In this paper, sediment smear observations, X-ray diffraction analyses, major, trace and rare earth elements analyses, and in situ micro zone geochemical analyses of single minerals were carried out on samples of core GC02 and GC06 from the rare earth-rich deep-sea sediments in the Central Indian Ocean Basin to explore their geochemical characteristics, material sources and enrichment mechanisms of rare earth elements (REY). The results show that the sediment types of core GC02 are calcareous clay and zeolitic clay, and the sediment types of core GC06 are calcareous clay, zeolite-bearing clay and zeolitic clay. Rare earth elements are enriched in zeolite-bearing clays and zeolitic clays. The North American Shale Composite (NASC) Standardized patterns of REY in the sediments indicate a possible seawater origin. Mineralogical and geochemical signatures indicate that the terrestrial fraction of these sediments in the study area should be the eolian dust material originated primarily from Australian. Elemental correlations and CaO/P2O5 ratios indicate that the main host mineral of REY in REY-rich deep-sea sediments is bioapatite (fish teeth/bone), followed by Fe-Mn micronodule. This study summarizes and discusses the formation mechanism of REY-rich sediments and improves a conceptual model for the formation process of REY-rich sediments.
| 科 Family | 属数 Number of genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) | 属 Genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 鹅膏菌科Amanitaceae | 2 | 11 | 5.26 | 鹅膏菌属 Amanita | 10 | 4.78 |
| 小菇科 Mycenaceae | 2 | 12 | 5.74 | 丝盖伞属 Inocybe | 5 | 2.39 |
| 多孔菌科 Polyporaceae | 8 | 14 | 6.70 | 蜡蘑属 Laccaria | 5 | 2.39 |
| 红菇科 Russulaceae | 3 | 23 | 11.00 | 小皮伞属 Marasmius | 6 | 2.87 |
| 小菇属 Mycena | 11 | 5.26 | ||||
| 光柄菇属 Pluteus | 5 | 2.39 | ||||
| 红菇属 Russula | 17 | 8.13 | ||||
| 栓菌属 Trametes | 5 | 2.39 |