Major and minor elements in hydrothermal and pelagic sediments at DSDP Leg 70 Holes

The formation of metalliferous hydrothermal sediments results from this interaction. The importance of the interaction between seawater and basalt in determining the chemical composition of pore waters from sediments is well known.

The influence of mineral solutions derived from this interaction on ocean water composition and the significant flux of some elements (e.g., Mn) are reported by Lyle (1976), Bogdanov et al. (1979), and others. Metal-rich sediments found in active zones of the ocean basins illustrate the influence of seawater-basalt interaction and its effect on the sedimentary cover in such areas. The role of hydrothermal activity and seawater circulation in basalts with regard to global geochemistry cycles has recently been demonstrated by Edmond, Measures, McDuff, McDuff et al. (1979), and Edmond, Measures, Mangum (1979).