect in the eastern Mediterranean Basin in order to study the composition of the vegetation on the continents surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. A two-end member mixing model transformed the measured δ¹³C values into the contribution of C₄ plants to the terrestrial vegetation. These calculations indicated a high C₄ plant contribution (i.e. 40–50%) in the periods just before and just after sapropel formation. During sapropel deposition the C₄ plant contribution increased by up to 20% at all sites. This is interpreted to record the increased overall plant coverage of the Mediterranean borderlands resulting from the change in formerly barren desert areas into C₄ grass-dominated savannahs as a response to the wetter climate during sapropel deposition. Enhanced accumulation rates (ARs) of long-chain n-alkanes (C_27–33) and n-alkan-1-ols (C_26–30) towards the middle of the sapropel in concert with a decrease in the Ti/Al ratio confirm an increased delivery of terrigenous organic matter at all sites. These biomarkers were probably predominantly fluvially transported to the Mediterranean Sea, not only by the Nile but by fossil wadi river systems on the northern African continent.     

Diatoms and ostracods as mid-Holocene palaeoenvironmental indicators,North Stromatolite Lake,Coorong National Park,South Australia ∗

The Holocene carbonate sequence of perennial North Stromatolite Lake, located adjacent to the Coorong Lagoon near Salt Creek, South Australia, includes a prominent sapropelic unit (7 – 12% total organic carbon), in places more than 2 m thick, that was sampled for the purpose of radiocarbon dating and documenting its diatom and ostracod biostratigraphy. The recovered ostracods were also subjected to carbon and oxygen isotopic analysis. The bulk organic matter at the base of the sapropel yielded an uncalibrated ¹⁴C age of 6080 ± 60 y BP. Diatoms, where preserved, are almost exclusively benthic. Stratigraphic variation of the proportions of key indicator species in diatom assemblages records a marked oscillation between oligosaline and eusaline conditions in the hypolimnion during deposition of the sapropel. Ostracod carbon isotope data indicate that the lake at this time was eutrophic, thereby enriching the dissolved inorganic carbon of the hypolimnion in ¹³C. However, the observed secular variation in δ¹³C implies a mid-sapropel drop in productivity, caused by a freshening of the lake. Ostracod δ¹⁸O values display an overall increase through the sapropel consistent with the rising salinity of the hypolimnion. The existence of a flourishing benthic ostracod community, together with the valve ornamentation of Osticythere baragwanathi, indicates that the bottom waters were well oxygenated. Thus, anoxia was not a prerequisite for sapropel accumulation. The biostratigraphy and chemostratigraphy of the sapropel concur in suggesting a lack of climatic uniformity during its deposition, a period of ～1200 years. This study therefore highlights the potential of diatoms and ostracods in shallow perennial alkaline lakes along the Coorong coastal plain as proxies for short-term (10² – 10³ years) Holocene palaeoenvironmental change in southeastern Australia.     

Calcareous crust (caliche) profiles and early subaerial exposure of Carboniferous carbonates, northeastern Kentucky

Sequences of laminated limestones found within thin Carboniferous carbonate strata of northeastern Kentucky were studied to determine their origin and palaeo-environmental significance. These laminated zones are strikingly similar to Holocene and Pleistocene surficial calcareous crusts (caliche) profiles that occur in various parts of the world. Carboniferous laminated carbonates are associated with shallow marine carbonate units, palaeokarst, and overlying palaeosol zones. A typical laminated profile ranges in thickness from 1 to 2 m and contains brecciated, light olive-grey to brown micrite that lacks distinctive bedding. Structures and textures common in most profiles include: (1) calcareous and silicious laminae (laminae form diffuse, alternating light and dark bands that generally parallel bedding but often fill fractures and vugs within the rocks); (2) particles (allochems, and micrite and microspar fragments) coated by brown microcrystalline calcite; (3) brecciated texture; (4) circular to elliptical fossil moulds (occur in sinuous patterns and fill fractures within the rocks); (5) large and small scale fracture patterns. Subaerial weathering and vadose diagenesis of carbonate mud banks or islands is suggested as a mechanism for the formation of these Carboniferous calcareous crust profiles. These ‘crusts’ formed by a combination of solution (karsting), brecciation, and soil development that transformed an exposed marine biomicrite (‘host’ rock) into a porous subsoil rubble. Laminated ‘crusts’ and coated particles developed as the result of dissolution and reprecipitation of CaCO₃ and SiO₃ from the soil and carbonate bedrock. Carboniferous laminated carbonates in northeastern Kentucky are often referred to as ‘algal limestones’ because of their superficial similarity to some modern and ancient algal structures. This study, however, reveals numerous characteristics that can only be explained by diagenesis in a subaerial environment.     

Dolomitization of Carbonate Periplatform Deposit,Machari Formation (Middle to Late Cambrian),Korea

The petrography, the geochemistry and the burial history all constrain the origin and modification history of dolomites in an ancient periplatform carbonate slope deposit,the Machari Formation (late Miclclle to early Late Cambrian),Korea. The formation is mainly composed of rhythmic bedding. laminated to bedded lime mudstone alternating with argillaceous lime mudstone. The rhythmic bedding is a product of the deposition of offshore periplatform ooze and hemipelagic clay on a periplatform slope. This formation also shows minor and intermittent influx of other lithofacies including the bioclastic-peloidal packstone, peloidal wackestone, and intraclasts deposited as turbidites. Five types of dolomite occur in the Machari Formation, whose occurrence.texture and geochemistry provide an insight into origin and modification history.     

Sources for gold,palladium and iridium in deep-sea sediments

Deep-sea sediment cores, one from the Caribbean (calcareous ooze) and three from the Pacific-Antarctic basin (Globigerina ooze, siliceous ooze and pelagic clay) were analysed for Au, Pd, Ir and Mn by neutron activation. The average noble metal contents for 37 samples are: Au (ppb) Pd (ppb) Ir (ppb) 1.05 ± 0.9 3.5 ± 2.8 0.31 ± 0.14 Biogenic and lithogenic (terrigenous) constituents account for much of the noble metal in these sediments. The average noble metal content, particularly that of Au and Ir, shows little variation over the entire suite of four cores despite large differences in the proportions of biogenic and lithogenic fractions. In general neither component is a markedly more significant noble metal sink than the other. However, a strong correlation between Au and CaCO₃ in the Caribbean calcareous ooze suggests that the biogenic fraction is a significant concentrator in this core.Palladium content is more variable than that of Au or Ir and in two of the Antarctic cores some Pd, probably of hydrogenous origin, is present.The Ir content of all cores is higher than that expected of purely terrigenous sources and there is little suggestion of biogenic concentration of the metal. $\text{Au}\text{Ir}$ ratios differ greatly from average continental crust but are similar to oceanic crust. In one of the Antarctic cores some Ir of hydrogenous and of extraterrestrial origin may be present.     

内蒙古扎鲁特旗地区更新世地层划分

根据孢粉组合特征及光释光测年结果,对分布在内蒙古东南部的第四系更新统做了进一步的划分和研究。研究结果表明,主要分布在内蒙古东南部的中更新统风积物,岩性为黄色亚砂土,含钙质结核,发育柱状节理,区域上称乌尔吉组,含Artemisia-Ephedra-Pinus孢粉组合,光释光测年结果为(40.4±1.9)~(110.0±7.5)ka; 下更新统沉积物,岩性为红褐色亚砂土及亚黏土,含钙质结核、砂砾透镜体,区域上称为赤峰黄土,含Artemisia-Polygonum-Betula孢粉组合,光释光测年结果为（200.9±9.6）~（220.4±13.2）ka。上述2套地层在内蒙古东南部广泛分布,更新世地层的划分为内蒙古东南部地区的第四系地层划分对比研究提供了基础地质资料。     

Diagenesis of diatomite from the Kolubara Coal Basin,Baroševac,Serbia

Diatomite associated with the Kolubara Coal Basin was studied to better understand early stage silica diagenesis of shallow water deposits. The Kolubara Basin consists of Neogene siliciclastic rocks, diatomite, marlstone and rare carbonates. Palaeozoic metamorphic and Mesozoic sedimentary and igneous basement rocks are transgressively overlain by Upper Miocene sandstone, siltstone, shale and mudstone. This Upper Miocene section is transgressively overlain by the Pontian section, which contains diatomite and coal beds. White and grey diatomite forms beds 0.7-2.2 m thick that are continuous over an area of about 2 km². Siliceous rocks vary in composition from diatomite (81-89 per cent SiO₂) to diatom-bearing shale (58-60 per cent SiO₂). Siliceous deposits are laminated in places, with the laminae defined by variations in clay minerals, organic matter and diatoms. Diatomite shows only incipient diagenesis characterized by the fragmentation of diatom frustules, the minor to moderate corrosion of frustules and the formation of minor amounts of opal-A' (X-ray amorphous inorganic opal) cement. The low degree of diagenesis results from the young age of the deposits, low burial temperatures and possibly also from the presence of abundant organic matter and the dissolution of kaolinite. The presence of only weak diagenesis is also reflected by the characteristically poor consolidation of the rocks and low rank of the associated coal.     

Role of cyanobacteria in Corg-rich deposits: an example from the Indidura Formation (Cenomanian-Turonian), northeastern Mexico

We present evidence of accumulation of calcareous cyanobacterial “microspheroids” as predominant components of the Cenomanian-Turonian Indidura Formation of northeastern Mexico. The unit at Parras de la Fuente includes a sequence of limestones and marls with well-defined light-dark rhythms at the decimetric to millimetric scale, in which CaCO₃ and total organic carbon vary between 43–78% and 0.3–3.6%, respectively.A distinctive feature of the section is the presence of abundant millimeter-scale microlaminae arranged in nearly even-parallel white and dark gray “varve like” dual lamination less than 3 mm thick, in which the darker units contain scattered planktonic foraminifera and radiolaria, whereas the lighter microlaminae are dominated by calcitic microspheroids (20–40 μm). The white laminae are evidently the result of recurring cycles of calcareous cyanobacterial blooms, possibly associated with fluvial dilution of surface waters.The organic carbon-rich laminated marlstones and laminated biocalcilutites of the Indidura Formation document paleoceanographic conditions favorable to unusual cyanobacterial productivity cycles that were also characterized by strong dysoxic/anoxic bottom conditions.     

焦石坝地区五峰组-龙马溪组页岩纹层发育特征及其储集意义

目前针对海相富有机质页岩纹层对储层品质的影响方面尚未开展深入研究.通过钻井岩心、薄片鉴定、氩离子抛光扫描电镜、核磁孔隙结构和扫描电镜矿物定量评价（QEMSCAN）等测试分析,将川东焦石坝地区五峰组-龙马溪组一段页岩纹层按矿物组分划分为硅质纹层、钙质纹层和粘土质纹层3类,并识别出水平纹层、杂积纹层、粒序纹层、侵蚀交错纹层和楔状交错纹层5类页岩纹层沉积构造.结合纹层发育密度和最大纹层厚度,划分出3个纹层发育段,每一段又细分为弱发育段和强发育段.综合纹层发育特征和页岩储层物性参数可知:纹层强发育段其总有机碳含量和有机质孔隙均相对减少,而无机质孔隙相对发育,纹层发育影响了页岩孔隙类型和孔径占比的分布.      

Age assignment of a diatomaceous ooze deposited in the western Amundsen Sea Embayment after the Last Glacial Maximum

Reliable dating of glaciomarine sediments deposited on the Antarctic shelf since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) is challenging because of the rarity of calcareous (micro‐) fossils and the recycling of fossil organic matter. Consequently, radiocarbon (¹⁴C) ages of the acid‐insoluble organic fraction (AIO) of the sediments bear uncertainties that are difficult to quantify. Here we present the results of three different methods to date a sedimentary unit consisting of diatomaceous ooze and diatomaceous mud that was deposited following the last deglaciation at five core sites on the inner shelf in the western Amundsen Sea (West Antarctica). In three cores conventional ¹⁴C dating of the AIO in bulk samples yielded age reversals down‐core, but at all sites the AIO ¹⁴C ages obtained from diatomaceous ooze within the diatom‐rich unit yielded similar uncorrected ¹⁴C ages between 13 517 ± 56 and 11 543 ± 47 years before present (a BP). Correction of these ages by subtracting the core‐top ages, which probably reflect present‐day deposition (as indicated by ²¹⁰Pb dating of the sediment surface at one core site), yielded ages between ca. 10 500 and 8400 cal. a BP. Correction of the AIO ages of the diatomaceous ooze by only subtracting the marine reservoir effect (MRE) of 1300 a indicated deposition of the diatom‐rich sediments between 14 100 and 11 900 cal. a BP. Most of these ages are consistent with age constraints between 13.0 and 8.0 ka for the diatom‐rich unit, which we obtained by correlating the relative palaeomagnetic intensity (RPI) records of three of the sediment cores with global and regional reference curves. As a third dating technique we applied conventional radiocarbon dating of the AIO included in acid‐cleaned diatom hard parts extracted from the diatomaceous ooze. This method yielded uncorrected ¹⁴C ages of only 5111 ± 38 and 5106 ± 38 a BP, respectively. We reject these young ages, because they are likely to be overprinted by the adsorption of modern atmospheric carbon dioxide onto the surfaces of the diatom hard parts prior to sample graphitisation and combustion for ¹⁴C dating. The deposition of the diatom‐rich unit in the western Amundsen Sea suggests deglaciation of the inner shelf before ca. 13 ka BP. The deposition of diatomaceous oozes elsewhere on the Antarctic shelf around the same time, however, seems to be coincidental rather than directly related. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Paleobiological fades as exemplified by the Cenomanian Basin (southwestern Russian Platform)

Existing facies concepts and terminology do not integrate biotic and abiotic aspects of present and ancient environments into a whole paleogeographical framework. The facies is the basic structural-morphological unit of paleobiogeography. Facies concepts are reviewed, and their applicability to interpretation of relationships between biota and physicochemical environment in paleobiogeography discussed. The term "paleobiofacies" is proposed as the basic unit of paleobiogeography and defined as the unit assemblage, reconstructed on paleoecological data, interrelating biotic and abiotic environmental components, occupying a definite ecological position influenced by the whole geological development of the region. Paleobiofacies in the early.Cenomanian basin, southwest slope of the Russian Platform, are characterized by faunal assemblages with explicit morphological-stratigraphic aspects and restricted to a particular rock type within two distinct sedimentation areas: 1) coastal shoal deposits, quartz-glauconite sand, spongolites, and oyster beds around the ancient island of Podol'ye, and 2) deep water detrital limestone and chalk. Paleobiofacies characterizing earliest Cenomanian deposits in the shoal water zone are described: 1) rocky littoral Gastrochaena facies; 2) sponge-Arnphidont, sandy sublittoral facies; 3) Syncyclonema-Amphidont spongitic sublittoral facies; 4) Amphidont-Chlamys sandy sublittoral, facies; 5) echinord-coral calcareous sandy sublittoral facies; 6) Rotalipora, sandy argillaceous sublittoral facies; 7) Amphidont-oyster bed facies; and in deep water 8) the Syncydonema-Gryphaea, calcareous ooze, pseudoabyssal facies. Late Early Cenomanian shallow water paleobiofacies are 1) sandy sublittoral facies; 2) Rotalipora, sandy-argillaceous sublittoral fades. Pseudo-abyssal paleobiofacies are 3) Syncyclonema-Chlamys, calcareous-detrital, pseudo-abyssal fades; 4) Syncyclonema-Gryphaea, calcareous ooze, pseudo-abyssal facies. All paleobiofacies are charted. -- E. J. Kauffman.     

Geochemistry of ferromanganese nodule–sediment pairs from Central Indian Ocean Basin

Fourteen ferromanganese nodule–sediment pairs from different sedimentary environments such as siliceous ooze (11), calcareous ooze (two) and red clay (one) from Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) were analysed for major, trace and rare earth elements (REE) to understand the possible elemental relationship between them. Nodules from siliceous and calcareous ooze are diagenetic to early diagenetic whereas, nodule from red clay is of hydrogenetic origin. Si, Al and Ba are enriched in the sediments compared to associated nodules; K and Na are almost in the similar range in nodule–sediment pairs and Mn, Fe, Ti, Mg, P, Ni, Cu, Mo, Zn, Co, Pb, Sr, V, Y, Li and REEs are all enriched in nodules compared to associated sediments (siliceous and calcareous). Major portion of Si, Al and K in both nodules and sediments appear to be of terrigenous nature. The elements which are highly enriched in the nodules compared to associated sediments from both siliceous and calcareous ooze are Mo – (307, 273), Ni – (71, 125), Mn – (64, 87), Cu – (43, 80), Co – (23, 75), Pb – (15, 24), Zn – (9, 11) and V – (8, 19) respectively. These high enrichment ratios of elements could be due to effective diagenetic supply of metals from the underlying sediment to the nodule. Enrichment ratios of transition metals and REEs in the nodule to sediment are higher in CIOB compared to Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. Nodule from red clay, exhibit very small enrichment ratio of four with Mn and Ce while, Al, Fe, Ti, Ca, Na, K, Mg, P, Zn, Co, V, Y and REE are all enriched in red clay compared to associated nodule. This is probably due to presence of abundant smectite, fish teeth, micronodules and phillipsite in the red clay. The strong positive correlation (r ? 0.8) of Mn with Ni, Cu, Zn and Mo and a convex pattern of shale-normalized REE pattern with positive Ce-anomaly of siliceous ooze could be due to presence of abundant manganese micronodules. None of the major trace and REE exhibits any type of inter-elemental relationship between nodule and sediment pairs. Therefore, it may not be appropriate to correlate elemental behaviour between these pairs.