Multivariate correlation analysis of suspended-sediment characteristics

Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to investigate interrelationships among various characteristics of seawater and suspended sediments obtained from surface waters of two Asian marginal seas. On the basis of multivariate correlation analysis for the two marginal seas combined, three important factors were extracted and interpreted: (1) current-energy conditions, (2) the influence of rivers, and (3) biochemical conditions of seawater. A relationship between anisotropic mineral grains and combustible organic matter is suggested by the fact that suspended sediment, containing coarser anisotropic mineral grains, also contains larger amounts of combustible organic matter.