Geochemical Dataset for Polymetallic Nodule B167 from the Northwestern Pacific

Published: 3 September 2026| Version 1 | DOI: 10.17632/49ym8kvrcg.1
Contributor:
Siyuan Ma

Description

This dataset contains EPMA major-element and LA-ICP-MS trace-element data from 184 analytical positions across two rim-to-rim transects of polymetallic nodule B167 from the northwestern Pacific. The EPMA file reports oxide concentrations and structural zones in wt%, whereas the LA-ICP-MS file contains concentrations of 36 trace elements in ppm. Samples are ordered from B167-1 to B167-184, allowing point-by-point comparison between the two datasets. These data document geochemical variations across four concentric growth zones and support analyses of critical-metal partitioning and nodule growth processes.

Files

Steps to reproduce

Recover polymetallic nodule B167 from the northwestern Pacific (154.565°E, 18.479°N; water depth 5,663 m) and section it through the approximate center. Grind and polish the exposed surface. Identify internal growth zones using reflected-light microscopy and μ-XRF maps of Al, Si, Mn, and Fe. Arrange two rim-to-rim transects across the nucleus and oxide layers. Transect 1 contains points 1–98 at approximately 400 μm spacing, and Transect 2 contains points 99–184 at approximately 500 μm spacing. Measure major and minor elements by EPMA at 15 kV and 20 nA using a 5 μm beam, 20 s peak counting time, 10 s background counting time, and ZAF matrix correction. Report concentrations as wt%. Measure trace elements at corresponding positions using a GeoLas HD 193 nm laser-ablation system coupled to an Agilent 7900 ICP-MS. Use a 60 μm spot, 3 Hz repetition rate, 2.0 J cm⁻² fluence, and He carrier gas. Each analysis comprises 20 s background acquisition, 50 s ablation, and 20 s washout. Calibrate trace-element concentrations using NIST SRM 610, NIST SRM 612, BCR-2G, BHVO-2G, and BIR-1G. Process the signals with ICPMSDataCal 7.2 using multi-reference-material calibration and report concentrations in ppm. Sort complete analytical records according to the original point numbers and label them sequentially from B167-1 to B167-184. Match the EPMA and LA-ICP-MS datasets using these sample identifiers.

Institutions

Categories

Mineral, Marine Geology, Marine Geochemistry

Funders

  • National Natural Science Foundation of China
    Beijing, Beijing
    Grant ID: U2244222
  • Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation
    Grant ID: 2025B151520016
  • the Guangdong Talent Programs
    Grant ID: 2025TQ09A401
  • China Geological Survey
    Beijing, Beijing
    Grant ID: DD2026032028
  • the Research Fund of the Director of Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, China Geological Survey
    Grant ID: 2025GMGS-QN-03

Licence