Distributions of branched GDGTs in a tropical lake system: Implications for lacustrine application of the MBT/CBT paleoproxy

Branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraether (GDGT) lipids are abundant and ubiquitous in lake sediments, potentially allowing for a paleolimnological application of the so-called MBT/CBT proxy (methylation index of branched tetraethers/cyclization ratio of branched tetraethers). To investigate the origin and characteristics of these compounds in lacustrine environments, we examined the distributions of GDGTs in soils, river sediments and lake sediments from Lake Towuti on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. We found significant differences in the degree of methylation and cyclization (expressed by way of the MBT and CBT indices) between the soil samples and the aquatic samples, suggesting that there may be in situ production of GDGTs in the aquatic environment. Based on these findings, we urge caution in the application of the MBT/CBT paleoproxy to lake sediments and encourage more rigorous study of these compounds in freshwater environments.     

Distribution of branched tetraether lipids in geothermally heated soils: Implications for the MBT/CBT temperature proxy

Branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraether (GDGT) membrane lipids occur in soils and peat bogs and are assumed to be produced by anaerobic bacteria. Two indices based on the distribution of these lipids in soils, the Cyclisation of Branched Tetraethers (CBT) and the Methylation of Branched Tetraethers (MBT) index have been shown to linearly relate to pH, and to mean annual air temperature (MAT) and pH, respectively. To directly evaluate the impact of changes in soil temperature on the MBT/CBT proxy, we determined these indices in soils sampled from a transect away from two hot springs in California, which provided a set of soils similar in composition but with different temperatures (12–41 °C). The CBT values of these geothermally heated soils show a good relation with pH (R² 0.76), similar to that of a global MBT/CBT calibration set. Also, the relationship between MBT, soil pH and temperature for the geothermally heated soils is similar to that of a global soil calibration set, although the intercept for the geothermally heated soils is significantly lower, likely because our data set is based on in situ soil temperatures rather than MAT. The results confirm the dependence of the MBT index on soil temperature and pH and support the applicability of the MBT/CBT indices as a proxy for continental palaeotemperatures and past soil pH.     

Depositional environments in the Telychian Stage (Silurian) of the central Oslo region,Norway

The Telychian succession in the central Oslo region was previously interpreted as deposited in a relatively deep, calm environment showing a continuous transgressive development. A new analysis of fossil assemblages shows that sediments in the central districts were deposited at varying water depths in an environment marked by intense infaunal activity in soft substrates. Two small-scale fluctuations in sea level are attributed to eustasy. The maximum deepening events occurred during the Monograptus turriculatus and Monoclimacis crenulata graptolite zones. Previous depositional models include development of a trough to the north of the Oslo region in early Telychian time, which formed due to isostatic loading caused by an advancing thrust front of the Caledonian Orogeny. Bathymetric analysis shows a deepening in the Ringerike district in the latest Aeronian, which here is interpreted as a distal effect of the loading to the north. The local deepening led to reversal of the epicontinental slope between the northern and western districts and the central districts and the development of an east–west elongate positive area further south. The thrust front acted as a source of siliciclastic material; and when the front halted in mid-Telychian time the trough was filled in gradually by a prograding coast or delta. The diachronous Vik Formation is viewed as a distal development of this progradation. When the east–west oriented positive area subsided the Vik Formation was deposited in Skien to the south.     

Influence of environments of coal deposition on phosphorous accumulation in a high latitude, northern Alaska, coal seam

Although phosphorus is a very important biogenic element, its concentration in coal is generally low. Phosphorus (P) concentrations typically range from 0.001% to 0.229% in raw coals of the contiguous 48 states [Glick, D.C., Davis, A., 1984. Variability in the inorganic content of United States coals—a multivariate statistical study of final report, Part 10 (DOE-30013-Flo) to the US Dept. of Energy under contract no. DE-AC22-80PC 30013, 404 pp.]. Some Alaskan coal seams contain horizons that are unusually high in phosphorus. The present paper focuses on a bituminous coal from northern Alaska, where 0.15 m subsections of this coal seam have shown high phosphorous in certain subsections. In order to investigate the lateral extent of such high phosphorous bands in coal, the authors obtained three drill cores up to 3 km apart from the coal seam. A detailed investigation of the cores was undertaken to determine the nature and mode of occurrence of phosphorous minerals. Maceral composition allowed interpretation of environments of coal deposition. Acid-extractable phosphorous analysis of the subsections identified the high phosphorous horizons. Electron microprobe analyses identified the phosphorous mineral as crandallite. Correlation of high phosphorous intervals with corresponding environments of deposition suggests that phosphorous precipitation is promoted by an oxidizing environment with a lowered water table during the peat stage. A study of thin sections from high phosphorous samples showed that crandallite is associated with structured vitrinite and as cell fillings in fusinite. The study confirms the potential for using high phosphorous horizons for the correlation of coal seams, as noted in previous work by the authors (Rao and Walsh, 1997). A high phosphorous horizon is found at 0.45 m above the bottom of the seam in all of the drill holes, indicating a uniformity of the coal forming environment and the availability of crandallite constituent elements over the entire 3 km. The uniformity of high phosphorous concentrations through the top 2 m of the three drill holes also shows a distinct correlation.     

Late pleistocene and early holocene climate of Ny-Alesund,Svalbard (Norway): A study based on biological proxies

Subsurface sediments of a 120 cm deep trench from Ny-Alesund, Svalbard, were analysed for pollenspores and other organic matter contents. This study is supported by two AMS ¹⁴C dates (27, 200 yrs BP and 8,762 yrs BP) at the bottom and topmost litho-unit of the trench, respectively. The pollen record provides an evidence of a warm interval at about 27,200 yr BP (Late Weichselian and MIS 3) and cooling episode around 8,762 yr BP. This is also supported by the amount and type of organic matter as well as sediment type and depositional history of the trench sediments.     

Fluxes and distribution of tetraether lipids in an equatorial African lake: Constraints on the application of the TEX86 palaeothermometer and BIT index in lacustrine settings

The distribution of isoprenoid and branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraether (GDGT) lipids was studied in material from various sources in and around Lake Challa, a crater lake on the southeastern slope of Mt. Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), to examine the provenance of GDGTs in lake sediments and their potential application as palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic proxies. The study material included samples collected at monthly intervals in a sediment trap over one complete annual cycle, particles suspended in the stratified water column, profundal surface sediments, and soils surrounding the lake. The sediment trap time series revealed that crenarchaeol and related isoprenoid GDGTs were predominantly produced in January and February, following the locally prominent short rain season (November-December). The TEX₈₆-inferred temperature derived from sedimenting particles corresponded well with lake surface-water temperature at this time of largest crenarchaeol flux. Molecular ecological analysis showed that Group 1.1a and 1.1b crenarchaeota are the most likely source organisms of these GDGTs. GDGT-0 in the lake sediments does not only originate from lake surface-dwelling crenarchaeota but seems predominantly derived from archaea residing in the deeper, anoxic part of the water column. The main flux of branched GDGTs to the sediment was during the short rain season and is most probably derived from eroded catchment soils in surface run-off. However, a contribution from in-situ production of branched GDGTs in the lake sediment or water, or in groundwater cannot be fully excluded. We conclude that palaeoclimatic reconstruction based on branched GDGT distributions in lake sediments should only be performed when the origin of those branched GDGTs is well constrained.     

Flood‐plain responses to contemporary climate change in small High‐Arctic basins (Svalbard,Norway)

Changes in the supply of water and sediment to high‐latitude rivers related to contemporary climate change and glacier fluctuations largely determine the activity of fluvial processes. This study reconstructs fluvial dynamics since the end of the Little Ice Age (LIA) in two small, partially glaciated basins in the southern part of Spitsbergen, Svalbard Archipelago. We use a combination of aerial photograph interpretation, field mapping and dendrochronological analysis. Sequences of abandoned channels and glacifluvial terraces are distinctly visible in middle and lower parts of the Brattegg and Arie basins in this area. The advance of glaciers during the LIA in the upper part of the basins led to the development of a braiding pattern and to channel aggradation corresponding to the highest glacifluvial levels. The decreasing activity of these braidplains occurred at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, immediately prior to a significant incision period. A second generation of braided channels developed during the first half of the 20th century. Ice‐marginal lake development, less input of fine‐grained sediment to the river channel, and fast incision began from the second half of the 20th century onward. During the last two decades, the main fluvial response to the climatic warming has been contraction of flow within a narrower channel and the abandonment of braidplains. The increased lateral erosion and rate of downcutting and the formation of the most downstream reaches of the modern valley bottom occurred in the 1980s and 1990s. This process was intensified under flood conditions generated by extreme rainfall events. These micro‐scale (small partially glaciated basins) observations concerning the changes of the activity of fluvial processes since the end of LIA may be helpful for the reconstruction of past fluvial changes over longer time scales.     

Holocene alluvial environments at Barking,Lower Thames Valley (London,UK)

Deposit modelling based on archived borehole logs supplemented by a small number of dedicated boreholes is used to reconstruct the main boundary surfaces and the thickness of the main sediment units within the succession of Holocene alluvial deposits underlying the floodplain in the Barking Reach of the Lower Thames Valley. The basis of the modelling exercise is discussed and the models are used to assess the significance of floodplain relief in determining patterns of sedimentation. This evidence is combined with the results of biostratigraphical and geochronological investigations to reconstruct the environmental conditions associated with each successive stage of floodplain aggradation. The two main factors affecting the history and spatial pattern of Holocene sedimentation are shown to be the regional behaviour of relative sea level and the pattern of relief on the surface of the sub-alluvial, Late Devensian Shepperton Gravel. As is generally the case in the Lower Thames Valley, three main stratigraphic units are recognised, the Lower Alluvium, a peat bed broadly equivalent to the Tilbury III peat of Devoy (1979) and an Upper Alluvium. There is no evidence to suggest that the floodplain was substantially re-shaped by erosion during the Holocene. Instead, the relief inherited from the Shepperton Gravel surface was gradually buried either by the accumulation of peat or by deposition of fine-grained sediment from suspension in standing or slow-moving water. The palaeoenvironmental record from Barking confirms important details of the Holocene record observed elsewhere in the Lower Thames Valley, including the presence of Taxus in the valley-floor fen carr woodland between about 5000 and 4000 cal BP, and the subsequent growth of Ulmus on the peat surface.     

Comments on the environments and faunas across the Ludlovian-Downtonian boundary (upper silurian) at Siefton,Salop

A new temporary section across the Ludlovian-Downtonian boundary (Upper Silurian) at Siefton (Nr Craven Arms), Salop, England, is described. The sediments present in the section were deposited in both intertidal and subtidal marine environments. The shelly faunas across the section are recorded and considered to be transported assemblages. Both burrowing and boring trace fossils occur in the presumed subtidal environments. Evidence for a late Whitcliffian marine transgression, following a marine regression is presented.     

Comments on the environments and faunas across the ludlovian-downtonian boundary (upper silurian) at siefton,salop

A new temporary section across the Ludlovian-Downtonian boundary (Upper Silurian) at Siefton (Nr Craven Arms), Salop, England, is described. The sediments present in the section were deposited in both intertidal and subtidal marine environments. The shelly faunas across the section are recorded and considered to be transported assemblages. Both burrowing and boring trace fossils occur in the presumed subtidal environments. Evidence for a late Whitcliffian marine transgression, following a marine regression is presented.     

北极Svalbard、斯堪的纳维亚与挪威南部冰川物质平衡对比及其气候意义

利用1946—2005年北极Svalbard、斯堪的纳维亚及挪威南部冰川物质平衡资料,分析了冰川物质平衡的变化特征及其对气候变化的响应.结果表明:北极Svalbard地区冰川物质平衡具有较低的年振幅和较小的年际变化;环北极的斯堪的纳维亚地区和挪威南部地区冰川物质平衡则具有较高的年振幅和较大的年际变化;20世纪80年代末90年代初,3个地区冰川物质平衡均达极大或较大值,之后呈加速向负平衡发展之势.冰川物质平衡对气候变化的敏感性与其物质平衡状态有关:物质平衡越是趋向正平衡发展的冰川,其敏感值较高,反之亦然;海洋性冰川较大陆性冰川对平衡线高度变化(气候变化)敏感.平均而言,三个地区冰川物质平衡在观测期内的亏损量相对于零平衡状态而言,相当于气温上升了0.32℃.冰川净物质平衡对1℃升温的敏感性变化范围为-0.42～-0.99mw.e..a-1,对10%降雪增量的敏感性为+0.01mw.e..a-1～+0.57mw.e..a-1;平衡1℃升温导致的冰川净物质平衡消融需要降雪量增加24%.冰川物质平衡对气候变化的敏感性与其所处气候环境背景(大陆度)相关性,越是趋向海洋性的冰川其敏感性越高.     

Clay mineral sedimentation in high northern latitude deep-sea basins since the Middle Miocene (ODP Leg 151, NAAG)

High-resolution clay mineralogical investigations and their comparison with other sedimentological data from ODP Sites 908 and 909 (central Fram Strait) were used to reconstruct the paleoclimate and paleoceanography in the high northern latitudes since the Middle Miocene. Ice rafting has probably occurred since 15 Ma. The comparison of sand-sized components and clay mineral distribution demonstrate that both were not delivered by the same transport process. The input of the clay fraction is related to transport through sea ice and/or oceanic currents. A provenance change at 11.2 Ma is indicated by variations within clay mineral distribution and increased accumulation rates. This is interpreted as a result of an increase in water mass exchange through the Fram Strait. Decreases of the smectite to illite and chlorite ratio at Site 909 suggest a Middle Miocene cooling phase between 14.8 and 14.6 Ma, and a further cooling phase between 10 and 9 Ma. The intensification of glaciation in the Northern Hemisphere is documented by an increase of illite and chlorite from 3.4 to 3.3 Ma, which is synchronous to the onset of major Northern Hemisphere glaciation as indicated by oxygen isotope data.     

Deformation and metamorphism at the base of the Helgeland nappe complex,northwest of Grong (Northern Norway)

Pelites, carbonate-silicate rocks and mafic rocks occurring at the base of the Helgeland nappe complex northwest of Grong (N. Norway) were subjected together with the crystalline basement to medium grade metamorphism and threefold deformation during Caledonian times.During the first act of deformation temperature increased and reached a maximum of 600–650°C at 6–7 Kb after the cessation of the first deformation event. At the peak of metamorphism granitic, aplitic and pegmatitic rocks were formed.During the second and third acts of deformation the temperature decreased to 500–400°C. Mylonites, formed during the second act of deformation, indicate that there was nappe movement from NW to SE. Simple shearing with direction of the main elongation parallel to the fold axes was associated with the second deformation. During the third deformation simple shearing also occurred. However, elongation took place oblique to the fold axes and the sense of rotation was opposite to that of the second deformation.

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Zusammenfassung An der Basis des Helgeland-Komplexes nordwestlich von Grong (Nord-Norwegen) wurden pelitische, kalksilikatische und basische Gesteine zusammen mit dem Kristallinen Grundgebirge in kaledonischer Zeit von drei aufeinanderfolgenden Faltungsakten erfaßt. Dabei herrschten amphibolitfazielle Temperaturen.Während der ersten Deformation stieg die Temperatur an. Das Maximum von 600–650°C wurde, bei einem Druck von 6–7 Kb, nach der ersten und vor der zweiten Deformation erreicht. Gleichzeitig intrudierten Granite, Aplite und Pegmatite. Während der zweiten und dritten Deformation sank die Temperatur wieder auf 500–400°C. Im Zuge des zweiten Deformationsaktes entstanden stellenweise Mylonite, die auf Deckenbewegungen von NW nach SE hindeuten. Zweite und dritte Deformation sind beide rotational, während der zweiten liegt die Hauptdehnungsrichtung parallel zu den Faltenachsen, während der dritten aber schräg zu ihnen. Der Rotationssinn der dritten Deformation ist dem der zweiten entgegengesetzt.

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Résumé En Norvège septentrionale, au NW de Grong, la base du complexe d'Helgeland composée de metapélites, de roches calc-silicatiques et de roches mafiques, et le soubassement cristallin de ce complexe ont subi ensemble trois actes de déformation successifs à des températures du faciès amphibolites, pendant les temps calédoniens.Durant le premier acte la température a monté. Le maximum de 600–650° C, sous une pression de 6–7 kbar, a été atteint après la fin de cette déformation et avant la deuxième; des roches granitiques, aplitiques et pegmatitiques se sont formées au cours de ce stade. Durant le deuxième et le troisième acte de déformation, la température diminuait à 500–400° C. Des mylonites, indiquant un transport des nappes du NW vers le SE, ont été formées au cours de la deuxième phase. Celle-ci est caractérisée par un mouvement rotatoire par cisaillement simple, l'élongation étant parallèle aux axes des plis. La troisième phase était égalément une phase de mouvements rotatoires, mais en sens opposé et avec un élongation oblique aux axes.

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膨润土(蒙脱石)在城市环境治理中的应用

现代城市地质环境日益恶化,环境污染日趋严重.粘土矿物因具有特殊的层间域而具有吸附作用、离子交换作用等性质,在治理城市环境污染、净化城市空间等方面发挥着重要的作用.本文对利用膨润土(蒙脱石)在治理城市垃圾产生的渗滤液污染、修复和净化城市污染水体中的研究现状进行了综述.     

Thermobarometry of the Bleikvassli Zn-Pb-(Cu) deposit, Nordland, Norway

The Bleikvassli massive sulfide ore deposit is hosted by Proterozoic pelitic, quartzofeldspathic, and amphibolitic rocks of the Uppermost Allochthon of the Scandinavian Caledonides. Staurolite-garnet-biotite and kyanite-staurolite-biotite assemblages indicate that metamorphism reached the kyanite zone of the amphibolite facies. Geothermobarometry was conducted on rocks in and around the deposit using a variety of silicate and sulfide calibrations. Temperature determinations are most reliant on the garnet-biotite exchange reaction, with analyses obtained from 259 garnet rims and adjacent biotite. Results from nine calibrations of the garnet-biotite geothermometer are considered, but compositional limitations of many calibrations involving high Ca and Mn contents in garnet and Al^VI and Ti in biotite make many of the coexisting mineral pairs unsuitable. Average temperatures calculated from the two calibrations that most closely address the garnet-biotite compositions observed at Bleikvassli are 584 °C ± 49 °C and 570 °C ± 40 °C. The application of two calibrations of the garnet-staurolite geothermometer on a limited number of samples yields 581 °C ± 2 °C and 589 °C ± 12 °C, assuming a _H2O=0.84, based upon calculations of the modal proportions of gaseous species. Pressure determinations are less constrained. Phengite and plagioclase-biotite-garnet-muscovite geobarometers give average pressures of approximately 5.0 kbar and 8.5 ± 1.2 kbar, respectively. Pressures obtained from the sphalerite-hexagonal pyrrhotite-pyrite barometer average 7.7 ± 1.0 kbar. In consideration of these results, the peak metamorphic conditions at the Bleikvassli deposit are estimated to be 580 °C and 8 kbar. Received: 18 June 1997 / Accepted: 14 May 1998     

Landslides and neotectonic activities in the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) zone: Southeastern Kumaun,Uttarakhand

Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) zone is constituted of some of the landslide prone areas in southeastern part of Kumaun Sub-Himalaya. Role of landslides as natural hazard and hill slope modifying agent is well documented from various part of Himalayan region and southern hills of Kumaun particularly in the MBT zone, which are susceptible to various type of mass movement. The rocks making up the slopes has been put to a number of brittle deformation phases during the movement along the MBT, and are traversed by number of joint sets. In the open slope these intersecting joint sets forms wedges and are the most favorable site for initiation of rockfalls and other types of landslides. Landslides are taking place primarily due to high angle slopes, formation of structural wedges along the free steep slopes, sheared nature of the rocks due to proximity to the MBT and neotectonic activities along the MBT and other transverse faults. Wedge failure is a common type of landslides in rock slopes characterized by multiple joints and acts as sliding planes for the failed blocks. Field observations and wedge failure analysis indicates most of the landslides taking place in MBT zone of Kumaun Sub-Himalaya are joint controlled. Safety Factor analysis suggests MBT zone of Kumaun Sub-Himalayan region is prone to landslides and related mass movements. This zone is also neotectonically active as indicated by various geomorphic signatures such as structurally controlled drainage pattern, offsetting of fan by MBT and formation of number of small lakes.     

Mechanism of Varve Formation and Paleoenvironmental Research at Lake Bolterskardet, Svalbard, the Arctic

On the basis of observation of thin sections and 137Cs data, laminations in sediment are interpreted to be varves in Bolterskardet Lake (78°06' N, 16°01' E), Svalbard, the Arctic. Varves appear under a petrologic microscope as couplets of dark-silt and light-clay layers. The mechanism of varve formation is surmized as follows: each silt layer is the production of sediment inflow interpreted as mainly derived from snowmelt during summer; each clay layer was deposited in a stillwater environment during an ice-cover period. A light -clay layer provides an important index bed to identify the annual interface. The high accumulation rates, long period of ice cover, and topographically closed basin are probably all critical factors in forming and preserving varves. Varve thickness is known to be controlled mainly by summer temperature. The variation of varve thickness in Lake Bolterskardet can then be used to reconstruct summer temperature. The varve series show that there has been distinct decade-scale variability of summer temperature over the past 150 years. Warm periods occurred in the 1860s, around 1900, the 1930s, 1950s, and 1970s, and in the last 20 years. The varved sediments of Lake Bolterskarde preserve an ideal record for high-resolution paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental research in this data-sparse area.     

Petrogenesis of a Stromatic Migmatite (Nelaug, Southern Norway)

The stromatic migmatites of Nelaug (Tvedestrand area, SouthernNorway) are investigated in detail. They show well developedlayers of leucosomes, mesosomes and melanosomes. It is establishedthat the mesosomes and leucosomes of these migmatites are differentfrom each other texturally, mineralogically, and chemically.Also combinations of leucosome plus adjacent melanosome portionsare chemically different from those of the mesosomes. Theseobservations do not agree with the findings of Mehnert (1971)and do not fit into his genetic model. The mesosome layers and the leucosome + melanosome combinationsare taken to represent the chemical compositions of the countryrock, a metagraywacke with relicts of primary rhythmic layering(Touret, 1965). The mineralogical composition of the layersvaries from granitic to tonalitic. Relict textures indicatethat the leucosome portions were initially occupied by layersof granitic composition relatively rich in K-feldspar, whereasthe mesosomes are the representatives of those metagraywackelayers which were relatively rich in plagioclase. An almostisochemical transformation of a paragneiss into the investigatedstromatic migmatite is established. Melting experiments performed at PH₂O= 5 Kb yielded solidustemperatures of 640±7 °C for all layers. The Composition of plagioclases present in the different layersis explained by isochemical partial melting and in situ crystallization.The chemical, mineralogical, and textural findings support themodel of almost isochemical transformation already establishedfor the Arvika migmatites (Johannes & Gupta, 1982).     

~(40)Ar/~(39)Ar Thermochronological Constraints on the Timingof Collisional Orogeny in the Mian-Lite Collision Belt,Southern Qinling Mountains

Silurian, Devonian and Carboniferous geological bodies in the Mianxian-Lueyang (Mian-Lue) collisional belt (MLB) and its neighbouring areas, southern Qinling Mountains, China, show similar characteristics of having undergone deformation of two stages. The earlier one, which is inferred to be related to collisional orogeny between the Yangtze and Sino-Korean palaeocontinents based on previous geological data, is responsible for large-scale, north-verging recumbent folds and overthrusts, and associated with low greenschist fades metamorphism. 40Ar/39Ar dating of three muscovite samples taken from different localities yields plateau ages of 226.9±0.9 and 219.5±1.4 Ma and an apparent age of 194.5±3.0 Ma. Thus, the late Triassic collision between the Yangtze and Sino-Korean palaeocontinents has been constrained.     

Late-Wisconsin marine environments of the Champlain Valley (New York,Quebec)

The Champlain Sea occupied the Champlain Valley from about 12,500 to 10,000 yr BP. Following an initial maximum limit of inundation, isostatic crustal rebound caused the sea's gradual regression, which is documented by the parallel alignment of tilted shoreline features at successively low elevations along a north-south profile. Two new radiocarbon shell dates, 11,665 ± 175 (QC 200), elevation 95 m, and 10,300 ± 180 (QC 199), elevation 47 m, date early and late Champlain Sea deposits, respectively. From the elevation (ASL) and invertebrate fauna of littoral deposits, three environmentally distinct phases of the sea were recognized. Early Champlain Sea Transitional phase deposits at high elevations are characterized by a mixed association of fresh and euryhaline marine ostracodes. Frigid-subfrigid climates and fluctuating salinities of this period possibly reflect intermixing of the fresh waters of Lake Vermont with incoming marine waters. Hiatella arctica phase faunas indicate similar climatic conditions but significantly higher salinities (polyhaline). Deposits from the final phase of the sea, the Mya arenaria phase, were found at low elevations just above the present level of Lake Champlain. A predominantly cold-temperate, mesohaline fauna characterizes this period. The influences of Lake Algonquin drainage, warm Gulf Stream water and perhaps the retreating Laurentide Ice Sheet are discussed as possible causes for the observed faunal and environmental changes.