ELEMENTS CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SUSPENDED COMPONENT IN SURFACE SEDIMENTS FROM THE WEST BOHAI BAY AND THE PROVENANCE IMPLICATION

The abundance of 16 elements, analyzed in the suspended component in surface sediments from the west of the Bohai Bay, reveals the element characteristics and distribution patterns. The average elemental abundance in the study area is generally similar to those of the loess and the Bohai mud, indicating the source of the suspension component in the west of the Bohai Bay is related to the provenance of the Yellow River, i.e. the loess on the Loess Plateau. The 16 elements can be divided into Category I (Sc, Co, Fe, V, Al, Ca, Mg, Th, U, and Cr), and Category Ⅱ (Zr, Hf, Ba, Na, Sr, and K). Elements in the same category share the same spatial distribution patterns and show a positive correlation, while elements in the different categories show opposite spatial distribution patterns and a negative correlation. Samples in the study area can be classified into two geochemical provinces, bounded by the latitude of 39°05'N. Province I, the southern and middle part of the study area, is characterized by the comparative concentration of Category I elements:Sc, Co, V, Th, U, Cr, Fe, Al, Mg,and Ca; Province Ⅱ, the northern part of the study area, in contrast, is characterized by the comparative concentration of Category Ⅱ elements:Zr, Hf, Ba, Sr, Na, and K. The element characteristics of the suspended component in surface sediments from the west of the Bohai Bay, are probably associated with the two-way sediment transport mixing of different material elements, caused by the complete changes of coastal circulation directions in different seasons.