Glaciogenic and related sedimentary rocks: Main lithochemical features. Communication 2. The Paleozoic and Cenozoic

Lithochemical features of the Early-Late Paleozoic and Cenozoic glaciogenic and related sedimentary rocks around the world are considered. Comparison of the bulk chemical composition of diamictites with the average Post-Archean Australian Shale (PAAS) revealed that the diamictites do not show any lithochemical characteristics unambiguously indicating their formation under cool climatic conditions. The chemical index of alteration (CIA) often used in the paleoclimatic reconstructions should be considered as additional (though very important) tool, because it is controlled by local factors. Taking into account these facts, there are likely no grounds to expect that the amount of the redeposited sedimentary material in the Late Paleozoic and Cenozoic glaciogenic rocks is more than in their Early Proterozoic and Late Riphean-Vendian analogues.