Diagenetic remobilization of rare earth elements in a sediment core from the central Indian basin

Abstract

Rare earth elements (REE) distribution in a 36 cm long sediment box core from the Central Indian Basin is studied. REE concentration is generally higher in the upper oxic zone than in intermediate suboxic zone suggesting REE diffusion upwards the sediment column and subsequent incorporation in the oxyhydroxide phase. The similarity in depth distribution of bulk REE concentration, solid Mn phase and micronodule abundance from the coarse fraction suggest that micronodules are one of the major component controlling the REE distribution in a sediment column.