The Phosphate Deposits of the Pacific
Beck, J. M. (1955). The Phosphate Deposits of the Pacific (Report). Canberra: Department of Mineral Resources, Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology and Geophysics.
- Has attachment: File:BBXHPJSA.pdf
Abstract: provides an extensive overview of phosphate deposits across various islands in the Pacific region. It examines the origins of these deposits, particularly emphasizing those formed from the excreta of seabirds and, to a lesser extent, bats. The text details how environmental factors such as rainfall impact the distribution and formation of phosphate deposits, noting that areas with high annual rainfall, like parts of the Northern Line Islands and Marianas, are less likely to contain contemporary phosphate due to excessive rainfall inhibiting phosphatization.
The article references a 1950 study by G.E. Hutchinson published in the Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History, which investigates guano deposits and related phosphatic deposits. It also discusses how some deposits were likely formed during the Pleistocene epoch, supported by comparisons of phosphate deposition on Nauru with sites in Peru.
It discusses the geographical distribution of deposits, considering both previously known and currently unknown potential deposits, indicating that significant new discoveries are unlikely. The text also reflects historical aspects of phosphate mining, including the strategic importance during wartime and shifts in export patterns due to conflicts, such as the temporary cessation of exports from Christmas Island to Japan during World War II.
Various islands’ individual characteristics are considered, comparing them with similar islands to infer phosphate characteristics due to similar geomorphology and climatic conditions. While large sedimentary discoveries are deemed improbable, there is a possibility that smaller deposits could still be found and hold strategic value.
Extra details:
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.JGS.1923.079.01-04.03 MAG: 1988648895 CorpusID: 129782436 OpenAlex: W1988648895
