Geochemical Characteristics and Provenance of the Sediments from the Core Q43 in the Western Arctic Ocean
Authors: Wang, Y., Zhang, X., Li, C., et al.
The geochemical characteristics and provenance of sediments from core Q43 in the western Arctic Ocean were analyzed to understand the sedimentary environment and source-to-sink processes. The study reveals that the sediments are predominantly composed of terrigenous materials with significant contributions from the East Siberian Sea and the Chukchi Sea. The rare earth element (REE) patterns and trace element ratios indicate a mixed provenance from the Siberian Platform and the Bering Strait region. The clay mineral assemblages suggest a cold and dry climate during the late Quaternary, with enhanced ice-rafting events. The geochemical proxies, including chemical index of alteration (CIA) and Rb/Sr ratios, indicate moderate weathering intensity in the source areas. The study provides new insights into the paleoceanographic evolution of the Arctic Ocean and the role of sea ice in sediment transport.
