Interstitial waters recovered during Leg 38 show large changes in major ion composition and also in oxygen isotope composition. Increases in Ca[++] and Sr[++] and decreases in K[+], Mg[++], and O18/O16 are interpreted in terms of extensive diagenesis of terrigenous, volcanic, or basaltic igneous materials in the sediments and underlying basalts. Slight, but well-established increases in chlorinity with depth indicate that these postulated weathering reactions involve uptake of water to a measurable extent. Interstitial waters from sites drilled on the Inner Voring Plateau suggest the infusion of fresh waters by aquifers from the mainland of Norway.

Supplement to: Gieskes, Joris M; Lawrence, James R; Galleisky, Guntwin (1976): Interstitial water studies, Leg 38. In: Talwani, M., Udintsev, G., et al. (eds.), Initial Reports of the Deep Sea Drilling Project, Washington (U.S. Government Printing Office), 38, 121-133