Tracking the paleo-depositional environment around Dokdo Island by using elemental composition of smectite

Abstract

Variations in clay mineral assemblages have been widely used to understand changes sediment provenance during glacial and interglacial periods. The recent site (132° 00.3 37° 24.252’) in the basin-like topography was explored to understand sedimentary fac sedimentation rate, mineralogical composition including Mn-carbonates, clay mineralogy, re proportion of clay minerals, and elemental composition of smectite. The change of deposirir environment has influenced the deep-sea sediments around Dokdo Island during the interglaz the late glacial period, and the glacial period. During the interglacial period and the late period bioturbated mud is dominant with high sedimentation rate which indicated that sedime derived from many provenances. While, laminated mud is dominant during the glacial period with low sedimentation rate. Occurrence of Mn-carbonates (CaM) indicated the changing m depositional environment from the glacial period to the late glacial period. Variation in relative proportion of clay minerals such as smectite, illite, chlorite and kaolinite also ref the change of depositional environment during the glacial-interglacial period. Also, elemer composition of smectite, which widely used as indicator of provenance, was used in this stj In this study, the interpretation of paleo-depositional environment around Dokdo Island discussed.