The geochemistry of modern sediments from the Gulf of Paria—I The relationship between the mineralogy and the distribution of major elements

Abstract

The distribution of the major elements in some recent sediments from the Gulf of Paria has been determined. In interpreting the variation in the major element contents across the basin of deposition, consideration is given to such factors as rate of deposition, physico-chemical environment, salinity and facies. The majority of the major elements are already present within the lattices of various clay minerals when they enter the basin of deposition, and the variations in their contents in the different sediments reflect variation in the clay mineralogy of these deposits. This variation in the clay mineralogy is thought to be due to variation in weathering conditions in the source area of the sediments.