Chinese Journal of Polar Research

ADVANCES IN POLAR SCIENCE ›› 2001, Vol. 12 ›› Issue (1-English): 21-30.

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Geochemistry of rare-earth elements and its significance in the study of climatic and environmental change in Barrow, Arctic Alaska

Yang Weili1, Mao Xueying2, Dai Xiongxin2 and Ouyang Hong2   

  1. 1 Institute of Geographical Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China;
    2 Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
  • Online:1951-03-30 Published:1951-03-30
  • Contact: Yang Weili

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Abstract:

Geochemical characteristics of rare earth elements (REE) and sedimentary features were studied in the borehole 96-7-1 from Elson Lagoon in Barrow, Arctic Alaska. The results show that total contents of REE (∑REE) are lower, suggesting that physical weathering is dominate, therefore, concentrations of rare-earth elements are lower in the paleosediment environment. The chondrite normalized distribution patterns of REEs are characterized by light REE (LREE) enrichment and Eu depletion with the terrestrial sedimentary rock as the parent materials. In comparison with the borecore AB-67 in Elson Lagoon, the main conclusions for climatic and environmental changes are similar: before 1740 A.D., it was cold and dry with terrestrial properties, but the comparatively warming around 1400 A.D. and 1550 A.D.; after 1740 A.D., it became warming, or markedly after 1821 A.D.; but it was cold around 1890 A.D. From 1904 A.D., it got warm again, but it was relatively cold around 1971 A.D..

Key words: Arctic, rare-earth elements, climate, sedimentary facies