ISSN:
1573-8868
Keywords:
multivariate analysis
;
sediment texture
;
geochemistry
;
Eastern Gulf margin
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Geosciences
,
Mathematics
Notes:
Abstract Several multivariate statistical analyses were performed upon sediment textural and chemical data derived from a four-year study of the surface sediments of the Eastern Gulf of Mexico continental margin. The results were compared with the surface sediment facies map and the generalized dynamical patterns deduced by Doyle and Sparks (1980) using traditional sediment textural and compositional parameters and single moment method statistics. The addition of multivariate techniques suggested relationships among variables which were subtle and not otherwise readily apparent. Mapping of Q-mode clusters based upon sediment texture alone showed a patchy distribution of sediment classes within the traditional descriptive facies. A seasonal variation in sediment texture at several stations was also revealed which we have attributed to the reworking of the bottom and sediment transport by hurricanes and winter frontal storm systems which sweep across the shallow shelf. Based upon first-order trend surface analysis over Q-mode ordination and stepwise linear regression analysis we have interpreted that total organic carbon content, not the amount of fine grained sediment present nor the clay mineralogy, is the most important parameter affecting the distribution of the trace metals Ba, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn. These relationships suggest to us that organic complexing with trace metals is important in the Eastern Gulf margin sediments. Finally a strong relationship between the group of trace metals Ba, Pb, Zn, Cd, and CaCO3 shown by these analyses may be the result of biological uptake in the deeper portions of the study area and/or incorporation into the CaCO3 crystal lattice by limited substitution for calcium.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01031388
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