南海北部17937岩心四万年来古环境变化的分子有机地球化学记录

以分子有机地球化学为手段对南海北部四万年来的古环境古气候研究表明, U₃₇k’-SST表层水温在冰期、间冰期平均范围分别为27℃和24℃, LGM与全新世温差达4.5℃; 以高分子量烷烃所代表的陆源物质输入和长链不饱和酮化合物所代表的海洋初级生产力都呈现冰期高、间冰期低特征, 表明冰期时陆源物质输入的增加和海洋表层生产力的提高; 正构烷烃C₃₁/C₂₇记录了南方大陆的植被由冰期时草本植物占优势向间冰期时木本植物占优势的转变.说明南海在末次冰期以来气候的不稳定性, 和海陆生态系统对气候变化的响应以及分子有机地球化学在古环境古气候研究中的巨大潜力.      

Late Quaternary aeolian dust input variability on the Chinese Loess Plateau: inferences from unmixing of loess grain-size records

The grain-size distributions (GSDs) of loess–paleosol sequences may provide valuable information on provenance, transport and paleoclimate variability, and consequently, a wide range of methods to extract genetic information from loess GSDs has been proposed. Here it is shown that a genetically meaningful decomposition of a series of Late Quaternary loess grain-size records extending across the Chinese Loess Plateau can be accomplished with the end-member modelling algorithm (EMMA). The unmixing results in conjunction with loess accumulation rate estimates reveal that two contrasting dust supply patterns were active over the Loess Plateau during the last glacial–interglacial cycle: (i) a background sedimentation pattern that was dominant during interglacial periods, especially over the central and southern parts of the Loess Plateau, is reflected by the constant flux of the fine-grained loess component, (ii) an episodic, highly variable dust input pattern, that was dominant during glacial periods throughout the Loess Plateau and noticeable during interglacial periods mainly over the northern Loess Plateau and almost disappearing over the southern Loess Plateau, is reflected in the admixture of two coarse-grained loess components. A genetic interpretation and the paleoclimatic significance of the mixing model are provided by comparison of the modelled end members with modern dust samples in terms of their GSD and flux rates.     

Model insight into glacial–interglacial paleodust records

We present a new method of analyzing model results to help identify the sensitivity of the location of different paleodust records to estimate local to regional scale variability of dust and climate variables. We use model simulations of global dust distribution from the last glacial maximum, preindustrial, current, and predicted future. The dust model has been previously shown to match available observational data for the current and last glacial maximum climate. Here, the model is compared to available source provenance data and is shown to agree with these limited observations. Using correlations and slopes across different time periods, the modeled relationships between deposition at specific observational sites and regional deposition and dustiness are shown. In addition, we evaluate the modeled relative slope of these cores to determine the location of paleodust sites that are especially easy to interpret as regional indicators of dustiness. Model predictions suggest that deposition in Antarctic ice cores is usually better than dust concentration to capture regional deposition and dustiness variability over glacial–interglacial time periods, in agreement with ice core interpretations. For Greenland, the model predicts a possible shift from dominantly wet deposition under modern conditions to dominantly dry deposition during glacial climate conditions indicating that deposition may be better suited to capture dustiness variability under LGM conditions in Greenland. The model also identifies specific regions that are not well covered by observations for glacial/interglacial or anthropocene dust variability. In addition, we evaluate the modeled relative slope of the location of these cores to determine regions that would provide ideal localities for pursuing records that would provide easily interpretable paleo-proxy records of regional dustiness.     

白令海北部陆坡100ka来的古海洋学记录及海冰的扩张历史

白令海北部陆坡B2-9柱状样中生源组分的研究显示, 自MIS5.3期以来表层生产力指标的粗组分和蛋白石含量呈阶梯状增加, 反映表层生产力阶段式的增长.全新世表层生产力达到最高, 并且MIS3.2~2期高, 比MIS5.3~3.3期最低.高有机碳含量对应于高C/N比值, 显示有机碳混合来源, 不能作为表层生产力的指标.MIS5.1, 3.3~3.2期和全新世高的有机碳含量和C/N比值反映间冰期陆源有机物质输入量的增加.MIS5.3期至中全新世, 不断增加的陆源砂级和粉砂级颗粒组分说明随着气候的逐渐变冷, 陆架海冰在不断扩张.伐冰碎屑和碳屑颗粒冰期、间冰段和末次冰消期升高, 而间冰期降低, 反映冰期白令海陆架海冰扩张和间冰期海冰消融的过程.冰期海冰扩张与北美大陆气候的相互关联, 揭示了晚第四纪冰期旋回中白令海海冰扩张及其对全球气候变化的响应.      

Late Quaternary glacial–interglacial variations in sediment supply in the southern Drake Passage

Geochemical characteristics of marine sediment from the southern Drake Passage were analyzed to reconstruct variations in sediment provenance and transport paths during the late Quaternary. The 5.95 m gravity core used in this study records paleoenvironmental changes during the last approximately 600 ka. Down-core variations in trace element, rare earth element, and Nd and Sr isotopic compositions reveal that sediment provenance varied according to glacial cycles. During glacial periods, detrital sediments in the southern Drake Passage were mostly derived from the nearby South Shetland Islands and shelf sediments. In contrast, interglacial sediments are composed of mixed sediments, derived from both West Antarctica and East Antarctica. The East Antarctic provenance of the interglacial sediments was inferred to be the Weddell Sea region. Sediment input from the Weddell Sea was reduced during glacial periods by extensive ice sheets and weakened current from the Weddell Sea. Sediment supply from the Weddell Sea increased during interglacial periods, especially those with higher warmth such as MIS 5, 9, and 11. This suggests that the influence of deep water from the Weddell Sea increases during interglacial periods and decreases during glacial periods, with the degree of influence increasing as interglacial intensity increases.     

Organic carbon accumulation over the last 16 kyr off Vancouver Island,Canada: evidence for increased marine productivity during the deglacial

The organic carbon content of marine sediments is commonly used as a proxy for export production. However, in continental margin sediments a large fraction of the organic matter may be of terrestrial origin, and it is necessary to correct the total organic carbon data accordingly. Radiocarbon dating of bulk organic carbon, organic geochemistry and isotope data (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) are used here to characterize the type of organic matter present in Core JT96-09 collected at a water depth of 920 m on the slope off Western Canada. The quantities of marine and terrestrial organic carbon are then estimated using the δ¹³C data. The 16 kyr record obtained from Core JT96-09 suggests that accumulation of total organic carbon was highest during the late glacial and deglacial, but geochemical data indicate that as much as 70% of this carbon is terrestrial in origin. When the palaeo-record is corrected for this terrigenous input it is observed that accumulation of marine organic matter, and presumably marine export production, increased at the end of the last glacial contemporaneous with the Bølling, and that it peaked during the Allerød. Data from other palaeoproductivity proxies (i.e., bio-barium, opal and alkenones) also indicate relatively high productivity during the deglacial. These results indicate a return to modern upwelling conditions and high marine export production at ∼14.3 calendar kyr BP and a period of enhanced upwelling, relative to the present, during the Allerød.     

Paleoceanographic changes of surface and deep water based on oxygen and carbon isotope records during the last 130 kyr identified in MD179 cores,off Joetsu,Japan Sea

We reconstructed the paleoenvironmental history of surface and deep water over the last 130 kyr from oxygen and carbon isotope ratios of planktonic and benthic foraminifera in two cores (MD179-3312 and MD179-3304) from the Joetsu Basin, eastern margin of the Japan Sea. Our data showed that paleoceanographic changes such as influx of surface currents and vertical circulation were associated with global glacial–interglacial sea level change. Surface water conditions were influenced by the influx of Tsushima Current, East China Sea coastal or off-shore waters through the Tsushima Strait during interglacial or interstadial stages, and strongly affected by freshwater input during the glacial maximum. During interglacial maximums such as Marine Isotope Stages 1 and 5e, development of well-oxygenated bottom water was indicated. A density-stratified ocean with weak ventilation was inferred from the isotopic records of benthic foraminifera during the Last Glacial Maximum. Local negative excursions in carbon isotopes during deglacial or interglacial periods may suggest the dissolution of gas hydrates or methane seep activities.     

Elsterian‐Holsteinian deposits at Kås Hoved,northern Denmark: sediments,foraminifera, ostracods,and stable isotopes

The coastal cliff section at Kås Hoved in northern Denmark represents one of the largest exposures of marine interglacial deposits in Europe. High‐resolution analyses of sediments, foraminifera, ostracods, and stable isotopes (oxygen and carbon) in glacial‐interglacial marine sediments from this section, as well as from two adjacent boreholes, are the basis for an interpretation of marine environmental and climatic change through the Late Elsterian‐Holsteinian glacial‐interglacial cycle. The overlying glacial deposits show two ice advances during the Saalian and Weichselian glaciations. The assemblages in the initial glacier‐proximal part of the marine Late Elsterian succession reveal fluctuations in the inflow of sediment‐loaded meltwater to the area. This is followed by faunal indication of glacier‐distal, open marine conditions, coinciding with a gradual climatic change from arctic to subarctic environments. Continuous marine sedimentation during the glacial‐interglacial transition is presumably a result of a large‐scale isostatic subsidence caused by the preceding extended Elsterian glaciation. The similarity of the climatic signature of the interglacial Holsteinian and Holocene assemblages in this region indicates that the Atlantic Ocean circulation was similar during these two interglacials, whereas Eemian interglacial assemblages indicate a comparatively high water temperature associated with an enhanced North Atlantic Current. The foraminiferal zones are correlated with other Elsterian‐Holsteinian sites in Denmark, as well as those in the type area for the Holsteinian interglacial in northern Germany and the southern North Sea. Correlation of the NW European Holsteinian succession with the marine isotope stages MIS 7, 9 or 11 is still unresolved.     

Glaciotectonised Quaternary sediments at Cape Shpindler,Yugorski Peninsula,Arctic Russia: implications for glacial history,ice movements and Kara Sea Ice Sheet configuration

The coastal cliffs of Cape Shpindler, Yugorski Peninsula, Arctic Russia, occupy a key position for recording overriding ice sheets during past glaciations in the Kara Sea area, either from the Kara Sea shelf or the uplands of Yugorski Peninsula/Polar Urals. This study on Late Quaternary glacial stratigraphy and glaciotectonic structures of the Cape Shpindler coastal cliffs records two glacier advances and two ice‐free periods older than the Holocene. During interglacial conditions, a sequence of marine to fluvial sediments was deposited. This was followed by a glacial event when ice moved southwards from an ice‐divide over Novaya Zemlya and overrode and disturbed the interglacial sediments. After a second period of fluvial deposition, under interstadial or interglacial conditions, the area was again subject to glacial overriding, with the ice moving northwards from an inland ice divide. The age‐control suggests that the older glacial event could possibly belong to marine oxygen isotope stage (MOIS) 8, Drenthe (300–250 ka), and that the underlying interglacial sediments might be Holsteinian (>300 ka). One implication of this is that relict glacier ice, buried in sediments and incorporated into the permafrost, may survive several interglacial and interstadial events. The younger glacial event recognised in the Cape Shpindler sequence is interpreted to be of Early‐to‐Middle Weichselian age. It is suggested to correlate to a regional glaciation around 90 or 60 ka. The Cape Shpindler record suggests more complex glacial dynamics during that glaciation than can be explained by a concentric ice sheet located in the Kara Sea, as suggested by recent geological and model studies. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

石笋初始234 U/238 U值的冰量周期特征及其环境意义 ——以湖北三宝洞为例

石笋氧同位素记录具有明显的2万年周期,其他记录中广泛存在的10万年周期是否在石笋中有所表现目前还鲜有报道。通过对湖北三宝洞20支石笋的铀同位素数据的分析研究发现,石笋初始234U/238U值在序列连续性较好的640.3~299.6 ka B.P.时间段有强烈的10万年周期特征。在间冰期和冰期时,初始234U/238U值分别呈增大和减小状态。初始234U/238U值的10万年周期与全球冰量、黄土磁化率、黄土平均粒度和大气CO₂变化有良好的对应关系。这些对应关系表明全球冰量、大气CO₂对喀斯特区地球化学元素富集和迁移作用有重要影响。石笋氧同位素的显著岁差周期独立于石笋微量元素、高纬冰量和全球温室气体变化,暗示了太阳辐射变化对中低纬水汽环流的直接影响。石笋初始234U/238U与氧同位素、太阳辐射在冰消期时的对应变化支持北半球太阳辐射能量变化对冰期-间冰期旋回的调控作用。     

亚洲粉尘的源区分布、释放、输送、沉降与黄土堆积

根据亚洲粉尘关键区域(中国沙漠、黄土高原、青藏高原和中国历史降尘区)大气气溶胶中15～28种元素的浓度-粒度分布、沉降速率和通量分析,以及元素示踪系统的进一步解析,发现中国北方沙漠存在两个粉尘地-气交换较活跃区域,即中国西部沙漠和北部沙漠高粉尘区,且证明这两个区域及其邻区是亚洲粉尘和黄土高原黄土主要源区的中心区域;通过对5个亚太区域粉尘沉降量的模式估算,得出亚洲粉尘释放总量每年约为800Tg,约相当于全球沙漠排放总量的一半;粉尘与黄土的对比表明,亚洲粉尘区域尺度输送受季风环流控制,但间冰期时并不取决于尘暴过程,而全球尺度输送主要由高空西风完成,无论冰期、间冰期均受尘暴过程控制;粉尘通量的结果表明干沉降是粉尘在黄土区沉降的主要过程,且晚第四纪粉尘沉积的再改造份额不超过其沉积总量的10%;元素示踪系统应用于风成黄土,发现在间冰期北部沙漠源区输出的粉尘量增加,而在冰期西部源区输出的粉尘量增加.这种晚第四纪亚洲粉尘“源区摆动”的快速变化其实是全球千年尺度气候变化的一环,并可视为过去北半球大气环流长期变化的代用序列.     

Sea-level related resedimentation processes on the northern slope of Little Bahama Bank (Middle Pleistocene to Holocene)

Middle Pleistocene to Holocene sediment variations observed in a 26 metre long core taken during a cruise of the RV Marion Dufresne are presented. Core MD992202 was retrieved from the northern slope of Little Bahama Bank and provides an excellent example for sedimentation processes in a mid‐slope depositional environment. The sediment composition indicates sea‐level related deposition processes for the past 375 000 years (marine isotope stages 1 to 11). The sediments consist of: (i) periplatform ooze (fine‐grained particles of shallow‐water and pelagic origin) with moderate variations in carbonate content, carbonate mineralogy and grain‐size; and (ii) coarser intervals with cemented debris consisting of massive, poorly sorted, mud‐supported or clast‐supported deposits with an increased high‐magnesium calcite content. During interglacial stages (marine isotope stages 1, 5, 7, 9 and 11) periplatform oozes (i) are characterized by higher aragonite contents, finer grain‐size and higher organic contents, whereas during glacial stages (marine isotope stages 2 to 4, 6, 8 and 10), increased low‐magnesium and high‐magnesium calcite values, coarser grain‐size and lower organic contents are recorded. These glacial to interglacial differences in mineralogy, grain‐size distribution and organic content clearly show the impact of climatically controlled sea‐level fluctuations on the sedimentation patterns of the northern slope of Little Bahama Bank. The coarser deposits (ii) occur mainly at the transitions from glacial to interglacial and interglacial to glacial stages, and are interpreted as redeposition events, indicating a direct link between sediment properties (changes in mineralogy, grain‐size distribution, variations in organic contents) and sea‐level fluctuations. Changes in hydrostatic pressure and the wave base position during sea‐level changes are proposed to have triggered these large‐scale sediment redepositions.     

南海西部54万年以来元素地球化学记录及其反映的古环境演变

通过对南海西部上升流区MD05-2899孔开展高分辨率碳酸盐地层学和XRF岩芯扫描元素地球化学分析,重建了晚第四纪54万来以来东亚夏季风的演化历史,探讨海平面升降对南海西部陆源碎屑供应量的影响。研究选用了ln(Ba/Al)作为该海区古生产力的指标,ln(Br/Al)作为有机物的指标,ln(Ti/Al)作为陆源碎屑供应量的指标。研究结果显示,东亚夏季风在过去54万年以来强度不断增强,具有明显的冰期—间冰期旋回特征,在间冰期强盛和冰期减弱,是控制该海区有机物含量变化的主要因素。东亚夏季风不断强盛可能直接导致了南海周边陆地降雨增强,河流径流量加大,使得南海西部上升流区域的陆源碎屑供应量在间冰期明显高于冰期。研究发现,当相对海平面低于-60 m的时候,大面积暴露的巽他陆架可能向南海西部深水区输入大量陆源碎屑物质,造成研究站位的陆源碎屑供应量在冰盛期出现高值。因此,晚第四纪的东亚夏季风演化和海平面升降共同控制了南海西部上升流区陆源碎屑物质供应量的变化。     

Implications of Stratigraphic and Paleoclimatic Records of the Last Interglaciation from the Nordic Seas

Climatic reconstruction of glacial to interglacial episodes from oxygen isotopes in sediment cores from the Nordic seas is complicated by strong local meltwater contributions to the oxygen isotope changes. Combination of benthic and planktic foraminiferal isotope data with foraminiferal abundances and ice-rafted debris (IRD) allows separation of local and global effects and subdivision of the marine oxygen isotope events 6.2–5.4, which include the last interglaciation, into: (1) a meltwater phase after glacial stage 6, recorded by large amounts of IRD and low foraminiferal abundance, indicating surface water warming; (2) an IRD-free period with high deposition rates of subpolar foraminifera and other CaCO₃pelagic components, recognized here as the “full” interglaciation; and (3) a phase with the recurrence of IRD and the demise of subpolar species. Comparison of ice-core records and marine data implies that the global climate during the last full interglaciation and that during the postdeglacial Holocene were similar. The records show no significantly different variations in the proxy data. In contrast, the oxygen isotopes of planktic foraminifera and ice cores indicate significant differences during each of the deglacial transitions (Terminations I and II) that preceded these two interglaciations. These suggest that during Termination II the climatic evolution in the Nordic seas was less affected by abrupt changes in ocean–atmosphere circulation than during the last glacial to interglacial transition.     

Paleoclimate reconstruction based on the timing of speleothem growth and oxygen and carbon isotope composition in a cave located in the rain shadow in Israel

High-resolution ²³⁰Th/²³⁴U ages and δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C compositions of speleothems in Ma’ale Efrayim Cave located to the east of the central mountain ridge of Israel enable us to examine the nature of the rain shadow aridity during glacial and interglacial intervals. Speleothem growth occurred during marine glacial isotopic periods, with no growth during the two last marine isotope interglacial intervals and during the peak of the Last Glacial Maximum. This contrasts with speleothem growth in caves located on the western flank of the central mountain ridge, in the Eastern Mediterranean semiarid climatic zone, which continued throughout the last 240,000 yr. Thus, during glacial periods water reached both sides of the central mountain ridge. A comparison of the present-day rain and cave water isotopic compositions and amounts at the Ma’ale Efrayim Cave site with those on the western flank shows that evaporation and higher temperatures on the eastern flank are major influences on isotopic composition and the lack of rainfall. The δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C profiles of the speleothems deposited between 67,000 and 25,000 yr B.P. match the general trends of the isotopic profiles of Soreq Cave speleothems, suggesting a similar source (eastern Mediterranean Sea) and similar climatic conditions. Thus, during glacial periods the desert boundary effectively migrated further south or east from its present-day location on the eastern flank, whereas interglacial periods appear to have been similar to the present, with the desert boundary at the same position. The decrease in overall temperature and a consequent reduction in the evaporation to precipitation ratios on the eastern flank are viewed as the major factors controlling the decay of the rain shadow effect during glacial periods.     

Evidence of Saharan dust in upper Pleistocene reworked palaeosols of North‐west Sardinia,Italy: palaeoenvironmental implications

A multi‐disciplinary approach was followed to investigate two thick palaeosol strata that alternate with wind‐blown dominated deposits developed along the Alghero coast (North‐west Sardinia, Italy). Optically stimulated luminescence ages reveal that both palaeosols were developed during cooler drier periods: the first one at around 70 ka Marine Isotope Stage 4 and the latter around 50 ka (Marine Isotope Stage 3). In contrast, the pedological features indicate that the palaeosols underwent heavy weathering processes under warm humid to sub‐humid conditions, characteristic of the Sardinian climate during the last interglacial stage (Marine Isotope Stage 5e). To reconcile this apparent data discrepancy, a range of sedimentological and pedological analyses were conducted. These analyses reveal that the palaeosols possess a complex history, with accumulation and weathering occurring during Marine Isotope Stage 5e, and erosion, colluviation and final deposition taking place during the following cold stages. Thus, even if these reddish palaeosols were last formed during the glacial period, the sediments building up these strata probably record the climate of the last interglacial stage (Marine Isotope Stage 5e). Trace element and X‐ray diffraction analyses, together with scanning electron microscope images, reveal the presence of Saharan dust in the parent material of the palaeosols. However, no evidence of any far‐travelled African dust has been observed in the Marine Isotope Stage 4–3 aeolian deposits. It is possible to conclude that in the West Mediterranean islands, Saharan dust input, even if of modest magnitude, is preserved preferentially in soils accumulated and weathered during interglacial stages.     

Land–sea correlations in the Australian region: 460 ka of changes recorded in a deep-sea core offshore Tasmania. Part 2: the marine compared with the terrestrial record

We present an array of new proxy data and review existing ones from core Fr1/94-GC3 from the East Tasman Plateau. This core is positioned at the southern extreme of the East Australia Current and simultaneously records changes in both oceanography and environments both in offshore and in southeastern Australia. Microfossils, including planktonic and benthic foraminifera, ostracods, coccoliths and radiolarians, were studied to interpret palaeo-oceanographic changes. Sea-surface temperature was estimated using planktonic foraminifera, alkenones and radiolaria. From the silicate sediment fraction, the mean grain size of quartz grains was measured to detect the changes in wind strength. An XRF scan of the entire core was used to determine the elemental composition to identify provenance of the sediment. We also compare these data with a pollen record from the same core provided in an accompanying article that provides the longest well-dated record of vegetation change in southeastern Australia. In an area of slow sedimentation, Fr1/94-GC3 provides a continuous record of change in southeastern Australia and the southern Tasman Sea over approximately the last 460?ka. We determine that the East Australian Current varied in intensity through time and did not reach the core site during glacial periods but was present east of Tasmania during all interglacial periods. The four glacial–interglacial periods recorded at the site vary distinctly in character, with Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 9 being the warmest and MIS 5 the longest. Through time, glacial periods have progressively become warmer and shorter. Deposition of airborne dust at the core site is more substantial during interglacial periods than glacials and is believed to derive from mainland Australia and not Tasmania. It is likely that the source and direction of the dust plume varied significantly with the wind regimes between glacials and interglacials as mean effective precipitation changed.     

南海西部晚更新世以来表层海水剩余氧同位素及盐度变化

根据南海西部越南岸外MD05-2901岩芯成对的有孔虫壳体氧同位素和U3k7′-SST计算出过去450ka以来南海西部表层海水氧同位素～δ¹⁸O_water和盐度S_water变化记录,二者的变化范围在冰期分别为0.2‰～0.6‰和34.2‰～35.1‰,间冰期分别为-0.6‰～0和32.4‰～33.7‰,表现为冰期高、间冰期低的特征。相反扣除冰盖影响后的剩余氧同位素～δ¹⁸O_resid和剩余盐度S_resid,呈现冰期低、间冰期高的特征,在冰期分别平均为-0.5‰和32.7‰,间冰期分别平均为-0.3‰和33.1‰。研究认为该现象主要与赤道太平洋海域冰期纵向的ITCZ平均位置偏南导致的降雨增加有关,同时冰期温度低蒸发弱,间冰期温度高蒸发强以及冰期海平面下降,南海地理格局的改变、河流输入增多等因素也有一定影响。     

Changes in the source and transport mechanism of terrigenous input to the Indian sector of Southern Ocean during the late Quaternary and its palaeoceanographic implications

Changes in the terrigenous sediment source and transport mechanisms during the late Quaternary have been investigated using four sediment cores within the Indian sector of Southern Ocean, using the magnetic susceptibility (MS) and sedimentological records. Sediments deposited during the Holocene and other interglacial periods were characterised by low MS, low sand content, reduced ice-rafted detritus (IRD) input and increased illite possibly transported via hydrographic advection from the south. The glacial intervals are characterised by high MS, high sand content, increased IRD input and reduced illite clays, derived from both local as well as Antarctic sources. Significant reduction in clay fraction and illite content during glacials suggests that the erosive and transporting capabilities of the deep and bottom waters could have reduced compared to the interglacial times. The changes in terrigenous influx to this region were significantly influenced by the rhythmic glacial-interglacial fluctuations in bottom circulation and the position of the Polar Front.     

Palaeoclimatic inferences from upper Palaeozoic siltstone of the Earp Formation and equivalents, Arizona-New Mexico (USA)

The Late Palaeozoic configuration of Pangaea contributed to a palaeoclimatic extreme that was characterized by both icehouse and monsoonal conditions. This study uses sedimentological, geochemical, and provenance data from silty facies of the Earp and equivalent Supai Formations (Arizona, New Mexico) to shed light on atmospheric circulation and glacial–interglacial climate change in westernmost equatorial Pangaea. Five silt‐rich facies comprise both loessite and marine and fluvially reworked loessite. An initial aeolian origin for the silt is indicated by the remarkably invariant grain size and the laterally continuous, sheet‐like geometry of beds. The silt‐rich facies occur in repetitive facies associations (1–20 m scale) that form mixed continental‐marine (loess, marine‐reworked loess), shallow‐marine, and continental (loess, palaeosol) ‘sequences’. Facies repetitions of both mixed continental‐marine and shallow‐marine sequences reflect a linked glacioeustatic–glacioclimatic control, whereas the continental (loess–palaeosol) couplets reflect a primary glacial–interglacial climatic cyclicity linked to glacioeustasy. Stratigraphic interpretations suggest that aeolian silt flux maximized during glacial to incipient interglacial stages (lowstand to early transgression), and decreased significantly or ceased during interglacials (highstand to early falling stage). Detrital‐zircon geochronological data indicate a transition from dominantly north‐easterly winds during the Middle Pennsylvanian to north‐westerly and south‐easterly winds by the Early Permian, which trend is inferred to reflect the onset of monsoonal circulation in western Pangaea. Relative grain‐size data support the detrital‐zircon data, and exhibit a significant decrease from the Sedona arch/Central Arizona shelf (north) to the Pedregosa basin (south) sections. Whole‐rock geochemical data suggest a relatively unweathered source for the silt in the north, and detrital‐zircon data indicate significant silt was derived from the local basement. These large piles of silt(stone) preserve valuable information for reconstructing both long‐term evolution in atmospheric circulation and short‐term fluctuations in glacial–interglacial climate. Many such indicators for long have been applied to ‘recent’ (Plio‐Pleistocene) loess, but are equally applicable to ‘deep‐time’ strata.