(Table 1) Elemental mean values of the upper Paleocene and lower Eocene in IODP Hole 302-M0004A

We reconstruct the latest Paleocene and early Eocene (~57-50 Ma) environmental trends in the Arctic Ocean and focus on the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum (PETM) (~55 Ma), using strata recovered from the Lomonosov Ridge by the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 302. The Lomonosov Ridge was still partially subaerial during the latest Paleocene and earliest Eocene and gradually subsided during the early Eocene. Organic dinoflagellate cyst (dinocyst) assemblages point to brackish and productive surface waters throughout the latest Paleocene and early Eocene. Dinocyst assemblages are cosmopolitan during this time interval, suggesting warm conditions, which is corroborated by TEX86'-reconstructed temperatures of 15°-18°C. Inorganic geochemistry generally reflects reducing conditions within the sediment and euxinic conditions during the upper lower Eocene. Spectral analysis reveals that the cyclicity, recorded in X-ray fluorescence scanning Fe data from close to Eocene thermal maximum 2 (~53 Ma, presence confirmed by dinocyst stratigraphy), is related to precession. Within the lower part of the PETM, proxy records indicate enhanced weathering, runoff, anoxia, and productivity along with sea level rise. On the basis of total organic carbon content and variations in sediment accumulation rates, excess organic carbon burial in the Arctic Ocean appears to have contributed significantly to the sequestration of injected carbon during the PETM.

(Table 2, Page 275) Elemental concentrations in manganese nodules used in seawater contact experiments

The gross changes in concentrations of several trace elements in seawater after contact with ferro-manganese particle suspensions has been determined. Cobalt, Fe, and Zn concentrations in the seawater were greatly increased after contact with the par¬ticles. The concentrations of Rb, U, Cs, Sb, and Ag were altered to a lesser degree by this treatment. Similar results were observed where seawater was con¬tacted with suspensions of pelagic sediments. Of the trace elements measured, cobalt and iron appear to be the best elemental indicators of the presence of manganese mining effluents in the ocean. The addi¬tions of the essential elements Co, Fe and Zn toge¬ther with nutrients from the bottom waters may pro¬duce increased biological productivity. However, the toxic trace metals, such as Hg, Cu and Cd which could enter ocean water from the nodules and sedi¬ment and which may be high in effluent-affected areas should be investigated before conclusions as to the likely impact can be reached. Trace element analysis of seawater samples collected at a Pacific Ocean manganese nodule dredging site showed high t race element concentrations, but these are believed to have resulted from contamination during sample collection or storage rather than from the dredging operations.

Elemental composition of various manganese nodules

Manganese nodules have been observed over wide areas of both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, however, deposits in the Pacific Ocean are generally much richer in elements of economic interest such as nickel, copper and cobalt. In understanding the genesis and the geochemistry involved in their formation and growth, it is important to know the total chemical composition of these nodules and how they vary within a given deposit and between deposits in the oceans of the world. The concentrations of elements: nickel, copper, cobalt, iron, manganese, silicon, and calcium, in all of the manganese nodules which have been analyzed were recently summarized by Horn et al. (1972). These observations indicate certain correlations, both positive and negative, between Mn and the associated elements within the nodules. Their data suggest similarities in chemical composition for nodules from a given area; however, the analyses of Mn nodules, like that of the ocean water, itself, has large errors associated with some of the measurements. This is understandable, since many of these measurements were intended to provide an approximate indication of elemental content. Where one is interested in carefully preparing a description of Mn nodule chemical composition which can serve as a basis for formulating theories regarding their genesis and subsequent geochemical changes in the ocean environment, then very precise and accurate analyses are essential. The purpose of this study has been to measure the concentrations of 18 elements in Mn nodules with a high degree of accuracy and determine what correlations exist between element concentrations. The scope of this study was seriously limited and therefore was confined to one area of the Pacific Ocean at approximately 22 N latitude, 114 W longitude, at an ocean depth of approximately 11,000 feet.