Iron and manganese layering in recent sediments in the Gulf of Bothnia

The oxidized surface layer of recent soft sediments in the Gulf of Bothnia, northern part of the Baltic Sea, has been investigated. Distinct stratification of Fe and Mn is observed, with up to five different horizons in well-developed profiles. These layered top sediments, although not previously noticed, occur extensively in the Gulf of Bothnia. There is a close association of Mn and Ni, Ba, Zn and Cu, whereas P, Ca and Sr are associated with Fe. High dissolved Fe and Mn contents coupled with a strong redox gradient are recorded in the interstitial waters. Formation of these layers is linked to varying redox conditions. Fe and Mn tend to be dissolved under reducing conditions, to migrate upwards and to reprecipitate as oxyhydroxides along favourable redox horizons. Reaching oxidizing conditions Fe precipitates prior to Mn, and is always found below the Mnrich strata. The character of the oxidized zone is quite different in the two sub-basins of the Gulf of Bothnia. Mn-rich horizons together with spherical Mn-rich nodules are frequently found in the Bothnian Bay, while in the Bothnian Sea mostly Fe-rich layers are present together with abundant Fe-rich flat concretions. This difference is interpreted as being due to a lower redox level in the Bothnian Sea.