ICP-MS and statistical analysis of major and trace element signatures within the carbonate fraction of marine sediments, Cascadia Subduction Zone, central Oregon

The Cascadia Subduction Zone displays widespread evidence of active fluid advection both at and below the sea floor within low porosity intervals. Precipitating carbonates within these intervals have anomalous compositions compared with the in situ pore fluids. These anomalies suggest a warm, deep fluid migrating to shallower depths within the accretionary wedge. These anomalies are preserved in cores recovered by the Ocean Drilling Project (ODP) from the Cascadia subduction zone, Leg 146, Sites 891 and 892, and in additional samples collected at the seafloor by the Alvin submersible from 2 nearby locations.; By comparing the geochemistry of minerals precipitating at various stratigraphic intervals may provide clues to the sequence and timing of faults within the accretionary wedge. The purpose of this study is to extract the geochemical signatures of carbonate fraction within selected samples and statistically analyze the trace element compositions. A weak buffered acetic acid solution was used for selective leaching of the carbonate fraction and concentrations were measured by ICP-MS. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...