Statistical zoning of the spatial distribution of trace elements in the bottom sediments of the Peter the Great Gulf, the sea of Japan

The probability density distribution for Mn, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd, Ni, Co, and Ag concentrations in modern bottom sediments of the Amur and Ussuri bays is analyzed. Three major types of trace element compositions are distinguished. These types reliably differ in the average values standard deviations of the trace element concentrations, and correlation relations between the concentrations. A statistical zoning of the bottom sediments with respect to the trace element composition has been accomplished to recognize areas with the geochemical background levels (GB), geochemical anomalies (GA), and geochemical dispersion haloes (GDH). The analytical method we used allows the object to be simultaneously characterized by several parameters, which is very important in the conception of natural processes.