Abstract <p>The study of bottom sediments in hydrothermal fields of the Russian Atlantic Exploration area revealed two genetic types of metalliferous and ore-bearing sediments formed under the influence of different processes. Type 1 was formed due to the precipitation of ore minerals from the hydrothermal plume; type 2, under the influence of diffuse hydrothermal flows entering the sediments from substrate rocks. These genetic types of ore-bearing and metalliferous sediments formed in different conditions are marked by distinctive features: distribution pattern in the section and over the area, mineral and geochemical composition, and textural and structural features.</p>