Abstract
Mineral distribution patterns determined from 48 samples in the deep Gulf of Mexico surficial sediments can be explained in terms of input source and differential settling. Quartz, kaolinite, and illite reflect their source. Calcite percentage increases in the southeast and is accounted for, primarily, by biologic activity. The Mississippi River input is reflected by high percentages of quartz and illite. A high percentage of kaolinite in the sediments reflects the provenance of the southeast United States and the Mexican Rocky Mountains. Sediments away from the mouth of the Rio Grande River have a high illite content. Smectite and chlorite in the deep Gulf exhibit random distribution patterns not related to input; these are interpreted as being caused by distribution by urrents during slow settling.
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