Chemical and mineral compositions of bottom sediments and ferromanganese crusts and nodules near Iceland

Results of study of bottom sediments near Iceland and on the Jan Mayen Island are reported. It was found that in recent sediments chemical elements are mainly associated with pyro- and volcanoclastics. In some areas adjusted to deep-seated faults ancient iron-manganese crusts and sediments occur. They are rich in Ni, Co, V, Cu, Mo, Cd and other elements associated with endogenic matter.

(Table 3) Chemical composition of basalts from Kolbeinsey Ridge and adjacent areas

Petrochemical variations in composition of basalts along the axial part of the Kolbeinsey mid-ocean ridge were studied. It was found that principal mass of these basalts has tholeiitic composition. Alkalinity of these basalts increases near zones of transform transverse faults; it increases likewise toward Iceland, and especially in the direction of Jan Mayen Island.

(Table 1) Grain size composition of recent sediments from the eastern Barents Sea shelf

Based on materials on geomorphology, hydrology, lithology, and sedimentation dynamics obtained during cruises of the P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology in the Barents Sea, the author prepared a number of charts on content of the main particle size facies in shelf surface sediments, as well as a chart of lithologic types of sediments in the Barents Sea. Factors of sedimentation control and basic features of distribution of sedimentary material over its bottom area are taken into consideration.