Geochemistry and mineralogy of sediments and authigenic carbonates from the Malta Plateau, Strait of Sicily (Central Mediterranean): Relationships with mud/fluid release from a mud volcano system

► Geochemical/radiometric data from cored sediments argue against an active mud ejection. ► Active fluid seepage is responsible for As, Sb, and Mo enrichments in sediments. ► Gas seepage plays a major role in the carbonate crust formation on domes and ridges. ► Carbonate microfabrics testify microenvironments resulting from microbial metabolism. ► δ13C values are consistent with carbonate formation induced by anaerobic methane oxidation.