REE geochemistry of suspended sediments from the rivers around the Yellow Sea and provenance indicators

Abstract

Rare earth element (REE) compositions of the suspended sediments from the rivers around the Yellow Sea were different in that Korean river sediments (Han, Keum and Yeongsan Rivers) yield stronger fractionations than Chinese river sediments (Changjiang, Huanghe and Yalujiang), shown by obvious enrichments of LREE (light rare earth element) relative to UCC (upper continental crust). Variations of source rock compositions in the drainage basins are responsible for the differences of REE compositions between the river sediments. REE fractionation parameters including (La/Yb)UCC and (Gd/Yb)UCC as well as the ratios of La/Sc and Th/Sc can be treated as proper proxies for identifying the Chinese river sediments from those Korean river matters, and furthermore, for studying the provenances and paleoenvironmental changes of the marginal seas of China.