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Science 23 May 1986:
Vol. 232. no. 4753, pp. 972 - 975
DOI: 10.1126/science.232.4753.972
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Articles

Oxidation Fronts in Pelagic Sediments: Diagenetic Formation of Metal-Rich Layers

T. R. S. WILSON 1, J. THOMSON 1, D. J. HYDES 1, S. COLLEY 1, F. CULKIN 1, and J. SØRENSEN 2

1 Institute of Oceanographic Sciences, Brook Road, Wormley, Godalming, Surrey, GU8 5UB, United Kingdom.
2 Department of Ecology and Genetics, University of Aarhus, Ny Munkegade, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.

The periodic deposition of distal turbidites at a site on the Madeira Abyssal Plain causes the development of a nonsteady-state diagenetic system in which an oxidation front migrates downward into the sediment. Data presented here show that iron, manganese, and particulate organic carbon are oxidized at this front by oxidants (molecular oxygen and nitrate) diffusing from above. A numerical model of systems of this type predicts the formation of iron-rich layers under certain nonsteady-state conditions. The layers predicted by the model are closely comparable in thickness and general morphology to iron-rich layers found in certain ocean sediments, the origin of which has been until now unexplained.

Submitted on November 12, 1985
Accepted on March 11, 1986


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