Trace element geochemistry of a box-core from San-Pedro Basin, NE Pacific

Abstract

16 trace elements and 3 major elements were measured in sediments of a box-core form San Pedro Basin, an inshore basin situated in the California Continental Borderland, by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). Fairly good precision of these measurements (about ±10%) permits other observation of significant variations in the concentrations of these elements even in the upper 26-cm of the core. 
Rare earth elements show a"shale" like pattern of these sediments. K/Cs ratios indicate that cesium follows potassium in the fine sediments. A mean K/Cs value of ~1.2x10³ together with a value of 12.4 ppm for Cs correspond to fine non-carbonaceous argillaceous sediments. Th concentrations (~7.5 ppm) are closer o those of pelagic clays. These sediment are further characterized by normal values for Cr, Zr and Ta, higher concentrations of Na and Sb, and lower Fe and Sc contents, when compared to those reported for marine sediments from other areas.