Clay Minerals in Soils as Evidence of Holocene Climatic Change, Central Indo-Gangetic Plains, North-Central India

Clay mineral assemblages of a soil chrono-association comprising five fluvial surface members (QGH1 to QGH5) of the Indo-Gangetic Plains between the Ramganga and Rapti rivers, north-central India, demonstrate that pedogenic interstratified smectite–kaolin (Sm/K) can be considered as a potential indicator for paleoclimatic changes during the Holocene from arid to humid climates. On the basis of available radiocarbon dates, thermoluminescence dates, and historical evidence, tentative ages assigned to QGH1 to QGH5 are <500 yr B.P., >500 yr B.P., >2500 yr B.P., 8000 TL yr B.P., and 13,500 TL yr B.P., respectively. During pedogenesis two major regional climatic cycles are recorded: relatively arid climates between 10,000–6500 yr B.P. and 3800–? yr B.P. were punctuated by a warm and humid climate. Biotite weathered to trioctahedral vermiculite and smectite in the soils during arid conditions, and smectite was unstable and transformed to Sm/K during the warm and humid climatic phase (7400–4150 cal yr B.P.). When the humid climate terminated, vermiculite, smectite, and Sm/K were preserved to the present day. The study suggests that during the development of soils in the Holocene in alluvium of the Indo-Gangetic Plains, climatic fluctuations appear to be more important than realized hitherto. The soils older than 2500 yr B.P. are relict paleosols, but they are polygenetic because of their subsequent alterations.     

Transgressive Events since the Late Pleistocene in the Yellow River Delta: Grain-size Distribution and Palynological Results

This study deals with the relationship between sea-level changes and paleoclimatic fluctuations based on the analysis of stratigraphy, grain sizes, palynology, and radiometric dating of the Yellow River delta since the Late Pleistocene. Evidence from the sedimentary record, grain sizes, and pollen provides a paleoenvironmental history of the Late Pleistocene from the boreholes of the delta. Based on a combination of grain-size analysis with lithological studies, marine deposit units contain the intervals of 13.85–16.9, 18.5–19.69, 27.9–34.8, 36.4–37.2, 48.4–51.6, and 54.1–55.9 m, and transitional facies units contain the intervals of 10.25–13.85, 16.9–18.5, 19.69–27.9, 34.8–36.4, 37.2–48.4, 51.6–54.1, and 55.9–60 m, compared with fluvial(terrestrial facies) deposit units(3.36–10.25 m). Based on pollen analysis and pollen assemblages, there were three warm-wet periods from 9.1–0.16 ka BP, 16.1–60 ka BP, and 90.1–94.6 ka BP From the top to the bottom of the borehole, the paleoclimate has an evident fluctuation: warm and moist(Holocene Optimum) —cool and dry(Younger Dryas Event)—mild semi cool—cool and dry—warm and moist. There were three warm-wet periods from 9.1–0.16 ka BP, 16.1–60 ka BP, and 90.1–94.6 ka BP, corresponding to the Holocene Optimum stage, MIS 3, and MIS 5, respectively. The warm period allowed monsoonal evergreen and broadleaved deciduous forests that corresponded to Holocene hypsithermal climatic conditions and the Late Pleistocene climatic Optimum. Three warm-wet periods occurred in marine deposit units from 9.1–0.16 ka BP, 60.1–16.1 ka BP, and 94.6–90.1 ka BP. These periods correspond to the Cangzhou transgression, Xianxian transgression, and Huanghua transgression, respectively. From 90.1–60.1 ka BP, 17.5–9.1 ka BP, and 0. 16 ka BP–1855 AD, three dry and cold phases are recognized. The phases indicate the fluvial(flood plain) sedimentary environment, corresponding to cooler and mild dry periods based on palynological results and grain-size distribution.     

Carbonate petrography as an indicator of climate and sea-level changes: new data from Bahamian Quaternary units

Coeval stratigraphic units of similar petrology occur throughout the northern Bahamas islands. The petrographic composition of these limestones provides clues about regional sea level and climate changes during the late Quaternary. At least eight fossil shoreline units, which are linked to transgressive episodes between the middle Pleistocene and the late Holocene, are recognized in the Bahamas. The petrographic composition of these units is either dominated by ooids and peloids or by bioclasts. Sedimentological observations demonstrate that oolitic-peloidal units were formed when sea level was higher than today, whereas skeletal units were deposited at or below modern ordnance datum. Skeletal units may reflect times of partial, or modest platform flooding, when the bulk of sediments brought to islands originates from bank-margin reefs. In contrast, oolitic-peloidal units correspond to major flooding events and active water circulation on the bank top. Cement fabrics further show that the early diagenesis of oolitic units took place during warm and humid climatic conditions, whereas skeletal rock bodies underwent subaerial diagenesis during drier climatic conditions characterized by marked seasonal changes. This example from the Bahamas suggests that compositional analysis of limestone from fossil carbonate platforms could be used for resolving ancient climate and sea-level changes.     

郧县前坊村剖面黄土-古土壤序列风化成壤及古气候研究

秦岭作为我国南方和北方地理、气候、自然环境的天然分界线,并当作是黄土高原的南屏障。汉江上游谷地地区位于秦岭南侧,属于北亚热带气候区域,受季风气候活动影响强烈。为了探讨该地区在亚热带气候背景下,风成黄土成壤改造对气候变化的响应机制,通过对汉江上游谷地前坊村（QFC）剖面磁化率、烧失量、粒度、Rb/Sr等理化性质进行研究。结果表明:①末次冰期以来沙尘暴很有可能越过秦岭在其南侧堆积,黄土-古土壤剖面地层序列从上到下依次为:MS-L₀-S₀-Lt-L₁-AD;这些沉积物完整记录了一级阶地上晚更新世气候变化信息,地层单元受到各个时期不同程度成壤强度的改造。②前坊村剖面中,理化性质在不同地层单元有显著差异。例如磁化率、烧失量、Rb/Sr指标平均含量的高值出现在古土壤层中,低值出现在黄土层;而Zr/Rb含量变化正好相反;这些理化性质表明,在古土壤发育期,水热条件进入最适宜期,沉积物的风化成壤作用显著;在黄土堆积期,气候寒冷干燥,主要以粉尘堆积为主,沉积物的风化成壤作用较弱。③秦岭南侧北亚热带汉江上游前坊村一级阶地剖面化学风化强度变化揭示了黄土-古土壤环境气候变化的规律:末次冰期以来（大约18.0～11.5 ka B.P.）,气候干冷,沙尘暴频繁出现,沉积物以黄土堆积为主,成壤作用微弱,形成马兰黄土（L₁）;全新世早期（约11.5～8.5 ka B.P.）,气候由干冷向暖湿方向转变,但主要以干冷为主,形成过渡层（Lt）;在全新世大暖期（8.5～3.1 ka B.P.）,气候条件达到最优阶段,水热配合较好,生物活动活跃,成壤作用十分显著,发育了古土壤S₀;到了全新世晚期以来（3.1 ka B.P.）气候又由暖湿向干冷方向转变,成壤作用明显减弱,沙尘暴出现较为频繁,形成了以黄土堆积为主的全新世黄土（L₀）。现代表土层（MS）是在（1.5 ka B.P.）以来气候转暖,加之人类长期农业耕作扰动,在全新世黄土L₀顶部叠加而形成的。     

柴北缘大煤沟组七段页岩地球化学特征——对中侏罗世晚期物源及风化作用的指示及意义

柴达木盆地北缘中侏罗世晚期沉积的大煤沟组七段页岩（J₂d7）记录了该地质历史时期的物源、风化作用及对应的气候和构造特征信息。对钻井岩芯样品进行元素地球化学分析,结果显示,较高的Al₂O₃/TiO₂,La/Sc,Th/Co,较低的TiO₂/Zr,以及TiO₂-Zr、La/Sc-Th/Co、La/Th-Hf、La-Th-Sc组成表明大煤沟组七段页岩物源主要为长英质花岗闪长岩。A-CN-K组成特征指示钾交代作用对页岩的影响有限,整体较高化学蚀变指数（CIA）、化学风化指数（CIW）、斜长石蚀变指数（PIA）表明物源区经历了中等-强烈的化学风化作用,且自下而上,风化作用逐渐减弱,结合逐步降低的古气候指数C值及增高的Sr/Cu值,可得出在中侏罗世晚期柴北缘地区的古气候条件由温暖潮湿向干旱炎热明显转变,为该时期我国西北地区"干热化"事件在柴北缘的具体表现,同期构造沉降幅度大于因气候变干导致的湖平面下降速率,为有机质的富集提供了有利条件。     

Modern,Sangamon and Yarmouth soil development in loess of unglaciated southwestern Illinois

The Thebes Section in unglaciated southwestern Illinois contains a well preserved ∼500 kyr loess–paleosol sequence with four loesses and three interglacial soils. Various magnetic, mineralogical, and elemental properties were analyzed and compared over the thickness of soil sola. These proxies for soil development intensity have the following trend: Yarmouth Geosol>Sangamon Geosol>modern soil. Quartz/plagioclase, Zr/Sr, and TiO₂/Na₂O ratios were most sensitive to weathering. Frequency dependent magnetic susceptibility and anhysteretic remanent magnetization, greatest in A horizons, also correspond well with soil development intensity. Neoformed mixed-layered kaolinite/expandables, suggestive of a warm/humid climate, were detected in the Sangamon and Yarmouth soil sola. Clay illuviation in soils was among the least sensitive indicators of soil development. Differences in properties among interglacial soils are interpreted to primarily reflect soil development duration, with climatic effects being secondary. Assuming logarithmic decreases in weathering rates, the observed weathering in the Sangamon Geosol is consistent with 50 kyr of interglacial weathering (Oxygen Isotope Stage 5) compared to 10 kyr for the modern soil (Oxygen Isotope Stage 1). We propose that the Yarmouth Geosol in the central Midwest formed over 180 kyr of interglacial weathering (including oxygen isotope stages 7, 9, and 11).     

洞庭湖区第四纪气候变化的初步探讨

探讨了洞庭湖区第四纪以来的气候变化，初步得出以下规律：更新世气候变化剧烈，气候组合暖湿（温湿）与冷干；全新世气候转为温凉，主要气候组合为温湿与凉干；历史时期气候主要仍温湿与凉干交替，但15 世纪以来出现短暂的温干与凉温期；15世纪以来，气候波动频繁，有愈来愈不稳定的趋向，进入20世纪，旱涝灾害更加。在全球变暖的背景下，预计该区未来气候趋向于暖湿，但不排除暖干的可能性。     

Variation of the Lake Khanka level in the late Holocene,primorye

New data on the evolution of Lake Khanka and the formation of onshore bars at its western coast in the late Holocene are discussed in the paper. The late Subatlantic age of the bars and climatic conditions of their formation have been established. In the middle Holocene (SA II), the climate was warm and Lake Khanka was in the transgressive phase. Its level was 0.8–1 m higher than at present. At the end of the Subatlantic period (SA III), when the climatic conditions were cooler, regression of the lake began and continues up to now. The spore-pollen samples of different genesis taken near the studied section were examined for the more reliable interpretation of paleoclimatic events.     

贵州安顺新民二叠系-三叠系界线剖面磁化率变化及古气候环境意义

贵州安顺新民二叠系-三叠系界线剖面磁化率测试结果表明,该剖面二叠系磁化率整体偏低（平均6.4×10-8 m3/kg）,界线之上磁化率快速增加并相对稳定在1.3×10-7 m3/kg附近,与华南其他二叠系-三叠系剖面磁化率变化趋势相同;与陆源孢粉丰度、TiO2曲线的同步变化趋势表明,新民剖面磁化率主要来自陆源物质。结合磁化率、地球化学指标的变化特征,将源区P-T之交古气候划分为3个阶段:阶段Ⅰ（1 2层中部）为化学风化作用较强的温暖潮湿的气候条件;阶段Ⅱ（2层上部 P-T界线）整体处于较强化学风化作用条件下温热潮湿的气候环境,变化较为频繁,表现为温润/湿热交替;阶段Ⅲ（P-T界线之上）物理风化加强,化学风化明显减弱,经短暂“过渡段”,气候总体转变为干热的条件。     

杭州湾北岸更新世以来沉积环境记录及古气候变迁

文章通过对杭州湾北岸孔深为237.80 m的BZK04钻孔进行沉积物岩性、微体古生物、孢粉组合、粒度含量、古地磁和OSL测年的综合分析,讨论研究区更新世以来沉积环境演变及古气候变迁特征,建立第四纪多重地层划分对比框架。结果显示, BZK04孔岩心自下而上可分为基岩长河组碳质泥岩（Ech）和早更新世以来的嘉兴组（N-Qp1 j）、前港组（Qp2q）、东浦组（Qp3d）、宁波组（Qp3n）、镇海组（Qhzh）地层;有孔虫鉴定为11属17种,其中包括16种底栖有孔虫,1种浮游有孔虫;介形类鉴定为8属8种;孢粉分析显示含37种类型,其中木本植物花粉18种,草本植物花粉11种,蕨类孢子8种,孢粉组合中木本植物含量最高,约为85.1%,蕨类孢子次之,约为8.7%,草本植物花粉含量仅为6.3%。根据岩性分层特征、沉积相、孢粉、有孔虫及介形虫以及粒度分布频率曲线对钻孔的沉积环境进行综合分析,可将沉积环境记录划分18个孢粉组合带和七个古气候旋回变迁,其中早更新世为河流相和河湖相沉积,揭示第三暖期—第4冷期的两个古气候旋回;中更新世以河流相、湖泊相和河湖相为主,揭示第五暖期—第6冷期的两个古气候旋回;晚更新世以潮坪相、河口湾相、浅海相沉积为主,对应第七暖期—第8冷期的两个古气候旋回;全新世时期为潮坪相和河湖相沉积,对应大西洋期和亚北方期。研究结果为进一步掌握长江三角洲南翼更新世以来的第四纪沉积环境变化、地层划分和古气候演变等提供基础资料。     

河流相砂体识别预测及古气候响应: 以渤中坳陷石南地区明下段为例

河流相砂体的识别预测及其发育演化对古气候变化的响应是当前河流相沉积研究的热点。基于地震沉积学方法,采用三步走的河流相砂体识别预测方法(井震结合建格架→90°相位调整标岩性→切片属性辨砂体),在渤海湾盆地渤中坳陷石臼坨凸起南部(石南)新近系明化镇组下段(简称“明下段”)识别出了顺直和蜿蜒河道砂、河道—堤坝复合体、点砂坝、河口坝、牛轭湖和决口扇6种河流相砂体。依据明下段泥岩颜色,结合藻类种属记录和孢粉记录分析,认为石南地区明下段沉积早期到中期经历了干湿交替→湿润主导的湿润化气候演变; 而明下段沉积中期到晚期经历了湿润主导→干旱主导的干旱化气候演变。润湿化气候演变使得明下段沉积中期河流相砂体宽度和单层厚度减小、弯曲度增大,且带状孤立河道砂体更发育; 而干旱化气候演变使得明下段沉积晚期流相砂体宽度和单层厚度增大、弯曲度减小,且带状河道—溢岸复合带和河口坝砂更发育。研究成果可为其他断陷盆地河流相砂体识别、预测提供参考,对指导构造活动相对较弱的湖盆萎缩期油气勘探实践具有一定的实践价值。     

华北房山景儿峪组顶部古风化壳常量元素地球化学特征及其古气候意义

风化壳的元素地球化学组成可以反映风化壳的发育类型及其气候特征,地史时期形成的古风化壳的元素地球化学组成可以揭示古风化壳的类型及其古气候特征.华北地区新元古代晚期（景儿峪组）至寒武纪（府君山组）期间的地层记录缺乏连续性,广泛发育一套典型的古风化壳,该古风化壳的发育过程可能记录了晚新元古代至早寒武纪期间的古气候特点.针对华北房山地区景儿峪组顶部保存的古风化壳中常量元素的组成、元素迁移富集特征和风化系数等分布规律开展了较系统分析,结果表明:（1）SiO₂、Al₂O₃、TFe₂O₃、CaO是景儿峪组顶部古风化壳的主要组分,Al₂O₃、TFe₂O₃、TiO₂、K₂O在风化壳的中上部相对富集,SiO₂则轻微亏损,CaO、Na₂O、MgO、P₂O₅被迁移淋失;（2）硅铝系数、硅铝铁系数、化学蚀变指数（CIA）、残积系数、风化淋溶系数（BA）等地球化学指标的垂向变化特征指示该古风化壳形成于温暖湿润条件下中等强度的化学风化作用,其风化过程可能经历了由较弱至较强再逐渐减弱的演变过程;（3）与现代发育于湖南、贵州、云南等地碳酸盐岩类基岩之上的风化壳元素地球化学特征对比,发现景儿峪组顶部古风化壳的Si淋失度和Fe、Al富集度均较低.综合研究区古风化壳的常量元素地球化学特征,同时结合新元古代晚期至寒武纪的华北板块古纬度迁移特征,认为房山地区景儿峪组顶部发育的古风化壳形成于温暖湿润的亚热带-热带气候,为脱硅富铝化程度较低的硅铝粘土型风化壳.      

Tectonic control on fluvial styles: the Balfour Formation of the Karoo Basin, South Africa

The Balfour Formation represents a fully fluvial succession of late Late Permian–earliest Triassic age which accumulated in the foredeep of the Karoo Basin during the overfilled phase of the foreland system. The lack of a coeval marine environment within the limits of the preserved Karoo Basin provides an opportunity to study the stratigraphic cyclicity developed during a time when accommodation was solely controlled by tectonics. The Balfour stratigraphy is composed of a succession of six third-order fluvial depositional sequences separated by subaerial unconformities. They formed in isolation from eustatic influences, with a timing controlled by orogenic cycles of loading and unloading. Sediment accumulation took place during stages of flexural subsidence, whereas the bounding surfaces are related to stages of isostatic uplift. The vertical profile of all sequences displays an overall fining-upward trend related to the gradual decrease in topographic slope during orogenic loading. At the same time, an upward change in fluvial styles can be observed within each sequence, from initial higher to final lower energy systems. The actual fluvial styles in each location depend on paleoslope gradients and the position of the stratigraphic section relative to the orogenic front. Proximal sequences show transitions from braided to meandering systems, whereas more distal sequences show changes from sand-bed to fine-grained meandering systems. The average duration of the Balfour stratigraphic cycles was 0.66 My, i.e. six cycles during 4 My. No climatic fluctuations are recorded during this time, with the long-term climatic background represented by temperate to humid conditions.     

河流相砂体识别预测及古气候响应: 以渤中坳陷石南地区明下段为例

河流相砂体的识别预测及其发育演化对古气候变化的响应是当前河流相沉积研究的热点。基于地震沉积学方法,采用三步走的河流相砂体识别预测方法(井震结合建格架→90°相位调整标岩性→切片属性辨砂体),在渤海湾盆地渤中坳陷石臼坨凸起南部(石南)新近系明化镇组下段(简称“明下段”)识别出了顺直和蜿蜒河道砂、河道—堤坝复合体、点砂坝、河口坝、牛轭湖和决口扇6种河流相砂体。依据明下段泥岩颜色,结合藻类种属记录和孢粉记录分析,认为石南地区明下段沉积早期到中期经历了干湿交替→湿润主导的湿润化气候演变; 而明下段沉积中期到晚期经历了湿润主导→干旱主导的干旱化气候演变。润湿化气候演变使得明下段沉积中期河流相砂体宽度和单层厚度减小、弯曲度增大,且带状孤立河道砂体更发育; 而干旱化气候演变使得明下段沉积晚期流相砂体宽度和单层厚度增大、弯曲度减小,且带状河道—溢岸复合带和河口坝砂更发育。研究成果可为其他断陷盆地河流相砂体识别、预测提供参考,对指导构造活动相对较弱的湖盆萎缩期油气勘探实践具有一定的实践价值。     

青海湖东岸全新世风成沉积地球化学特征及其古气候意义

青海湖地区因独特的地理位置,其古气候演化一直为学者们所关注。由于各类环境替代指标的多解性,以往研究中对青海湖地区末次冰消期以来特别是早全新世的气候特征存在不一致的认识。对青海湖东岸种羊场风成沉积物的元素地球化学特征及其古气候意义进行分析,结合磁化率、粒度和色度指标重建了过去约11 ka青海湖地区古气候演变过程。结果表明:1）化学蚀变指数（CIA）值和Al₂O₃-（CaO*+Na₂O）-K₂O（A-CN-K）三元图指示种羊场风成沉积经历了弱风化、中等程度的风化强度。CIA值的波动变化反映青海湖地区全新世期间经历了较大的干湿变化。2）亮度（L*）与总有机碳（TOC）含量呈高度负相关（R2=0.71,P<0.01）,可以间接地反映研究区古气候演变过程。3）种羊场（ZYC）剖面的多指标分析结果和剖面地层特征揭示青海湖地区在11.0~6.5 ka B.P.时期,风化作用较弱,气候可能相对温暖干旱;6.5~1.1 ka B.P.时期风化作用可能较强,为暖湿期,与古湖岸堤记录的湖面变化较为一致;1.1 ka B.P.至今,气候变得干旱。4）亚洲季风和太阳辐射的强弱变化可能造成有效湿度的高低变化,从而导致青海湖地区全新世气候干湿交替变化。     

Architecture and preservation in the fluvial to marine transition zone of a mixed-process humid-tropical delta: Middle Miocene Lambir Formation,Baram Delta Province,north-west Borneo

The interaction of river and marine processes in the fluvial to marine transition zone fundamentally impacts delta plain morphology and sedimentary dynamics. This study aims to improve existing models of the facies distribution, stratigraphic architecture and preservation in the fluvial to marine transition zone of mixed-process deltas, using a comprehensive sedimentological and stratigraphic dataset from the Middle Miocene Lambir Formation, Baram Delta Province, north-west Borneo. Eleven facies associations are identified and interpreted to preserve the interaction of fluvial and marine processes in a mixed-energy delta, where fluvial, wave and tidal processes display spatially and temporally variable interactions. Stratigraphic successions in axial areas associated with active distributary channels are sandstone-rich, comprising fluvial-dominated and wave-dominated units. Successions in lateral areas, which lack active distributary channels, are mudstone-rich, comprising fluvial-dominated, tide-dominated and wave-dominated units, including mangrove swamps. Widespread mudstone preservation in axial and lateral areas suggests well-developed turbidity maximum zones, a consequence of high suspended-sediment concentrations resulting from tropical weathering of a mudstone-rich hinterland. Within the fluvial to marine transition zone of distributary channels, interpreted proximal–distal sedimentological and stratigraphic trends suggest: (i) a proximal fluvial-dominated, tide-influenced subzone; (ii) a distal fluvial-dominated to wave-dominated subzone; and (iii) a conspicuously absent tide-dominated subzone. Lateral areas preserve a more diverse spectrum of facies and stratigraphic elements reflecting combined storm, tidal and subordinate river processes. During coupled storm and river floods, fluvial processes dominated the fluvial to marine transition zone along major and minor distributary channels and channel mouths, causing significant overprinting of preceding interflood deposits. Despite interpreted fluvial–tidal channel units and mangrove influence implying tidal processes, there is a paucity of unequivocal tidal indicators (for example, cyclical heterolithic layering). This suggests that process preservation in the fluvial to marine transition zone preserved in the Lambir Formation primarily records episodic (flashy) river discharge, river flood and storm overprinting of tidal processes, and possible backwater dynamics.     

Controls on clay minerals assemblages in an early paleogene nonmarine succession: Implications for the volcanic and paleoclimatic record of extra-andean patagonia,Argentina

The distribution of the clay minerals of the Banco Negro Inferior-Río Chico Group succession (BNI-RC), a middle Danian–middle Eocene mainly continental epiclastic–pyroclastic succession exposed in the Golfo San Jorge Basin, extra-Andean Patagonia (∼46° LS), is assessed in order to determine the possible origin of clay and specific non-clay minerals using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses. The control over the clay mineralogy of the sedimentary settings, contemporary volcanism, paleoclimate and weathering conditions is considered. A paleoclimatic reconstruction is provided and correlated with the main global warming events that occurred during the early Paleogene.Mineralogical analyses of BNI-RC demonstrate that smectite and kaolin minerals (kaolinite, halloysite and kaolinite/smectite mixed layers) are the main clay minerals, whereas silica polymorphs (volcanic glass and opal) are common non-clay minerals. Throughout the succession, smectite and kaolin minerals are arranged in different proportions in the three clay–mineral assemblages. These show a general vertical trend in which the smectite-dominated assemblage (S1) is replaced by the smectite-dominated assemblage associated with other clays (S2) and the kaolinite-dominated assemblage (K), and finally by S2 up-section. The detailed micromorphological analysis of the clay and non-clay minerals allows us to establish that the origins of these are by volcanic ash weathering, authigenic and pedogenic, and that different stages in the evolution of mineral transformations have occurred.The supply of labile pyroclastic material from an active volcanic area located to the northwest of the study area could have acted as precursor of the authigenic and volcanogenic minerals of the analyzed succession. Diverse fine-grained lithological facies (muddy and tuffaceous facies) and sedimentary settings (coastal swamp and transitional environments, and different fluvial systems) together with variable climate and weathering conditions controlled the mineralogical transformations and the arrangement of clay–mineral assemblages. The paleoclimatic reconstruction suggests a general warm and humid climate. However, the temporal trend of the clay–mineral assemblages, the ratios between smectite and kaolinite and the micromorphological analysis of clay minerals contrasted with evidence from sedimentological analyses suggest a warm and seasonal climate for the basal part of the unit, a warm and humid climate with a relatively more perennial rainfall regime in the middle part of the unit, and a warm and less humid, probably subhumid, climate up-section. Such a reconstruction makes it possible to establish a correlation with some of the hyperthermal events of the Early Paleogene Global Warming (EPGW) and, consequently, constitute one of the most complete time records of the EPGW in South America.     

Pliocene sedimentation in a shallow, cool-water, estuarine gulf, Murray Basin, South Australia

The Pliocene Norwest Bend Formation is a well‐preserved succession of terrestrial and shallow‐marine deposits in the Murray Basin, South Australia. Sediments in this unit consist of two discrete terrigenous clastic‐rich, decametre‐scale sequences, or informal members, which record episodes of marine incursion during the Early and Late Pliocene respectively. The base of each sequence is a transgressive lag and/or strandline deposit that is transitional upwards into a highstand, subtidal, terrigenous clastic and cool‐water carbonate sediment accumulation. The top of each sequence is incised by fluvial channels that are filled by river deposits which formed as relative sea‐level fell and terrestrial environments prograded basinward. Sedimentological data suggest that gross stratigraphic architecture was primarily determined by glacioeustasy. Differences in sedimentary style between these two sequences, however, reflect a major climatic change that took place in southern Australia during the mid‐Pliocene. The lower quartzose sand member is formed of siliciclastic sediment derived from prolonged, deep, subaerial weathering and contains a bivalve‐dominated, cool‐temperate, open‐marine mollusc assemblage. These sediments accumulated under an equitable, relatively warm, humid climate. The Murray Basin during this time, because of high fluvial discharge, was a salt‐wedge estuary with typical estuarine circulation. In contrast, the upper, oyster‐rich member is typified by large monospecific oyster buildups that grew in restricted coastal environments. Strandline deposits contain a warm‐temperate skeletal assemblage. Contemporaneous aeolian sediments accumulated under warm, semi‐arid climatic conditions. Well‐developed ferricrete, silcrete and calcrete horizons reflect cyclic conditions of rainwater infiltration and evaporation in the seasonally dry climate that typifies southern Australia today. Highly seasonal rainfall produced an estuary that fluctuated annually from being well to partially mixed. These Pliocene sediments support the notion that mollusc‐rich facies are the signature of cool‐water carbonate accumulations in inboard neritic environments. Unlike bryozoans that dominate the outer parts of Cenozoic cool‐water carbonate shelves, molluscs evolved to exploit an array of coastal ecosystems with wide salinity variations and variable sedimentation rates.     

Abrupt Climatic Changes during the Last Glaciation Based on Pollen Analysis of the Abric Romani, Catalonia, Spain

The Abric Romani continental pollen record provides evidence of abrupt climate variations during the last glaciation. The pollen record reveals a pattern of high-frequency variations similar to that in ice cores as shown by oxygen isotopes or dust content. Analyses of 14 travertine samples yield coherent U-series ages in correct stratigraphic order, ranging from 40,000 to 70,000 yr. According to changes in the composition and structure of the vegetation, five paleoclimatic phases have been differentiated; the oldest, ranging from 70,200 to 65,500 yr ago, records thermophilous taxa which correspond to the last warm events of isotopic stage 5. The next phase, from 65,500 to 56,800 yr, records a cold, humid climate that correlates with isotope stage 4. During the third phase, from 56,800 to 49,500 yr, relatively warm and cold events alternate. The fourth phase, from 49,500 to 46,200 yr, records a cold, dry climate. The fifth phase, ranging from 46,200 to 40,800 yr, records a milder phase that is similar in appearance to the beginning of the Holocene.     

Geochronology and Geomorphology of the Pioneer Archaeological Site,Upper Snake River Plain,Idaho, USA

Pioneer is an open‐air, stratified, multicomponent archaeological site located in the upper Snake River Plain of southeastern Idaho, USA. Block excavations provided an opportunity to contribute to the Late Quaternary geomorphic history of the Big Lost River drainage and provide geochronological context of archaeological components at the site. The stratigraphic sequence is interpreted as reflecting multiple depositional episodes and five soil‐formation periods beginning pre‐7200 cal. yr B.P. and lasting to the historic period. The stratigraphic sequence contains an archaeological component dated to ∼3800 cal. yr B.P. and several other components post‐800 cal. yr B.P. Major site formation processes include fluvial deposition and erosion, pedogenesis (accumulation of secondary carbonates), and bioturbation. Periods of increased deposition at Pioneer and elsewhere along the Big Lost River are inferred to have occurred between ∼8400–6500 cal. yr B.P. and ∼2700–400 cal. yr B.P., potentially related to cooler/wetter episodes of the mid‐to‐late Holocene, including increased precipitation during the Medieval Climatic Anomaly (post‐750 cal. yr B.P.). There is also evidence of a high‐energy erosional event at ∼3800 cal. yr B.P. indicating a large middle Holocene flood. Pioneer provides an example of the archaeological and paleoclimatic value of studying alluvial buried soil stratigraphic sequences in arid environments.