Paleoenvironmental reconstruction of a Neogene diatomite deposit from La Pampa Province (Argentina) - 03/09/24
Highlight |
• | The diatom evidence confirms that the CP diatomite deposit has a continental origin. |
• | A shallow and alkaline paleolake was established during Plio-Pleistocene in La Pampa. |
• | Volcanic ash provides Si and P for the diatom blooms and diatomite deposition. |
• | Small fragilarioids are ubiquitous in Northern Patagonia from the Plio/Pleistocene. |
• | CP Diatomite results from regional drying trend in the Patagonian Argentina. |
Abstract |
Diatomite deposits constitute siliceous biogenic sedimentary rocks primarily composed of diatoms. In Argentina, there is a scarcity of paleoenvironmental reconstructions for these deposits. This study focuses on the analysis of the diatom content in a Plio-Pleistocene diatomite from La Pampa Province. The aim is to identify diatom diversity and reconstruct the evolution of paleoenvironments. The studied section of 4.40 m is located at the CP site (38°08′40.5′’S; 67°09′23.2′’W, El Sauzal Formation). The profile is a laminated white diatomite with three levels of volcanic ash. Seven samples 50 cm-equidistant were extracted and oxidized with H2O2 for diatom analysis. 500 valves/slide were counted in order to calculate relative abundances. Diatom zones were defined using CONISS. The analysis revealed 72 morphospecies, with 28 of them exhibiting abundances > 4%. The diatom flora is predominantly composed of small fragilarioid diatoms accompanied by Discostella, Aulacoseira, Epithemia, Rhopalodia, and Cymbella species, indicating a lacustrine origin. At the base, a paleolake with a relatively alkaline pH, low nitrogen concentrations and high phosphates (volcanic ash) favored the growth of a diverse diatom community. Towards the top, the dominance of fragilarioids, the decrease in freshwater planktonic taxa and the presence of gypsum suggest a shallower environment with increased salinity during the drier periods of the Plio-Pleistocene.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Diatoms, Diatomite, Paleoenvironmental changes, Paleolakes, Neogene, Northern Patagonia
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☆ | Corresponding editor: Vicente D. Crespo. |
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