Sulfur compounds in bottom sediments and interstitial waters of the Pacific Ocean to the east of Japan

In near-shore Pacific bottom sediments to the east of Japan unusually high content of free H2S ocurs. H2S resulting from bacterial reduction of sulfates from interstitial waters has a number of derivatives; pyrite dominates among them. Contents of other derivatives of H2S: sulfide sulfur and organic sulfur do not exceed 0,01%, content of organic sulfur does not exceed 0.1%. Due to reduction content of sulfates can reduce to 0,03% S. Capacity of the process of sulfate reduction, estimated by sum of all reduced forms of S - derivatives of H2S, is a function of organic matter content in sediments. Ability of bottom sediments to accumulate free H2S depends on content of reactive forms of Fe. Spatial distribution of reduced forms of S in the studied sediments is considered.

Chemical composition of Fe-Mn nodules and crusts from the Pacific Ocean

The book is devoted to study of diagenetic changes of organic matter and mineral part of sediments and interstitial waters of the Pacific Ocean due to physical-chemical and microbiological processes. Microbiological studies deal with different groups of bacteria. Regularities of quantitative distribution and the role of microorganisms in geochemical processes are under consideration. Geochemical studies highlight redox processes of the early stages of sediment diagenesis, alterations of interstitial waters, regularities of variations in chemical composition of iron-manganese nodules.

Chemical composition of Fe-Mn nodules from the Pacific Ocean

Calcareous and siliceous biogenic components have been studied in deep-water iron-manganese nodules from the northern and southern Pacific Ocean. Calcareous material consists of foraminifera remains, calcareous algae, and coccolithophorids, whereas siliceous material consists of remains of radiolarians and diatoms, as well as sponge spicules. Structures similar in morphology to coccal and filiform bacteria have been found in both outer and inner sections of the nodules indicating that microorganisms may be directly or indirectly involved in their development.

Ages and sedimentation rates of bottom sediments from the south arid zone of the Pacific Ocean

Radiocarbon datings are used to calculate mean sedimentation rates of metalliferous sediments in the southern arid zone of the Pacific Ocean adjoining the axis of the East Pacific rise (20°S). Owing to low sedimentation rates and intense mixing, only averaged figures could be obtained for ages less than 16 ky. Sedimentation rate varies from 0.3 to about 1 cm/1000 years in the surface layer and is several times higher in the time interval from 20 ky to 45 ky ago. Formulas for calculating mean sedimentation rates with allowance for benthic mixing are presented.