Definition of new trace-metal proxies for the controls on organic matter enrichment in marine sediments based on Mn, Co, Mo and Cd concentrations

Trace metal enrichments in sedimentary deposits are of prime interest because they are governed by processes that also control the production and preservation of organic matter. Consequently, trace metals have been used in reconstructions of the (palaeo)depositional environment of organic-rich deposits, but most of these studies have primarily focused on hydrographically restricted basins and the response of trace metals to changing redox conditions whereas the role of trace metals in the nutrient cycle and primary productivity in upwelling settings remains relatively unexplored.

In this study we present a comprehensive database of published trace metal concentration data in modern organic-rich deposits from a variety of marine settings. Scrutiny of the compiled dataset has resulted in the development of novel trace metal based proxies that allow the distinction between two marine end-member depositional settings that are associated with enhanced organic carbon burial: open marine settings on the continental margin associated with upwelling (e.g. Namibian Margin) and hydrographically restricted marginal marine basins (e.g. Black Sea).

It is shown that high Cd/Mo values are typical for sediments from continental margin upwelling settings whereas Co and Mn concentrations (expressed as Co ∗ Mn values) are high in samples from hydrographically restricted marine basins. The Cd/Mo ratios are thought to track the relative importance of productivity versus preservation with high values in productivity driven systems attributed to the transfer of Cd to the sediments from re-mineralised plankton biomass. Co ∗ Mn values, on the other hand, are believed to reflect the supply and reactive behaviour of Co and Mn and can be used to assess circulation patterns in the water column and the relative contribution of deep versus surface/river water influx to the basin. It is demonstrated that the combined use of the Cd/Mo and Co ∗ Mn proxies provides a highly effective way to distinguish modern/recent marine sedimentary environments, which holds promise for its use in palaeo-environmental reconstructions.