Topography, sedimentology, and biochronology of carbonate deposits on seamounts in the JA area, northwestern Pacific Ocean

Abstract

Sedimentological and biochronological analyses were undertaken on carbonate deposits from 20 seamounts belonging to the Marcus–Wake Seamount Group, the Magellan Seamounts, and the Marshall Islands Seamounts in the JA area, northwestern Pacific Ocean. Deposition of carbonates on the JA seamounts varied markedly with age. The oldest carbonate deposits are Lower to middle Cretaceous shallow-water limestones containing mollusks (including rudists), scleractinian corals, and calcareous sponges. Upper Cretaceous and Paleocene carbonates are rare, and no Oligocene carbonates may exist. In contrast, Eocene foraminiferal packstones are widespread, and Miocene–Pleistocene foraminiferal ooze covers the JA seamounts. The limited occurrence of Paleogene carbonate deposits on the JA seamounts is consistent with global observations (i.e., a paucity of Paleogene carbonates). The Cretaceous–Eocene carbonates have been phosphatized, whereas Miocene and later limestones have not. This fact, along with the results of previous studies, suggests that carbonate rocks on seamounts were phosphatized globally during the Oligocene. Upwelling of nutrient-rich bottom waters during this time is likely responsible for the limited occurrence of Oligocene carbonate rocks on the JA seamounts. The thicknesses of the pelagic caps, which consist mainly of Miocene and younger foraminiferal oozes, varies among the seamounts and depends at least partly on the topography of the top of the seamount.