Sedimentation dynamics in the East China Sea elucidated from 210Pb, 137Cs and 239,240Pu
Resource
Marine Geology 160 (1-2): 183-196
Journal
Marine Geology
Journal Volume
160
Journal Issue
1-2
Pages
183-196
Date Issued
1999
Author(s)
Huh, Chih-An
Abstract
Sedimentation dynamics in the East China Sea was investigated based on profiles and inventories of 210Pb(ex), 137Cs and 239,240Pu in sediment cores collected from various settings in this marginal sea. The derived sedimentation rates vary by two orders of magnitude, from ~ 2 to 0.02 cm yr-1, and generally decrease southward along the inner shelf and eastward offshore. This pattern is consistent with the dispersal of Yangtze River-derived sediments by the current and tidal systems. The weighted mean sedimentation rate over the shelf (ca. 0.3 g cm-2 yr-1) appears to be higher than fluvial inputs from the Yangtze River and Taiwan (0.14 g cm-2 yr-1). The discrepancy can be reduced by considering the effect of sediment mixing (which lenders sedimentation rates overestimated) and the possibility of additional sediment input from the Yellow River's dispersal system. Spatial variations of the observed nuclide inventories in sediments suggest extensive sediment redistribution, boundary scavenging of 210Pb, and large inputs of 137Cs and 239,240Pu from Yangtze River's drainage basin.
SDGs
Type
journal article