Phosphorus in bottom sediments and micronodules from Core VITYAZ7414, Central Indian Ocean

Study of phosphorus distribution in grain size fractions of eupelagic clays showed high (up to 3%) content of P in Fe-Mn micronodules that can contain up to 20-30% of total P. Mineral P associated with Fe in ocean sediments is an analog of manganese in ocean sedimentogenesis. Sharp decrease of P contents in ocean Fe-Mn nodules compared to ones from seas results from decrease of Fe contents and partial neutralization of Fe activity by Mn.