A study on element-stratigraphy of Okinawa Trough

Abstract

Regular distribution patterns of elements Ca, Sr, K, Na, Mg, Fe, Mn, Ti, Cu, Co, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cr, Rb, Ba, Cd, and U in Late Quaternary strata have been studied in detail. The regional variation patterns of elements in these strata are similar to those in recent surface sediments, showing that the sedimentary environment has been relatively stable since Late Quaternary. Element distribution changes with the variations of lithological characters. Contents of Ca and Sr increase in coarse sediments, while those of other elements decrease. Na content increases in the pumice layer. Mn, content tends to increase sharply towards the surface layer. Ca content decreases sharply in strata where water depth is more than 2,000 m. The strata can be divided based on the distribution curves of element assemblages. The variations in contents of most elements in Holocene Series are smaller than those in Late Pleistocene Series, which might be related to the factors of glacial and interglacial changes, sea level fluctuations and material source differences.