Facies structure and quantitative parameters of pleistocene pelagic sedimentation in the Indian Ocean

Abstract

We compiled lithofacies maps for the early and middle-late Pleistocene (Eopleistocene and Neopleistocene, respectively) pelagic sedimentation of the Indian Ocean and a database for sediment thicknesses in the respective stratigraphic subdivisions. Using these data, we calculated areas, volumes, masses, and intensities of accumulation of main sediment types for both Pleistocene subdivisions. A comparison of the results confirmed a strong increase in the rate of terrigenous sedimentation. Special attention was given to the evolution of siliceous and carbonate sedimentation of the biogenic type.