Formation and preservation mechanisms of magnetofossils in the surface sediments of muddy areas in the ye llow and Bohai Seas, China

Abstract

Magnetofossils in the continental shelf sediments of the Yellow and Bohai Seas have long been overlooked. Based on the magnetic results of 88 surface sediments (0–10 cm depth), first-order reversal curve (FORC) diagrams, isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) acquisition curves from 6 representative samples, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations of 2 samples, the formation and preservation mechanisms of magnetofossils in this region are elucidated. The FORC diagrams consistently show a clear central ridge feature, which indicates the presence of intact magnetofossils in all representative samples. The morphologies observed by TEM are primarily equant and elongated, with minimal or no bullet-shaped (magnetite) magnetofossils. Analysis further reveals a widespread distribution of magnetofossils in the mud areas of the Bohai Sea, North Yellow Sea, and South Yellow Sea, with proportions (contribution to SIRM; SIRM is defined as the remanent magnetization that remains constant as the external magnetic field increases) of <32.5 %, 40.9 % ∼ 44.6 %, and 59.9 % ∼ 66.5 %, respectively. Despite the presence of non-biogenic single domain magnetite, the proportion of magnetofossils can be estimated by the χ_ARM/SIRM value, as they are positively correlated. The surface sedimentary environment of these mud areas is primarily suboxic and characterized by abundant dissolved iron, which facilitate the formation of magnetofossils by magnetotactic bacteria (MTB). It is unlikely that the surface sedimentary environment becomes sulphidic, thereby enabling the preservation of magnetofossils after their formation. The redox state of the study area, crucial for magnetofossil formation, is mainly controlled by the total organic carbon (TOC) content. From north to south, the higher proportion of magnetofossils is coupled with higher TOC content, possibly due to the intensified reducing degree of the suboxic environment, promoting MTB proliferation and thus forming more magnetofossils. The mechanisms governing the formation and preservation of magnetofossils proposed in this study may also be applicable to geological records.