Two major Cenozoic episodes of phosphogenesis recorded in equatorial Pacific seamount deposits
The phosphorites occur in a wide variety of forms, but most commonly carbonate fluorapatite (CFA) replaced middle Eocene and older carbonate sediment in a deep water environment (>1000 m). Element ratios distinguish seamount phosphorites from continental margin, plateau, and insular phosphorites. Uranium and thorium contents are low and total rare earch element (REE) contents are generally high. The paleoceanographic conditions initiated and sustained development of phosphorite by accumulation of dissolved phosphorus in the deep sea during relatively stable climatic conditions when oceanic circulation was sluggish. Fluctuations in climate, sealevel, and upwelling that accompanied the climate transitions may have driven cycles of enrichment and depletion of the deep-sea phosphorus reservoir. -from Authors
Citation Information
Publication Year | 1993 |
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Title | Two major Cenozoic episodes of phosphogenesis recorded in equatorial Pacific seamount deposits |
Authors | J. R. Hein, Yeh Hsueh-Wen, S.H. Gunn, W.V. Sliter, L.M. Benninger, Wang Chung-Ho |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Paleoceanography |
Index ID | 70018023 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |