Composition and distribution of REE in ferromanganese crusts of the Belyaevsky and Medvedev seamounts in the Sea of Japan

This paper presents the results of the integrated study of ferromanganese crusts from the Belyaevsky (Central Basin) and Medvedev (Honshu Basin) seamounts from the Sea of Japan. The study of the mineral composition using powder diffraction and optical and electron microscopy showed that the crusts are made up of todorokite, birnessite, and pyrolusite minerals typical of hydrothermal ferromanganese deposits of the World Ocean. The composition of the ferromanganese crusts from the Sea of Japan was determined by ICP-MS and ICP-OES. The contents of Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Ni, and other major and trace elements indicate the hydrothermal genesis of the crusts. The obtained data on the composition of ferromanganese crusts of the Sea of Japan, as well as their comparison with different types of deposits of the World Ocean, suggest the endogenic genesis of the studied crusts. However, the REE and Y distribution patterns testify to a significant admixture of hydrogenic matter, which participated in the growth of ferromanganese crusts from the Belyaevsky and Medvedev seamounts.     

Geochemistry of trace and minor elements in sediments and manganese micronodules from the Angola Basin

Indicator role of trace elements in sedimentation and ore formation is considered for sediments from Station 2182 in the Angola Basin. It is shown that pelagic sediments were formed from two main sources: biogenic calcium carbonate and lithogenic sediment component compositionally similar to the miopelagic clay. Increase of the Mn/Al ratio, Ce anomaly in the REE composition, Co/Ni and Mo/W ratios, and anomalous accumulation of Tl, Pb, Bi and other microelements indicate that sediments from horizons 15–20 and 30–35 cm contain significant amounts of hydrogenic material as Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides. Manganese micronodules (MN) were extracted from different horizons (10–15, 15–20, and 30–35 cm) and analyzed to study the hydrogenic component. Their development is related to retardation of biogenic and lithogenic sedimentation. The studied manganese micronodules are represented by the hydrogenic-diagenetic formations >100 μm in size with Mn/Fe = 2.0–2.8, Co/Ni = 0.2–0.4, Ce an = 4.2–5.7, and Mo/W = 5.2–7.9. The MN content is too low to affect the major and trace element composition of sediments. The main part of Fe and Mn is confined to fraction <10 μm.     

麦哲伦海山群MK海山富钴结壳稀土元素的赋存相态

利用ICP-OES和ICP-MS,分析了麦哲伦海山群西北端MK海山2 170 m水深的MKD23B-3号富钴结壳样品,获得了其剖面上主元素、稀土元素（REE）和Y含量数据,并基于元素含量间的线性相关关系,研究了REE和Y的赋存相态。结果显示:该样品剖面从基岩到表面可划分为5层,第Ⅰ、Ⅱ层为磷酸盐化壳层,第Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ层为未磷酸盐化壳层。在未磷酸盐化壳层中,REE和Y主要赋存在δ-MnO₂相中;而在磷酸盐化壳层中,REE和Y除了赋存在Fe、Mn氧化物相中外,主要赋存在独立于碳氟磷灰石（CFA）的矿物相态中,可能为稀土的磷酸盐。并提出利用磷酸盐中REE/Y 估算富钴结壳磷酸盐化壳层次生稀土的方法,据此估算了MK海山富钴结壳磷酸盐化壳层次生稀土的量。在该样品中,次生稀土占稀土总量的42%~88%,近一半以上的稀土是次生的,磷酸盐化作用对于REE和Y的次生富集具有显著的贡献;因此解读磷酸盐化富钴结壳的稀土元素（特别是Nd同位素）古海洋记录必须排除次生稀土元素的干扰。     

Sorption of heavy metal cations by low-temperature deposits of Pacific hydrothermal fields

Cation exchange reactions with participation of heavy metals Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ba, and Pb were studed in oceanic low-temperature hydrothermal deposits of various mineral compositions and in hydrogenic Fe-Mn crusts. Individual minerals and their assemblages differ significantly in absorptive capacity, which increases in the following order: hematite ? Si-protoferrihydrite < protoferrihydrite < geothite < nontronite ? Fe-vernadite + Mn-feroxyhyte < Fe-free vernadite < bernessite + Fe-free vernadite < bernessite; i.e., it successively increases from the mineral with a coordination type of lattice to minerals with a layer-type structure. The exchange complex of all minerals includes Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺, i.e., the main cations of seawater. In Mn minerals, Mn²⁺ is the main exchange component. The contribution of all the mentioned cations to the exchange capacity of minerals is as high as 90–98%. The highest absorptive capacity among the examined low-temperature oceanic deposits is characteristic of hydrothermal Mn minerals. Their capacity exceeds substantially that of hydrothermal oxides, hydroxides, Fe-aluminosilicates, and hydrogenic Fe-Mn minerals. The absorptive capacity of all examined Mn minerals relative to heavy metals increases in the same order: Ni < Zn < Cd < Mn < Co < Pb < Cu.     

Platinum group elements and gold in ferromanganese crusts from Afanasiy-Nikitin seamount,equatorial Indian Ocean: Sources and fractionation

The major element relationships in ferromanganese (Fe-Mn) crusts from Afanasiy-Nikitin seamount (ANS), eastern equatorial Indian Ocean, appear to be atypical. High positive correlations (r = 0.99) between Mn/Co and Fe/Co ratios, and lack of correlation of those ratios with Co, Ce, and Ce/Co, indicate that the ANS Fe-Mn crusts are distinct from Pacific seamount Fe-Mn crusts, and reflect region-specific chemical characteristics. The platinum group elements (PGE: Ir, Ru, Rh, Pt, and Pd) and Au in ANS Fe-Mn crusts are derived from seawater and are mainly of terrestrial origin, with a minor cosmogenic component. The Ru/Rh (0.5–2) and Pt/Ru ratios (7–28) are closely comparable to ratios in continental basalts, whereas Pd/Ir ratios exhibit values (<2) similar to CI-chondrite (∼1). The chondrite-normalized PGE patterns are similar to those of igneous rocks, except that Pd is relatively depleted. The water depth of Fe-Mn crust formation appears to have a first-order control on both major element and PGE enrichments. These relationships are defined statistically by significant (r > 0.75) correlations between water depth and Mn/Co, Fe/Co, Ce/Co, Co, and the PGEs. Fractionation of the PGE-Au from seawater during colloidal precipitation of the major-oxide phases is indicated by well-defined linear positive correlations (r > 0.8) of Co and Ce with Ir, Ru, Rh, and Pt; Au/Co with Mn/Co; and by weak or no correlations of Pd with water depth, Co-normalized major-element ratios, and with the other PGE (r < 0.5). The strong enrichment of Pt (up to 1 ppm) relative to the other PGE and its positive correlations with Ce and Co demonstrate a common link for the high concentrations of all three elements, which likely involves an oxidation reaction on the Mn-oxide and Fe-oxyhydroxide surfaces. The documented fractionation of PGE-Au and their positive association with redox sensitive Co and Ce may have applications in reconstructing past-ocean redox conditions and water masses.     

江西金山矿区硅质岩的发现及其地质意义

通过野外地质调查和系统的岩石学及常量元素、微量元素、稀土元素地球化学特征的研究,探讨了金山矿区硅质岩的成因和大地构造环境。通过测试分析,显示区内硅质岩贫Al₂O₃、TiO₂,富As、Sb、Hg、Au、Ag、W、Pb,贫∑REE,δ(Eu)为负异常,δ（Ce）为弱正异常,HREE相对富集等热水沉积物的特征,同时也表明在硅质岩的形成过程中有陆源物质的介入。在判别硅质岩的形成与作用的一系列图解上,样品均落在热水沉积作用和形成于大陆边缘环境的范围内,这与一些特征值w(Fe)/w(Ti)、w(Fe+Mn)/ w(Ti)、w(Al)/w(Al+Fe+Mn)、w(MnO)/w(TiO₂)、δ(Ce)等的分析结果相吻合。这种硅质岩的发现与对比结果说明了该区域构造演化的复杂性。在晚古生代加里东运动使赣东北地区壳体断裂拉张,形成断陷盆地,并发生了热水喷流沉积成岩成矿作用。金山金矿床在形成过程中还经历了古生代热水成矿作用的叠加改造。     

大洋磷酸盐化作用对富钴结壳元素富集的影响

中国首次对与大洋富钴结壳密切相关的磷酸盐化作用进行了研究。对取自西太平洋麦哲伦海山区一厚度为 10cm的富钴结壳样品 ,自顶至底以 5mm间距采取了 2 0个分层样品进行了成矿元素和稀土元素分析。结果表明 ,未被磷酸盐化的新结壳和磷酸盐化的老结壳间主要成矿元素的含量相差显著。老结壳中Fe、Mn、Si、Al、Zn、Mg、Co、Ni、Cu元素亏损 ,亏损次序为Co >Ni>Mg >Al>Mn >Si>Cu >Zn >Fe;而Ca、P、Sr、Ba、Pb元素含量增加 ,富集次序为P >Ca >Ba >Pb >Sr。研究认为 ,结壳中磷酸盐化作用的强弱制约着富钴结壳成矿元素含量的变化 ,磷酸盐化作用是造成老结壳中主要成矿元素Co、Ni等贫化流失的根本原因。研究还表明 ,磷酸盐化作用对富钴结壳的稀土元素丰度也产生一定影响 ,使老结壳的稀土总量和Ce含量高于新结壳 ,但未显著改变其稀土配分模式和分馏特征。研究证实 ,老结壳的Y正异常与磷酸盐化作用无关。磷酸盐化作用的研究为富钴结壳矿产资源的评价和综合利用提供了有用信息。     

In-situ LA-ICP-MS trace elemental analyses of magnetite: The Bayan Obo Fe-REE-Nb deposit,North China

The Bayan Obo Fe-REE-Nb deposit in northern China is the world's largest light REE deposit, and also contains considerable amounts of iron and niobium metals. Although there are numerous studies on the REE mineralization, the origin of the Fe mineralization is not well known. Laser ablation (LA) ICP-MS is used to obtain trace elements of Fe oxides in order to better understand the process involved in the formation of magnetite and hematite associated with the formation of the giant REE deposit. There are banded, disseminated and massive Fe ores with variable amounts of magnetite and hematite at Bayan Obo. Magnetite and hematite from the same ores show similar REE patterns and have similar Mg, Ti, V, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, Ga, Sn, and Ba contents, indicating a similar origin. Magnetite grains from the banded ores have Al + Mn and Ti + V contents similar to those of banded iron formations (BIF), whereas those from the disseminated and massive ores have Al + Mn and Ti + V contents similar to those of skarn deposits and other types of magmatic-hydrothermal deposits. Magnetite grains from the banded ores with a major gangue mineral of barite have the highest REE contents and show slight moderate REE enrichment, whereas those from other types of ores show light REE enrichment, indicating two stages of REE mineralization associated with Fe mineralization. The Bayan Obo deposit had multiple sources for Fe and REEs. It is likely that sedimentary carbonates provided original REEs and were metasomatized by REE-rich hydrothermal fluids to form the giant REE deposit.     

Composition and characteristics of the ferromanganese crusts from the western Arctic Ocean

Layered ferromanganese crusts collected by dredge from a water depth range of 2770 to 2200 m on Mendeleev Ridge, Arctic Ocean, were analyzed for mineralogical and chemical compositions and dated using the excess ²³⁰Th technique. Comparison with crusts from other oceans reveals that Fe-Mn deposits of Mendeleev Ridge have the highest Fe/Mn ratios, are depleted in Mn, Co, and Ni, and enriched in Si and Al as well as some minor elements, Li, Th, Sc, As and V. However, the upper layer of the crusts shows Mn, Co, and Ni contents comparable to crusts from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Growth rates vary from 3.03 to 3.97 mm/Myr measured on the uppermost 2 mm. Mn and Fe oxyhydroxides (vernadite, ferroxyhyte, birnessite, todorokite and goethite) and nonmetalliferous detrital minerals characterize the Arctic crusts. Temporal changes in crust composition reflect changes in the depositional environment. Crust formation was dominated by three main processes: precipitation of Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides from ambient ocean water, sorption of metals by those Fe and Mn phases, and fluctuating but large inputs of terrigenous debris.     

云南易门铜厂铜矿床碳酸盐矿物微量元素组成研究

易门铜厂矿床是云南易门铜矿带中的一个大-中型铜矿床,矿区存在早期沉积-成岩型和晚期热液脉状型2种铜矿类型。为深入阐明2种矿化类型的成矿作用特征,文章分别选取落雪组白云岩及层状矿石中的白云石和热液脉状矿石中的方解石,采用ICP-MS等方法,对其开展碳酸盐矿物的微量及稀土元素地球化学研究。研究结果显示：在微量元素组成方面,沉积-成岩型的白云石以富集Cu、Pb、Zn、Ba、Bi、Sb、Ga、Ag,亏损Mo、Cr、Ni、Co、V元素为特征,脉状方解石中则以亏损亲硫元素（Cu、Pb、Zn）和不相容元素（Ba、Be、Rb、Nb、Ta、Zr、Hf、Th、U等）,富集V、Co、Ni元素为特征;在稀土元素组成上,二者稀土元素总量均较低,具不同程度的Eu负异常和微弱的Ce正异常,但在稀土元素配分模式上,白云石为明显右倾的轻稀土元素富集模式,方解石则为轻稀土元素略富集,中稀土元素富集的缓右倾或平缓型配分模式。综合分析结果认为,2类脉石矿物是不同成矿系统的产物,白云石形成于正常浅海环境,为沉积-成岩成因,成矿物质的壳源特征明显。方解石为后期热液成因,有深源物质参与成矿。层状矿体与脉状矿体不具"同期+同源"的特征。     

Abnormally high mercury contents in hydrogenic ferromanganese crusts from Seth Guyot (Northwestern Pacific)

Variations in mercury contents in marine sediments have implications for hydrothermal activity, paleoclimate, depositional environments, and primary bioproduction. Mercury contents reach 148 ppb in hydrogenic ferromanganese crusts on flat-topped seamounts. Such crusts, with up to 4120 ppb Hg, were dredged from the slopes of Seth Guyot in the western Marcus-Wake Seamounts in 1982, during the 13th cruise of RV Vulkanolog. The Seth Fe-Mn crusts are of the same origin as hydrogenic Co-rich ferromanganese deposits from seamounts in other oceanic regions. Mercury accumulated in the Cenozoic as Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides in the crusts adsorbed Hg from bottom water. The process was especially rapid during the Pliocene volcano-tectonic rejuvenated stage.     

贵州水城二叠系茅口组含锰岩系地质地球化学特征与锰矿成因分析

贵州水城二叠系茅口组内发现新锰矿。通过对含锰岩系的地质地球化学研究,其富集Zn,Ni,As,Sb,Sr,Ba,Ga,Ag,V,U元素;锰含量较高层位,Th/U比值小于1,锰含量较低层位,Th/U比值往往高达4～5。Co/Ni比值小于1。含锰岩石的(Fe+Mn)/Ti均大于47,高于20,特别是含锰高的岩石,其(Fe+Mn)/Ti值在300以上。含锰岩石的Al/(Al+Fe+Mn)均远远低于0.35,一般为小于0.02。稀土配分模式与峨眉山玄武岩相似,∑REE较高,LREE/HREE值偏低等特征。根据锰岩系地球化学和区域构造特征分析,水城二叠系茅口组含锰岩系属于热水喷流沉积的产物。     

Rare earth elements in phosphate-ferromanganese crusts on Pacific seamounts

Based on publications devoted to the composition of P-rich ferromanganese crusts on Pacific seamounts, relationships between the REE distribution in the crusts and the contents of phosphates and Fe-Mn hydroxides therein are considered. It is shown that REEs in the crusts are related to all three mineral phases and their contents are variable. In general, the REEs show weak correlations with P, Mn, and Fe in different varieties of ore crust. Average REE contents are comparable in samples with the maximal and minimal phosphorus contents, suggesting irregularity of REE distribution in the phosphates and ferromanganese phases. This fact is consistent with data on the presence of natural REE minerals in the phosphates.     

Rare Earth Elements Composition and Constraint on the Genesis of the Polymetallic Crusts and Nodules in the South China Sea

The rare earth elements(REE) composition of the polymetallic crusts and nodules obtained from the South China Sea(SCS) were analyzed through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.Results revealed great differences in the REE abundances(∑REE) of the SCS polymetallic crusts and nodules; the crusts show the highest ∑REE, whereas the nodules exhibit the lowest ∑REE. The similarity in their NASC-normalized patterns, the enriched light REE(LREE), the markedly positive Ce anomaly(δCe), and the non-or weakly positive Eu anomaly(δEu), suggest that the polymetallic crusts and nodules are of hydrogenetic origin. Moreover, the REE contents and their relevant parameters are quite different among the various layers of the crusts and nodules, which probably results from the different marginal sea environments and mineral assemblages of the samples. The growth profiles of the SCS polymetallic crusts and nodules reveal the tendency ∑REE and δCe to slightly increase from the outer to the inner layers, suggesting that the growth environments of these samples changed smoothly from an oxidizing to a relatively reducing environment; in addition, the crust ST1 may have experienced a regressive event(sea-level change) during its growth, although the REE composition of the seawater remained relatively stable. On the basis of the regional ∑REE distribution in the SCS crusts and nodules,the samples collected near the northern margin were influenced by terrigenous material more strongly compared with the other samples, and the REE contents are relatively low. Therefore, the special geotectonic environment is a significant factor influencing the abundance of elements, including REE and other trace elements. Compared with the oceanic seamount crusts and deep-sea nodules from other oceans,the SCS polymetallic crusts and nodules exhibit special REE compositions and shale-normalized patterns, implying that the samples are of marginal sea-type Fe-Mn sedimentary deposits, which are strongly affected by the epicontinental environment, and that they grew in a more oxidative seawater environment. This analysis indicates that the oxidized seawater environment and the special nano property of their Fe-Mn minerals enrich the REE adsorption.     

Influence of trace element fluxes from submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) on their inventories in coastal waters off volcanic island,Jeju, Korea

The concentrations of trace elements in groundwater and seawater were measured in a coastal embayment (Bangdu Bay) of a volcanic island (Jeju) off the southernmost coast of Korea in August and December of 2009. The concentrations of trace elements (Al, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) in the groundwater in summer were approximately 20-fold higher than those in winter, with good correlation to each other. Overall, the concentrations of most of the trace elements in the groundwater were 3- to 70-fold higher than those in the seawater of this Bay. Simple budget calculations showed that large fluxes of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD)-driven trace elements were responsible for the unusually enhanced concentrations of trace elements (particularly for Al, Fe and Co) in the summer seawater. The results imply that the temporal changes in SGD-driven trace element fluxes are large and may contribute considerably to the budget of trace elements in the coastal ocean, particularly off a highly permeable volcanic island.     

Rare Earth, Major and Trace Elements in the Kunimiyama Ferromanganese Deposit in the Northern Chichibu Belt, Central Shikoku, Japan

Abstract. Rare earth, major and trace element geochemistry is reported for the Kunimiyama stratiform ferromanganese deposit in the Northern Chichibu Belt, central Shikoku, Japan. The deposit immediately overlies greenstones of mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) origin and underlies red chert. The ferromanganese ores exhibit remarkable enrichments in Fe, Mn, P, V, Co, Ni, Zn, Y and rare earth elements (excepting Ce) relative to continental crustal abundance. These enriched elements/ Fe ratios and Post-Archean Average Australian Shale-normalized REE patterns of the ferromanganese ores are generally analogous to those of modern hydrothermal ferromanganese plume fall-out precipitates deposited on MOR flanks. However in more detail, Mn and Ti enrichments in the ferromanganese ores are more striking than the modern counterpart, suggesting a significant contribution of hydrogenetic component in the Kunimiyama ores. Our results are consistent with the interpretation that the Kunimiyama ores were umber deposits that primarily formed by hydrothermal plume fall-out precipitation in the Panthalassa Ocean during the Early Permian and then accreted onto the proto-Japanese island arc during the Middle Jurassic. The presence of strong negative Ce anomaly in the Kunimiyama ores may indicate that the Early Permian Panthalassa seawater had a more striking negative Ce anomaly due to a more oxidizing oceanic condition than today.     

Hydrothermal Fe-Si-Mn oxide deposits from the Central and South Valu Fa Ridge, Lau Basin

A series of samples from the Hine Hina hydrothermal field (HHF) and the Mariner hydrothermal field (MHF) in the Central and Southern Valu Fa Ridge (VFR), Lau Basin were examined to explain the source origin and formation of the hydrothermal Fe-Si-Mn oxide deposits. The mineralogy was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Mössbauer spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). For the Fe-Mn oxide crusts in the HHF, varying amounts of volcanic fragments and some seawater contributions were recognized, along with higher concentrations of Mn, Al, Co, Ni, Zn, Sr, Mo, elevated ∑REE and negative Ce anomalies. In contrast, the Si-rich oxide samples of the MHF were enriched in Cu, Pb and Ba, indicative of proximity to a hydrothermal jet. Moreover, conductive cooling of hydrothermal fluid evoked the Si-rich deposit formation in the MHF. The Sr, Nd and Pb isotope data provided further constraints regarding the source and formation of the Fe-Si-Mn deposits in the VFR by showing that the samples of the HHF are a mixture of three components, namely, hydrothermal fluid, seawater and volcanic materials, whereas the samples of the MHF were dominated by hydrothermal fluids. The seawater had a minor influence on the Nd isotope data, and the Pb isotope data exhibited a close association with the substrate rock and preformed volcaniclastic layers in this area. The occurrence of relatively high Mn/Fe ratios in the hydrothermal deposits of this area may be a good indicator of the propagating activities of the VFR over geological time.     

Ferromanganese oxide deposits from the Central Pacific Ocean,II. Nodules and associated sediments

Bulk chemical, mineralogical and selective leach analyses have been made on a suite of abyssal ferromanganese nodules and associated sediments from the S.W. equatorial Pacific Ocean. Compositional relations between nodules, sediment oxyhydroxides and nearby ferromanganese encrustations are drawn assuming that the crusts represent purely hydrogenetic ferromanganese material. Crusts, δMnO₂-rich nodules and sediment oxyhydroxides are compositionally similar and distinct from diagenetic todorokitebearing nodules. Compared to Fe-Mn crusts, sediment oxyhydroxides are however slightly enriched, relative to Mn and Ni, in Fe, Cu, Zn, Ti and Al, and depleted in Co and Pb, reflecting processes of non-hydrogenous element supply and diagenesis. δMnO₂ nodules exhibit compositions intermediate between Fe-Mn crusts and sediment oxyhydroxides and thus are considered to accrete oxides from both the water column and associated sediments.Deep ocean vertical element fluxes associated with large organic aggregates, biogenic calcite, silica and soft parts have been calculated for the study area. Fluxes associated with organic aggregates are one to three orders of magnitude greater than those associated with the other phases considered, are in good agreement with element accumulation rates in sediments, and are up to four orders of magnitude greater than element accumulation rates in nodules. Metal release from labile biogenic material in surface sediments can qualitatively explain the differences between the composition of Fe-Mn crusts and sediment oxyhydroxides.Todorokite-rich diagenetic nodules are confined to an eastwards widening equatorial wedge. It is proposed that todorokite precipitates directly from interstitial waters. Since the transition metal chemistry of interstitial waters is controlled dominantly by reactions involving the breakdown of organic carbon, the supply and degradation rate of organic material is a critical factor in the formation of diagenetic nodules. The wide range of (trace metal/Mn) ratios observed in marine todorokite reflects a balance between the release of trace metals from labile biogenic phases and the reductive remobilisation of Mn oxide, both of which are related to the breakdown of organic carbon.     

南海东部次海盆海山链多金属结核(壳)地球化学特征及成因

为了进一步解释南海不同区域内多金属结核（壳）的地球化学特征与成因,对东部次海盆黄岩?珍贝海山链上新获取的多金属结核（壳）样品进行了X光衍射、X荧光光谱测试、SEM-EDS分析和X Series2 ICP-MS测试,详细分析了样品的矿物组成、地球化学成分特征. 结果表明,矿物组成为水羟锰矿、石英、斜长石等;主要造岩元素中Si、Al含量较高,与陆缘碎屑物影响较大有关;富含Mn、Fe、Co、Ti、Ni、Pb、Sr等多种金属元素,相比南海其他区域,具有中等的Fe、Mn含量特征,地化元素特征与南海西北陆坡发现的铁锰结核（壳）相似;稀土元素具有总量高（平均2 070.01×10-6）的特点,高于南海北部其他样品,与西太平洋结壳稀土含量接近（接近工业品位）,指示了重要的稀土资源前景. 结核Be同位素结果指示该区铁锰结核生长时代为1.17~8.51 Ma,形成于晚中新世大量火山喷发之后,因此水成作用是南海东部次海盆海山链结核（壳）的主要控制作用,而陆源物质的输入、火山作用和高压富氢离子海水的浸取作用都为结核（壳）的形成提供了有利的沉积环境.      

东菲律宾海新型铁锰结壳中元素的赋存状态

为了解东菲律宾海新型铁锰结壳中元素的赋存状态, 采用化学提取方法对3个结壳样品进行了物相分析.不同类型结壳中成矿和稀土元素的赋存状态总体一致, 表明它们形成于相近的地质和海洋环境中.成矿元素中的Fe和Cu绝大部分赋存在残渣态中, Mn、Co和Ni则主要赋存在锰氧化物结合态、有机结合态和残渣态中, 并且埋藏型结壳样品锰氧化物结合态中赋存了相对更高比例的成矿元素.三价稀土元素主要集中在锰氧化物结合态中.两个沉积物表层结壳样品中的Ce主要集中在残渣态中.而埋藏型结壳样品中的Ce则主要赋存在锰氧化物结合态中, 这可能与该样品此相态中赋存了相对较多的Mn有关.呈碳酸盐结合态和有机结合态的稀土元素含量仅各占稀土总量的1%左右, 表明两者对结壳中稀土元素的富集作用很小.