REE and epsilon sub(Nd) of clay fractions in sediments from the eastern Pacific Ocean: Evidence for clay sources

Clay fractions in the non-calcareous surface sediments from the eastern Pacific were analyzed for clay minerals, REE and super(143)Nd/ super(144)Nd. Montmorillonite/illite ratio (M/I ratio), total REE contents ( capital sigma REE), LREE/HREE ratio and cerium anomaly ( delta Ce) may effectively indicate the genesis of clay minerals. Clay fractions with M/I ratio >1, delta Ce 400 mu g/g, LREE/HREE ratio approximately 4, and REE patterns similar to those of pelagic sediments are terrigenous and autogenetic mixed clay fractions and contain more autogenetic montmorillonite. Clay fractions with M/I ratio