Uranium and thorium enrichment in rocks from the base of DSDP Hole 465A, Hess Rise, central North Pacific

Chemical Geology
By: , and 

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Abstract

Uranium and thorium are concentrated in Cretaceous limestone, chert, ash, basalt, and other rock types at Deep Sea Drilling Project Site 465 located on the southern Hess Rise in the central North Pacific. U concentrations, up to 194 ppm on a carbonate-free basis, are among the highest recorded for any deep-sea deposits. U was initially derived from seawater and concentrated by absorption on terrigenous (humic) organic matter in limestone in a shallow marine environment. U and Th were probably concentrated further by low-temperature hydrothermal fluids emanating from the basaltic basement. Mainly montmorillonite, an alteration product of basalt and ash, and organic matter in sedimentary rocks acted as hosts for U and Th. The unique combination of sediments rich in humic organic matter, abundant smectite in altered ash and basalt, and warm hydrothermal solutions provided the necessary conditions for migration and concentration of U and Th. To better understand the conditions limiting the migrating and concentration of U and Th, other rocks deposited during the ocean-wide Cretaceous anoxic events should be analyzed for these elements. ?? 1982.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Uranium and thorium enrichment in rocks from the base of DSDP Hole 465A, Hess Rise, central North Pacific
Series title Chemical Geology
DOI 10.1016/0009-2541(82)90050-X
Volume 36
Issue 3-4
Year Published 1982
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Chemical Geology
First page 237
Last page 251
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