Abstract:
We discussed the distributions of minor elements in near surface sediments of the North Yellow Sea and the influence of early diagenesis on paleoenvironment proxies. The results showed that minor elements mainly came from debris. The distributions of Mn, Ni, V and Zn were also controlled by early diagenesis. Geochemical ratios, including U/Th, V/Cr and V/(V+Ni), also indicate paleoenvironment conditions for sediment. Based on previously established thresholds, U/Th and V/Cr ratios showed oxic conditions during sediment accumulation in the area. V/(V+Ni) ratios tended to indicate anoxic conditions. This may have something to do with great early diagenesis influence on V and Ni.