Elemental Composition of Bottom Sediments and Permafrost Deposits From the Buor-Khaya Bay (Laptev Sea)

Abstract

The paper summarizes data on the lithological and elemental composition of bottom sediments and permafrost from boreholes 1D-14, 3D-14 and 1D-15 drilled in Buor-Khaya Bay in 2014-2015. Based on the results of determining the percentage content of SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, TiO2, MgO, Na2O, K2O, CaO, MnO, P2O5, Cl, Cr, S, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Ba, Y, Zr, organic carbon in sediments, lithochemical modules values were calculated and comparative analysis of the lithological and geochemical composition was performed. Principal differences between near-continental (1D-14 and 3D-14) and relatively distant from land (1D-15) strata were established, which is explained by spatial and temporal variability in sedimentary fluxes and weathering crust activity in the studied area of the Laptev Sea. The results of the study allowed to conclude that the basis of the petrofund of the studied deposits are most likely sedimentary rocks of the Kharaulakh ridge of the Verkhoyansk mountain system (sandstones, siltstones and mudstones). The contribution of igneous and metamorphic rocks to the sedimentary supply in the strata uncovered by drilling was insignificant.