Geochemistry of rare earth elements in cobalt-rich crusts from the Mid-Pacific M seamount

Abstract

Rare earth elements (REEs) and major elements of 25 cobalt-rich crusts obtained from different depths of Mid-Pacific M seamount were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometer and gravimetric method. The results showed that they were hydrogenous crusts with average ∑REE content of 2084.69 μg/g and the light REE (LREE)/heavy REE (HREE) ratio of 4.84. The shale-normalized REE patterns showed positive Ce anomalies. The total content of strictly trivalent REEs increased with water depth. The Ce content and LREE/HREE ratios in Fe-Mn crusts above 2000 m were lower than those below 2000 m. The change in REE with water depth could be explained by two processes: adsorptive scavenging by setting matters and behaviors of REE in seawater. However, the Ce abundance took no obvious correlation with water depth reflects the constant Ce flux. The Ce in crusts existed mainly as Ce(IV), implying that the oxidative-enriching process was controlled by kinetic factors.