Anomalous geochemical fields of ore elements of the South Tatarian sedimentary basin (Tatar Strait, Sea of Japan)

Abstract

Introduction. Currently, sea territories for production and exploration of hydrocarbon raw materials and ore deposits have been increased. Geochemical survey of seafloor sediments is of great interest among direct methods for finding deposits. One of the most important objects for such work is the Tatar Strait, in the territory of which high concentrations of useful elements can be found. Purpose of the work: to study the geochemical characteristics of seafloor sediments of the South Tatarian sedimentary basin in order to identify possible ore fields within its territory. Methods and materials. The chemical composition of seafloor sediments was analyzed, according to which maps of geochemical fields were constructed using the ArcGis program. The results of the chemical assays are obtained from the Delta Olympus X-ray fluorescent spectrometer. The number of samples obtained is 62. Results. The contents and redistribution of 21 chemical elements on the studied area were studied. Only five elements have geochemical anomalies or elevated contents that may indicate possible ore deposits: Ti, Zr, Mn, V, S. The main zones of concentration of these elements are in the shelf and bathyal areas. The characteristics of distribution of these elements over the area of the South Tatarian sedimentary basin are given and anomalous geochemical fields are identified. Conclusions. The presence of geochemical indicators of placers of titanium raw materials confined to the river fans of the Tokhtinka, Zhulman, Nemi, Ptichya and to the mechanical barrier in the region of Sovgavan uplift has been established. Promising zones of hydrocarbon concentration due to the high sulfur contents in the zone of the dynamic influence of faults (mainly fissure displacement) along the boundaries of the Terneysky trough in its western and eastern regions have been identified.