Geochemical anomalies in South Caspian sediments

Abstract

Study of the element composition of ten samples of modern terrigenous and carbonate sediments from the northern part of the Caspian Sea by the ICP-MS method showed that these sediments were enriched in sulfur, nonferrous metals, and some related minor elements including Se, Te, Re, and others in comparison with the average composition of sedimentary rocks. It is assumed that local hydrothermal seeps similar to those known on the Cheleken Peninsula and which may be formed in other areas of this tectonically active zone are the sources of these elements. In addition, such a composition of sediments may indicate the sporadic contamination of bottom water with hydrogen sulfide, which has been observed in areas of the South and Middle Caspian by many researchers.