Sediment trap experiment on the galapagos spreading center, equatorial pacific.
Two sediment traps were deployed for 234 days in 2670 meters of water at 0 degrees 36'N, 86 degrees 6'W. A comparison of the fluxes of ten elements into the traps and into the surface sediment indicates that the refractory elements iron, aluminum, and barium are accumulating in the sediments at rates very similar to those measured in the traps. In contrast, at least 80 percent of the opal, 50 percent of the carbonate, and 90 percent of the organic carbon is consumed at the sediment-water interface.
Cobler
R
R
Dymond
J
J