Geochemistry of interstitial waters and sediments, Leg 64, Gulf of California.

Abstract

Studies of interstitial waters have revealed information both on early diagenetic processes in the sediments resulting from the breakdown of organic matter and on hydrothermal interactions between sediments and hot doleritic sill intrusions into the sediments. In all the sites drilled sulphate reduction occurred as a result of rapid sediment accumulation rates and of relatively high organic carbon contents; in most sites methane production occurred after sulphate depletion. Associated with this methane production are high values of alkalinity and high concentrations of dissolved ammonia, which causes ion exchange processes.-from Authors