Authigenic Gypsum in a Deep Sea Core from Southeastern Arabian Sea

Authigenic gypsum has been encountered in a deep sea core RC9-157 from the southeastern Arabian Sea at a depth of 4111 m which is a zone of lysocline. The formation of gypsum in the deep sea region is attributed to the prevailing sulphate rich equatorial waters which were constantly fed by calcium through the dissolution of calcareous tests. Another plausible mechanism that may be proposed is that of the sulphate rich Antarctic bottom water which is playing a vital role in bringing about the crystallisation of gypsum by utilising the calcium available through dissolution.