Abstract
Five cores were recovered on a traverse in the Lau Basin at 18°30′S crossing a supposed active spreading center. The sediments were subjected to selective chemical leaching for Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and As. Accumulation rates were determined using14C. These rates increase from west to east, reflecting the influence of volcaniclastic inputs from the Tonga- Kermadec Ridge. All elements display highest non-detrital accumulation rates closest to the supposed spreading center, suggesting a hydrothermal input to the sediments there. Variable hydrothermal inputs also influence the other cores.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Cronan DS (1976) Implications of metal dispersion from submarine hydrothermal systems for mineral exploration on Mid Ocean Ridges and in Island arcs. Nature 262:567–569
Cronan DS, Moorby SA, Glasby GP, Knedler KE, Thompson J, Hodkinson RA (1984) Hydrothermal and volcaniclastic sedimentation in the Tonga-Kermadec Ridge and its adjacent marginal basins. Geological Society of London Special Publication 16:137–149
Hodkinson RA, Cronan DS, Glasby GP, Moorby SA (in press) Regional geochemistry of sediments from the Lau Basin-Havre Trough-Tonga- Kermadec Ridge. New Zealand Journal Geology and Geophysics
Lawver LA, Hawkins JW, Sclater JG (1976) Magnetic anomalies and crustal dilation in the Lau Basin. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 33:27–35
Malahoff A, Feden RH, Fleming HS (1982) Magnetic anomalies and tectonic fabric of marginal basins north of New Zealand. Journal Geophysical Research 87:4109–4125
Weissel JK (1977) Evolution of the Lau Basin by the growth of small plates. In: Talwani M, Pitman WC (eds) Island Arcs, Deep Sea Trenches and Back-Are Basins. Maurice Ewing Series 1, American Geophysical Union, Washington, DC, pp 429–436
Cronan DS (1976) Basal metalliferous sediments from the eastern Pacific. Bulletin Geological Society of America 87:928–934
Hawkins JW (1974) Geology of the Lau Basin, a marginal sea behind the Tonga Arc. In: Burk CA: Drake CL (eds) The Geology of Continental Margins. Springer Verlag, New York, pp 505–520
Leinen M, Stakes D (1979) Metal accumulation rates in the central equatorial Pacific during Cenozoic time. Bulletin Geological Society of America 90:357–375
Dymond J, Vech HH (1975) Metal accumulation values in the southeast Pacific and the origin of metalliferous sediments. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 28:13–22
Sayles FL (1975) Chemistry of ferromanganoan sediment of the Bauer Deep. Bulletin Geological Society of America 86:1423–1431
Sayles FL (1975) Element accumulation values in the Bauer Deep: A correction. Bulletin Geological Society of America 87:1396
Chester R, Hughes MJ (1969) The trace element geochemistry of a north Pacific pelagic clay core. Deep-Sea Research 16:639–654
Bostrom K, Valdes S (1969) Arsenic in ocean floors. Lithos 2:351–360
Cronan DS (1972) The Mid-Atlantic Ridge near 45°N, XVII: Al, As, Hg and Mn in ferruginous sediments from the Median Valley. Canadian Journal of Earth Science 9:319–323
Marchig V, Gundlach H, Moller P, Schley F (1982) Geochemical indicators for distribution between diagenetic and hydrothermal metalliferous sediments. Marine Geology 50:241–256
Bignell RD, Cronan DS, Tooms JS (1976) Metal dispersion in the Red Sea as an aid to marine geochemical exploration. Transactions Institution of Mining and Metallurgy B85:274–278
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Cronan, D.S., Hodkinson, R., Harkness, D.D. et al. Accumulation rates of hydrothermal metalliferous sediments in the Lau Basin, S. W. Pacific. Geo-Marine Letters 6, 51–56 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02311696
Received:
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02311696