Beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol in slope sediments at DSDP Leg 67 Holes

Sediments collected from three continental slope sites of Leg 67 have been examined for total organic carbon content and amount of the sterols beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol. The amount of beta-sitosterol relative to stigmasterol is found to increase landward in the sediment, despite differing ages of the samples studied. The ratio of beta-sitosterol to stigmasterol in near-shore sediments is proposed as a source proximity indicator.