REE–Th Systematics of the Suspended Particulate Matter and Bottom Sediments from the Mouth Zones of the World Rivers of Different Categories/Classes and Some Large Russian Arctic Rivers

Abstract

Abstract—The distribution of the rare-earth elements (REE) and Th in the suspended particulate matter (SPM) of some large Russian Arctic rivers and in the bottom sediments from the mouth zones of the world rivers of large categories/classes is compared. It is concluded that the fine-grained (pelite and silt-pelite) material of the Russian Arctic rivers belongs mainly to classes 1 + 2 (large rivers and rivers draining areas made up mainly of sedimentary rocks) and 4 (SPM of rivers draining volcanic areas) of the world rivers. The SPM similar in terms of REE and Th distribution to the bottom sediments of the mouth zones of category/class 3 (rivers draining mainly metamorphic/magmatic terranes) are not typical of the Russian Arctic rivers, except for the SPM of the Lena River similar in terms of (La/Yb)N and Eu/Eu* ratio.