Hydrothermally altered clayey sediments in the rift zone of Iceland (influence of microbiota on accumulation of minor elements)

Abstract

Results of the first detailed study of mineral and chemical compositions in the rift zone of Iceland near the town of Hveragerði are presented. The major clayey components represented by dioctahedral smectites (mainly, montmorillonite with variable Fe contents) are associated with the subordinate kaolinite. The geological setting, timing, and composition of metasomatic clay minerals and their synthesized counterparts precipitated from solution in the course of interaction of hot groundwaters with basaltic volcanics and sedimentary clayey rocks are considered. Based on textural-structural features and (or) compositions, the sediments are divided into three types: (1) massive unsorted sediments with abundant fine-grained sand to silt-sized clay pellets, (2) horizontally laminated clayey sediments, and (3) organogenic sediments. The massive unsorted sediments enclose remnants of microorganisms replaced by smectite, while laminated clayey sediments host a siliceous layer with abundant mineralized remains of filamentous microorganisms. Clayey rocks of hydrothermally altered hyaloclastites and sediments related to their redeposition are similar in the composition of petrogenic elements. However, they differ notably from each other in the contents of some minor elements (Au, As, Se, Sb, and Hg). Increase in the share of minor elements in sediments is explained by the active influence of bacteria and fungi on their accumulation. The data obtained shed light on some specific features in the composition of clayey rocks, which can be used for mud cure of arthritis and rheumatism in the Health and Rehabilitation Clinic of the Nature Health Association of Iceland, Hveragerði.