Lithology and geochemistry of ODP Leg 198 sites, Shatsky Rise

Sedimentary structures, trace fossils, compactional features, sediment composition, texture, geochemistry, and diagenetic history were compared among lithologies. Trends in major and minor element composition were determined.

Whereas geochemical analyses demonstrate systematic elemental differences among the different lithologies, there are less distinct patterns in composition for the colored cherts. The color of the chert appears to be related primarily to the amount of silica and secondarily to the proportion of other components. Red cherts are almost pure silica with only minor impurities.