Investigating the provenances and transport mechanisms of surface sediments in the offshore muddy area of Shandong Peninsula: Insights from REE analyses

The provenances and transport mechanisms of marine sediments are of significance to understanding the oceanic material cycle. Here we examine the rare earth elements (REE) contents and differentiation characteristics as revealed by the analysis of 62 surface sediment samples collected from the offshore muddy area of the Shandong Peninsula. We identify the sediments' provenances and reveal the transport mechanisms based on the REE results and measured temperature and salinity data. The REE concentration of the surface sediments in the study area varies between 153.81 and 205.57 μg/g. Discriminant function and (ΣREE)N*-(Sm/Nd)N scatter diagrams both show that these sediments are mainly from the Huanghe River, and are also impacted upon by the Changjiang River. The North Shandong Peninsula Coastal Current and the Yellow Sea Warm Current, which meet at 37.7°N, drive the lateral sediment transport. •REE differentiation pattern might be similar in global marginal sea sediments.•The contribution of Changjiang River sediments to the NYS must be concerned.•The NSCC and the YSWC are the main driving force for source materials.