Based on the analysis and mathematical statistics of quantitative data on both the heavy minerals and their REELa, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb, Lu, traceZr, Hf, Th, Ta, U, Rb, Sr, Zn, Co, Ni, Cr, As, Scand majorFeelements in the surface sediments in the northwestern sea area of Antarctic Peninsula, the authors find that the heavy minerals as the carriers of REE and trace elements should not be overlooked.

Q-mode factor analysis of the heavy minerals provides a 3-factor model of the heavy mineral assemblages in the study area, which is mainly controlled by the origin of materials and sea currents. The common factor P₁, composed mainly of pyroxene and metal minerals, and common factor P₂, composed of hornblende, epidote and accessory minerals, represent two heavy mineral assemblages which are different from each other in both lithological characters and origin of materials. And common factor P₃ probably results from mixing of two end members of the above-mentioned assemblages.R-mode group analysis, 22 elements are divided into 3 groups and 9 subgroups. These element assemblages show that they are genetically related and that they are different in geochemical behaviors during diagenesis and mineral-forming process. In addition, the relationship between the heavy mineral assemblages and the element subgroups is also discussed.