PHOSPHORUS IN OCEANIC SEDIMENTOGENESIS

The balance calculations made on the basis of original and published m aterials give more precise quantitative insight of phosphorus behavior during essential stages of sedimentogenesis. The river runoff supplie s to the World Ocean 1.4-3.1 x 10(6)ta(-1) of dissolved and 12.2-14.3 x 10(6)ta(-1) of suspended phosphorus which is deposited predominantly on continental margins. The deposition of dissolved phosphorus from t he sea water occurs mainly by bioassimilation and biosedimentation owi ng to its incorporation into organic matter, biogenic carbonates, and bones (up to 2.9 x 10(6)ta(-1)) and to lesser extent by its co-precipi tation with iron hydroxides. The average phosphorus content in surfici al oceanic sediments is near to that of sedimentary rocks of the earth 's crust with the exception of red clays, volcanogenic and metallifero us sediments enriched in phosphorus. The rate of total phosphorus accu mulation on the sea floor coincides with the rate of its supply from c ontinents but is one order of magnitude higher as compared to average phanerozoic values, This phenomenon might be explained by high recent rate of continental denudation, too short period of recent observation s, and essential gaps in geologic sedimentary record.