Clay Minerals and Sr-Nd Isotope Compositions of Core CG 1601 in the Northwest Pacific: Implications for Material Source and Rare Earth Elements Enrichments

Deep-sea sediments generally refer to the distributed on seafloor with a depth of more than 2000 m. Many rare earth elements and yttrium (REY)-rich were recently discovered in sea area Minamitorishima Island, Northwest Pacific. To understand material source REY enrichments this area, here, we performed clay minerals Sr-Nd isotopes analyses gravity core GC1601 gained Southeast Sea Island. The mineral composition is very similar that terrigenous materials, its montmorillonite/illite (M/I) ratio ranges from 0.09 0.20 an average 0.15, indicating study should be mainly dominated by terrestrial sources, consistent results isotope study. Considering far away mainland downwind direction East Asian monsoon, propose likely dust. εNd values show positive correlation P2O5, Co, Ni, Cu, have increasing trend depth, approaching seawater, sedimentary environment relatively stable. Although total content (ΣREY) increases due large supply materials for sediments, it difficult form high-grade REY-rich muds.