Several papers have recently appeared concerning the metalliferous sediments on the active oceanic ridges. The geochemistry of such sediments is reasonably well understood and the deposits generally considered to be products of volcanic processes (Boström and Peterson, 1969; Boström et al., 1969; Horowitz, 1970, 1974; Cronan et al., 1972; Cronan and Garrett, 1973; Piper, 1973). The geochemistry of trench sediments, however, is less well known. There is a great need for studies of trench inner slope sediments, particularly in view of the significance of such sediments as a record of the effects of oceanic plate subduction under the continental crust. Sampling by Glomar Challenger in the trench inner slope was therefore of utmost importance in determining the origin of trench inner slope deposits.

Supplement to: Nohara, Masato (1980): Chemical composition and metal accumulation rates of Japan Trench inner slope sediments, Leg 57, Deep Sea Drilling Project. In: Scientific Party, Initial Reports of the Deep Sea Drilling Project, 56/57 (eds.), Initial Reports of the Deep Sea Drilling Project (U.S. Govt. Printing Office), 56-57, 1259-1267