Cenozoic lithogenesis in the Baikal rift zone

Abstract

New data on the geological history and Cenozoic lithogenesis in depressions of the Baikal rift zone are considered with areas adjacent to Lake Baikal as example. In this region, rifting developed during the plain (Late Oligocene‒Early Pliocene) and orogenic (Late Pliocene‒Holocene) stages and was accompanied by the accumulation of plain coaliferous fan and orogenic molasses formations, respectively. The examination of Quaternary sequences in the Baikal region reveals that deposition and postsedimentary transformations of riftogenic sediments were intensely influenced by deep-seated water sources of the so far undivided stratal‒infiltration, elision, and exfiltration types, according to the classification in (Kislyakov and Shchetochkin, 2000). Deep processes in this region determined the elevated heat flow, volcanism, and extensive discharge of hydrothermal solutions and gas fluids. In our opinion, gaseous‒hydrothermal activity stimulated the formation of hydrothermal‒sedimentary rocks (dolomitic and calcitic travertines, geyserites, aluminosulfates), the accumulation of diatomaceous and carbonaceous oozes in Baikal, and the formation of a large methane gas hydrate deposit.