Relationship between heavy metals and clay mineralogy of the modern sediment of salt marsh at the east coast of Wadden Sea, Denmark

Salt marshes play a significant roll in the marine and coast ecological systems. They can function as a sink for pollutants that would otherwise be harmful to the environment. Our investigation is mainly focused on clay mineralogy of the salt marsh sediment, metal associations in the environment of the modern （centennial） salt marsh sediment and possible relation between these metal associations and clay minerals involved. The studied salt marsh is located in the Skalingen Peninsula, West Denmark. About 85 percent of the deposited materials, including the heavy metals, was imported from the North Sea while only a small quantity of the materials was transported through the Varde River whose mouth is located about 10 km from the salt marsh, at the opposite side of the lagoon. A 25 cm high monolithic profile of the salt marsh sediment was collected and was cut into 1-cm slices. The rate of sediment accumulation, detailed grain size distribution, clay mineralogy, dating of the profile （^210Pb and ^137Cs）, content of organic matter as well as 17 metals： K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb were investigated. Principal components and factor analyses demonstrated strong positive loadings for most of the studied metals, fine grain fractions as well as organic matter, indicating a close relation among these components. Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb were found best correlated to the clay fraction （〈2 microns）, which comprises primarily illite, kaolinite, minor chlorite and lesser smectite/illite mixed layer.     

Geochemistry of Holocene salt marsh and tidal flat sediments on a barrier island in the southern North Sea (Langeoog,North‐west Germany)

The barrier islands of the southern North Sea were formed during the Holocene sea‐level rise. These islands form part of a highly dynamic environment whose evolution continues today. Subjected to sea‐level changes, tides and storm events, the sedimentary record reflects processes occurring under varying energy conditions. This article presents geochemical, mineralogical and diatom investigations carried out in the salt marsh of the East Frisian barrier island of Langeoog, which is re‐exposed to a rising sea‐level due to de‐embankment. The major aim of this study is to improve the knowledge of the sedimentological and geochemical development of these deposits under the influence of sea‐level rise, with a special focus on the geochemistry and distribution of heavy mineral‐associated elements. Correlation diagrams between FeO, TiO₂ and MnO, as well as ternary plots (Al₂O₃–SiO₂–Zr or TiO₂), clearly indicate the variable appearance of heavy minerals in different lithological facies, comprising marsh soil, mixed and sand flat, and relocated beach sands. A dominating abundance of ilmenite followed by zircon, garnets and some other heavy minerals is evidenced by Scanning Electron Microscope‐Energy Dispersive X‐ray measurements. The data presented here suggests that these geochemical proxies are useful tools for characterizing depositional energy conditions. Increasing depositional energy is evident for the lithological units in the following order: marsh soil, mixed flat, sand flat and relocated beach sand. The energetic conditions during sediment deposition, as well as the sedimentary history, are confirmed by diatom analyses as an additional independent indicator. Depending on source rock composition, the geochemical parameters used in this study may also help to investigate depositional energy regimes of other siliciclastic sedimentary systems.     

Temporal and spatial distribution of trace metals in sediments from the northern Yellow Sea coast,China: implications for regional anthropogenic processes

Surface sediment samples from 17 sites in the Yantai coastal area, the northern Yellow Sea, China, combined with a sediment core were employed for geochemical and chronological analyses for the purpose of characterizing the temporal and spatial distribution of trace metals in sediments and their implications for anthropogenic processes. The results indicated that the spatial distribution of trace metals (Cr, Ni, Ti, Pb, As, Zn, Mn and Cu) in surface sediments was significantly contributed by the sewage discharges along the Yantai coast, and the coastal currents played a major role for transporting the pollutants to offshore. The temporal concentrations of trace metals in the sediment core based on the chronology determined by a combination of radionuclide ¹³⁷Cs and ²¹⁰Pb activity demonstrated that trace metal concentrations increased step-wisely over the last ca. 100 years, corresponding to the intensity of anthropogenic processes in the Yantai area. The high levels of Cu and As before the late 1970s indicated the agricultural emission from the application of pesticides. While, all the high-trace metal concentrations since the early 1980s could be seen as diagnostic indictors of increasing industrialization, urbanization and sewage discharge in the Yantai area. Although the potential ecological risk evaluation of trace metals in the coastal area suggests low-potential ecological risk at present, some trace metals, such as As and Pb need particular attention due to their slight contamination.     

Relationship of manganese-iron oxides and associated heavy metals to grain size in stream sediments

The distribution of ammonium citrate-leachable lead, zinc and cadmium among size fractions in stream sediments is strongly influenced by the presence of hydrous Mn-Fe oxides in the form of coatings on sediment grains. Distribution curves showing leachable metals as a function of particle size are given for eight samples from streams in New York State. These show certain features in common; in particular two concentrations of metals, one in the finest fractions, and a second peak in the coarse sand and gravel fraction. The latter can be explained as a result of the increasing prevalence and thickness of oxide coatings with increasing particle size, with the oxides serving as collectors for the heavy metals. The distribution of Zn and Cd in most of the samples closely parallels that of Mn; the distribution of Pb is less regular and appears to be related to Fe in some samples and Mn in others. The concentration of metals in the coarse fractions due to oxide coatings, combined with the common occurrence of oxide deposition in streams of glaciated regions, raises the possibility of using coarse materials for geochemical surveys and environmental heavy-metal studies.     

Mineralogy,chemistry, and grain size composition of recent sediments in the northern Tyrrhenian Sea: Contribution to the study of sediment transport and distribution

As a contribution to an environmental study on Tuscany's marine shelf, textural, mineralogical, and chemical characteristics of recent sediments in the northern Tyrrhenian Sea between Elba Island and Livorno have been analyzed. The data provide clear information on sediment sources and movement patterns. The main sediment source appears to be the Cecina River; very subordinate is the contribution of the Fine River. As to sediment movement patterns, the surveyed basin appears to be divided into two subbasins: (1) a greater, southern subbasin, bounded by Tuscany mainland, Elba Island and Elba Ridge, and Capraia Isle, and Vada Shoals; and (2) a smaller, northern subbasin, enclosed between Vada Shoals and Meloria Shoals (off Livorno port).In the former the coarse-grade Cecina River sediments are transported southward along most of the mainland coast by littoral drift and coastal current; a northward flowing countercurrent seems to be active only in the southernmost part. Silts and clays are distributed in concentric belts around basin's central part, being transported mainly by slow circular water movements. In the marginal western zone, very little terrigenous influx is coupled with a high biologic productivity, and biogenic debris sedimentation prevails there.In the northern subbasin the sediment contribution from Fine River is more appreciable. Here the environmental energies are very low and the coarse sediments are restricted to a few small pocket beaches where they are deposited by local creeks. Most of the subbasin area is occupied by sapropelitic muds, again distributed by slow small-scale gyres.     

Geological factors affecting the distribution of trace metals in glacial sediments of central Newfoundland

 In central Newfoundland (NTS 12A/10, 15, 16, 2H/1), As, Pb, and Zn concentrations in the clay-sized (<0.002 mm) and silt and clay-sized (<0.063 mm) fractions of till reflect compositional differences among and within rock terranes at scales of kilometers to tens of kilometers. In those fractions, till derived from volcanic bedrock of Victoria Lake Group (Tulks Hill) is notably enriched in As (50–>1000 ppm), exceeding levels commonly set for purposes of environmental protection. Near Pb-Zn mines at Buchans, geochemical variation with depth reflects the dispersal of detritus from mineralized bedrock, and differences in sediment type and provenance. There, surface sediments are rich in granitic debris derived from the Topsails igneous terrane 5 km north of Buchans and contain low concentrations of trace metals. These sediments are compositionally unrelated to either Buchans Group volcanic rock or an underlying, older till enriched in sulphide minerals and trace metals. Metal-rich till extending up to 10 km southwest of Buchans results from combined glacial and debris flow transport related to two distinct geological events. Trace metals are enriched (two- to fourfold) in the clay-sized fraction of till compared to the silt and clay-sized, and are associated with Al- and Mg-bearing minerals that preferentially concentrate in the clay fraction. The geochemistry of the silt and clay-sized fraction can approximate that of the <2-mm fraction. Background variations in till illustrate the important role of a geological framework to the interpretation of geochemical surveys and the origins of trace metals in the environment. Received: 31 October 1996 · Accepted: 27 May 1997     

Particulate trace metal speciation in stream sediments and relationships with grain size: Implications for geochemical exploration

Sediment samples were collected from streambeds in an undisturbed watershed in eastern Quebec (Gaspé Peninsula). Two sampling sites were located on a stream draining an area of known mineralization (Cu, Pb, Zn) and two on a control stream. The sediment samples were separated into 8 distinct size classes in the 850 μm to <1 μm size range by wet sieving, gravity sedimentation or centrifugation. Each sediment subsample was then subjected to a sequential extraction procedure designed to partition the particulate heavy metals into five fractions: (1) exchangeable; (2) specifically adsorbed or bound to carbonates; (3) bound to Fe-Mn oxides; (4) bound to organic matter; (5) residual. The following metals were analyzed in each extract: Cu, Pb, Zn; Fe, Mn.Comparison of samples from the mineralized area with control samples revealed the expected increase in total concentrations for Cu, Pb and Zn. Non-detrital metals were mainly associated with Fe oxides (specifically adsorbed; occluded) and with organic matter or resistant sulfides. For a given sample, variation of trace metal levels in fractions 2 and 3 with grain size reflected changes in the available quantities of the inorganic scavenging phase (FeOx/MnOx); normalization with respect to Fe and Mn content in fraction 3 greatly reduced the apparent dependency on grain size.The results of this study suggest that a single reducing extraction (NH₂OH.HCl) could be used advantageously to detect anomalies in routine geochemical surveys. A second leaching step with acidified H₂O₂ could also be included, as the trace metal concentrations in fraction 4, normalized with respect to organic carbon content, also showed high {anomaly/background} ratios.     

Metal accumulation in surface salt marsh sediments of the Bay of Fundy,Canada

We measured the amount of arsenic, chromium, copper, lead, nickel, vanadium, and zinc accumulated over a five-year period from 1997 to 2002 in surface sediments of seven salt marshes along the New Brunswick coast of the Bay of Fundy, Canada. Study sites extended from outer to inner Bay, spanning a gradient in tidal range (6–12 m) and mean sediment deposition rate (0.27–1.76 cm yr⁻¹). In each study site, metal concentrations were measured in low and high marsh areas. Concentrations of chromium, nickel, and zinc appear to be within their natural range, while arsenic, lead, and vanadium are enriched in some sites. Calculated sediment metal loadings rates showed variability among marsh sites that closely followed sediment deposition patterns, suggesting sediment deposition rate is the driving factor of short-term metal accumulation in Fundy marshes. The value of salt marshes as a sink for metals may be enhanced by high sedimentation rates.     

Influence of the Yangtze River and grain size on the spatial variations of heavy metals and organic carbon in the East China Sea continental shelf sediments

Bulk heavy metal (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd), Al, organic carbon and carbonate concentrations, grain sizes, and δC¹³ of the organic carbon distributions were studied in sediments collected throughout the East China Sea continental shelf and the Yangtze River Delta. The results demonstrated that terrigenous sediments from the Yangtze River is a dominating factor controlling the spatial variations of heavy metals and organic carbon concentrations on the East China Sea continental shelf. In addition, grain size and recent anthropogenic influences are also major factors modifying the spatial and vertical variations of heavy metals.Large spatial variations with a band type distribution of heavy metals, grain size, organic carbon and carbonate were observed. Higher concentrations of heavy metal and light δC¹³ of the organic carbon were found primarily in the Deltaic and inner shelf sediments. The band type distribution generally followed the coastline with little variations in the north–south direction. Away from the Delta and inner shelf (west–east direction), most heavy metal concentrations decreased rapidly with the exception of Cd where high concentrations of Cd were also found in the carbonate-rich shelf break sediments. Coarse-grained relict sediments and biogenic carbonate are two primary diluting agents for the fine-grained aluminosilicate sediments from the Yangtze River with high concentrations of heavy metals.Unusually high concentrations of Cu, Pb, and Cd showed both spatially and vertically that more pollution prevention measures are needed in the Yangtze River drainage basin in order to prevent further heavy metal pollution of the East China Sea inner continental shelf.     

Paleoenvironments and correlations of interglacial sediments in the North Sea

Benthic foraminiferal faunas suggesting interglacial climatic conditions are present in several shallow drillings in the North Sea and in northern Jutland. Denmark. The interglacial deposits in six of the cores arc correlated by means of isoleucine epimerization, paleomagnetic data and environmental inferences. Four episodes of interglacial circulation are recorded in sediments of Brunhes age and one warm episode is found just below the Brunhes Matuyama boundary. The Holocene and Eemian faunas of the North Sea are richer in species and individuals and contain more thermophilous species than the older interglacial faunas. However. a much more northern distribution of Bulimina marginata in sediments of Eemian age suggests that oceanic circulation was different during this period than during the Holocene. Sediments of the three other Brunhes interglacials (the Holsteinian, the Norwegian Trench and the Devils Hole Interglacial) and the Leerdam Interglacial record periods of relatively cooler conditions and possibly reduced inflow of Atlantic water.     

Distribution of grain size, clay mineralogy and organic matter of surface sediments from Tirumalairajanar Estuary, Tamilnadu, east coast of India

The aim of this study is to understand the various sources and factors controlling the abundance and distribution of clay minerals, sand, silt, clay and organic matter of the surface sediments of Tirumalairajanar Estuary in two different seasons. The study was undertaken for two seasons, based on ten selected stations all along the estuary, mouth and freshwater zone. Furthermore, along the estuary region, clay and silt were observed and also at few stations in the upstream end. Organic matters in the sediments appeared to be the main mechanisms for the distribution of clay minerals in estuary indicated that the distributions of clay minerals were comparatively higher during postmonsoon than in premonsoon season. The clay mineral assemblage consists mainly of chlorite, kaolinite, montmorillonite, illite and very scarce gibbsite. The clay from the sediments has been separated and studied for mineral identification using X-ray diffraction analysis. The present study also reveals that sediment texture is one of the main controlling factors for the distribution of organic matter.     

大连长兴岛砂质沉积物粒度分布与石英表面结构特征研究

文章对位于渤海东缘的长兴岛地区发现的、以互层形式存在的黄土与砂土沉积剖面各层样品进行粒度分析与石英颗粒扫描电子显微镜观察,阐明了研究区沉积物的沉积特征,并探讨了物质来源与沉积环境。研究结果表明,长兴岛砂质沉积剖面上层黄土沉积（CXD5、CXD7）以粉砂为主,粒度分布频率曲线呈双峰分布且石英颗粒表面形态兼具风成与水成特征,推断其物质来源以近源为主,远源为辅;下层砂质沉积（CXD1、CXD2）粒度以中细砂为主,且石英颗粒表面水成特征明显,推测为近源物质搬运沉积;中间层（CXD3、CXD4和CXD6）粉砂含量显著增加,中细砂含量减少,且石英颗粒的硅质再沉淀作用显著,呈现过渡特征。研究结果表明,长兴岛砂质沉积物剖面存在砂层与黄土层相间分布的特征,且沉积环境以近源为主、远源为辅,为典型的陆架沙漠化沉积环境特征。

     

广西茅尾海入海河口表层沉积物重金属分布及风险评价

为揭示茅尾海入海河口表层沉积物中重金属分布特征及生态风险,在茅岭江、大榄江、钦江入海河口采集13件表层沉积物样品进行重金属分析。研究结果表明,茅尾海沉积物中重金属As、Cd、Cr、Cu、Hg、Pb、Zn含量平均值分别为7.78×10-6、0.14×10-6、37.6×10-6、18.9×10-6、0.004 8×10-6、22.5×10-6、54.7×10-6,均低于GB 18668—2002的一类标准。沉积物中重金属空间分布差异较大,茅尾海东部工业区和西部茅岭江附近具有较高的重金属含量。重金属污染分析表明,大部分重金属元素显示为无污染—轻度污染水平,Cr具有中等污染水平;生态风险分析显示,重金属总体处于较低潜在风险,东部工业区Hg、Cd显示出中等生态风险。通过相关性分析、聚类分析、主成分分析探讨重金属污染物来源,结果显示重金属污染主要受河流控制,Hg、As、Cd还受到临港工业区废水排放的影响。综合研究表明,茅尾海生态环境总体较好,但建议重点关注东部工业区重金属排污状况。     

Distinction between sortable silts and aggregated particles in muddy intertidal sediments of the East Frisian Wadden Sea, southern North Sea

In muddy sediments, the distinction between sortable silt and aggregated silty clay is important for the understanding of fine particle dynamics because both have different hydraulic properties. The Wadden Sea of the southern North Sea is severely depleted in fine-grained sediments mainly due to high energy levels along the diked coastline. As a result, muddy sediments are restricted to a narrow belt along the diked mainland shore. In the present study, the mechanism by which this mud is deposited and how floc deposition and break-up are reflected in the size distribution, has been investigated. For this purpose, surficial sediments from four intertidal nearshore transects were monitored and repeatedly sampled in the course of two years. High-resolution grain-size analyses were performed by an automated settling tube and a Sedigraph particle analyser for the sand and mud fractions, respectively.The grain size frequency distributions of the fine fractions demonstrate that the Wadden Sea muds are composed of two subpopulations, a well-sorted coarse silt and an unsorted silty clay population. A depletion of grain size around 8 μm (7 phi) demarcates the grain-size boundary between the two populations, suggesting that the finer mud population (< 8 μm) is deposited in the form of flocs and aggregates which are hydraulically equivalent to the local sands and coarser silts. Floc break-up and reconstitution in response to seasonally changing energy regimes lead to apparent seasonal sedimentation patterns in the back-barrier tidal basins. Furthermore, in the course of sample preparation, the flocs and aggregates are broken down into their constituent particles. This mechanical artefact in the size distributions produces an artificial seasonal fining/coarsening pattern. It was found that the comparison of clay/silt and < 8 μm/63 − 8 μm particle ratios are good indicators of floc behaviour. Higher ratios are found in mixed flats which are relatively protected from wave action, thereby promoting deposition of flocs. In addition, progressive size sorting and mixing processes along the transects are recognized in the frequency distributions of sands. The skewness pattern shows a landward decrease in positive values, which is exactly opposite to previously reported patterns, suggesting progressive winnowing of fine particles caused by increased wave action over the last decade. This effect of climate change further promotes depletion of fine-grained sediments in the basin.     

Origin and composition of organic matter in tidal flat sediments from the German Wadden Sea

Two sediment cores of up to 550 cm length from an intertidal flat of the German Wadden Sea near the island of Spiekeroog were investigated for the quantity and composition of fossil organic matter (OM). The lowermost parts of the cores are dominated by grey mud of a salt marsh facies containing mainly terrestrial OM estimated to account for 60–75% of the total OM, based on δ¹³C values and the ratio of short to long chain n-alkanols. The terrigenous origin of the dominant fraction is indicated, among others, by high proportions of C₂₉ sterols and long chain n-alkanes typical of plant waxes. Coarse shell beds overlying the grey mud at 2–2.5 m depth represent a flooding and erosion event possibly related to heavy storm floods in the Middle Ages. Within the intertidal sand-dominated sediments in the upper parts of the cores total organic carbon (TOC) contents are generally low, ranging from 0.1% to 0.5%, and correlate well with the amount of mud fraction (r² 0.90). At the surface, marine OM has not undergone intense diagenetic alteration and so is the dominant fraction. Eroded peat particles are common throughout most of the sequence and values of the Phragmites peat indicator (PPI) > 5 indicate an origin from reed peat due to a high relative abundance of the n-C₂₄ alkane. Changes in the composition of microbial communities over the depth interval investigated are documented by varying compositions of unsaturated fatty acids with 16 and 18 carbons. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was detected along the entire cores and indicates the presence of EPA-producing bacterial strains.     

Preliminary assessment of trace metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the sediments

Total concentrations of Cd, Cr, Co, Fe, Pb, Ni, Mn and Zn were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in the surface sediments of Taylor Creek, Southern Nigeria. The most concentrated trace metals, ranging from 113.2 to 5160.7 mg/g-dry weights were Fe, Pb, Mn, Ni and Zn. There was no significant variation in sediment-associated metal levels (P>0.05). The metal pollution index was highest at Agbia/Nedugo and is attributed to local contamination of the Creek. The concentrations of low molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were also detected and quantified in the sediments by capillary gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionization detector. The concentration levels of 178.1-1266.3 mg/g-wet weights were high for the PAHs. The results indicate that the pollutants, which are bio-accumulatable, could contribute to inferior biodiversity, and shifts in community composition from sensitive to tolerant taxa.     

南海中北部表层沉积硅藻的高分辨空间分布及其与现代环境因子的关系

本文通过对南海中北部1 266个站位19种硅藻的生物地理分布格局及其对环境因子偏好的研究,查清了南海中北部沉积硅藻高分辨的空间展布特征,并探讨了硅藻分布与海洋环境因子的关系。南海北部陆架和西部陆架表层沉积硅藻以广温的半咸水潮间带种或沿岸种和咸水-半咸水浅海种为主,珠江口以东的粤东北部陆架Paralia sulcata呈集中分布,粤西北部陆架多样性最佳,Cyclotella stylorum相对富集,西部陆架则以Cyclotella striata占显著优势。北部陆坡和西部陆坡以热带浮游远洋种为主,其中Azpeitia nodulifera和Nitzschia marina分别在琼东南陆坡、西部陆坡和东北部陆坡占优势地位,Chaetoceros messanensis、Fragilariopsis doliolus集中分布于北部陆坡。深海盆以热带浮游远洋种为主,A.nodulifera最具优势,其次为N.marina,Thalassionema nitzschioides和Thalassiosira eccentrica在吕宋海峡入口、深海盆东部和东南部礼乐岛坡集中分布。硅藻种和环境因子的Pearson相关性分析和冗余分析表明,热带远洋种与表层海水温度显著正相关,广温广布种与温度和盐度呈一定正相关,多数沿岸种和浅海种与盐度显著负相关。硅藻组合与海洋流系控制下的环境因子关系密切。可分为6个硅藻组合,其中陆架区3个组合主要受到盐度和营养盐(NO₃,PO₄,SiO₄)浓度的影响,陆坡区2个组合主要受表层海水温度、盐度和营养盐(PO₄)浓度的影响,而深海盆硅藻组合主要受温度的影响。对比前人研究,本文提高了对南海沉积硅藻空间分布认识的分辨率,充实了研究相对薄弱的西部陆架和深海盆的最新资料,佐证并修正了前人基于少量数据而得出的硅藻组合分区认识,消弭了前人观点的分歧。生物因素和沉积过程会使沉积硅藻对环境因子变化的响应关系更为复杂。     

Sedimentation rates and heavy metals in a macrotidal salt marsh: Bay of Fundy,Canada

Macrotidal salt marshes play an important role in sedimentary processes in estuaries and can act as a sink for fine sediments and contaminants. This study examines sedimentation rates and the history of heavy metal accumulation in the Allen Creek salt marsh in the Bay of Fundy, Canada. Pb-210 and Cs-137 measurements and accelerated mass spectrometer (AMS) dating indicate a sedimentation rate of about 1.1 cm/year, which is consistent with independent observations. Elevated normalized concentrations of As in the upper section of the deposit may reflect an increase in organic matter content while a consistent decrease in Mn toward the surface of the section may be due to a decrease in natural supply. A peak in metal concentrations in the early to mid twentieth century is attributed to inputs from local foundries.     

青藏高原东北缘循化盆地中中新世—早上新世黏土矿物及其古气候意义

青藏高原东北缘古气候可能受控于全球变冷、青藏高原隆升及局地地形变化的影响。为解析气候演化过程及驱动因素,本文以青藏高原东北缘循化盆地西沟剖面作为研究对象,在已有古地磁年龄约束基础上,分析了中中新世—早上新世沉积物中黏土矿物的组成和微观形貌特征。结果表明,西沟剖面沉积物中黏土矿物主要由伊利石、蒙脱石、绿泥石和高岭石组成,其中伊利石含量最高,平均为59. 3％;蒙脱石次之,平均为18. 2％,绿泥石平均含量为12. 3％,高岭石平均含量为10. 2％。根据剖面中黏土矿物含量和比值的变化特征,结合循化盆地西沟剖面的沉积速率、孢粉记录、有机质碳同位素和沉积岩地球化学比值,并与深海氧同位素值（δ18O）变化曲线对比,将循化盆地14. 6~5. 0 Ma气候环境演化划分为3个阶段：14. 6~12. 7 Ma,气候干冷期,与北半球冰盖扩展引发的全球性降温事件有关;12. 7~8. 0 Ma,气候相对温暖湿润期,可能与循化盆地周围山体隆升有关,即积石山在~12. 7 Ma隆升至临界高度,成为西风带输送水汽的地形屏障,使得循化盆地内的降水增强;8. 0~5. 0 Ma,气候再次转向干冷期,该阶段气候的干旱化对应于青藏高原在8 Ma左右的快速隆升,高原进一步的隆升阻碍东亚季风西风带的暖湿气流向内陆的输送,从而引起区域干旱化。