Sediments collected from three continental slope sites of Leg 67 have been examined for total organic carbon content and amount of the sterols beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol. The amount of beta-sitosterol relative to stigmasterol is found to increase landward in the sediment, despite differing ages of the samples studied. The ratio of beta-sitosterol to stigmasterol in near-shore sediments is proposed as a source proximity indicator.
Supplement to: Curiale, Joseph A; Harrison, William E (1982): Beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol in slope sediments. In: Abouin, J; von Huene, R; et al. (eds.), Initial Reports of the Deep Sea Drilling Project (U.S. Govt. Printing Office), 67, 587-590