Holocene sedimentary processes in the Turbio river valley (Chile, 30°S): Paleoclimatic implications for the semi-arid Andes

Abstract

The Holocene sedimentary history of the Turbio River valley in semi-arid north-central Chile and its relationship to climate variability is presented in this study. Fluvial landforms and sedimentary deposits serve as essential records for studying the long-term dynamics of fluvial systems in response to external factors such as tectonic and climatic influences. The study area, located in the Andean Mountain range, is highly sensitive to hydrodynamic changes and sediment transport processes, making it suitable for studying fluvial dynamics and their relationship to climate fluctuations over millennia. In particular, the transitional semi-arid conditions of this region provide an opportunity to link Holocene fluvial sediments to climatic shifts. This study presents the analysis of well-preserved sedimentary deposits that outcrop along the valley walls, including grain-size distribution, stratigraphy, geochemical composition and radiocarbon dating to establish the chronological context. Facies association analysis, along with geochemical data, allowed the interpretation of depositional sub-environments and their evolution through time. We interpret the Holocene sedimentary evolution for the Turbio River valley as six time periods that reflect shifts in sediment source, energy regime, flow types, and sedimentary processes linked to fluctuations between wet and dry climatic conditions. The sedimentary sequence is interpreted as reflecting an initial high-energy period with continuous surface runoff followed by two periods of formation of extensive lakes, likely separated by periods of runoff intensification. The later part of the sequence reflects a more stable fluvial landscape that led to the excavation of the sedimentary fill. This sedimentary record provides valuable insights into past climate variations and their impact on the hydrodynamic conditions of the fluvial system in the region. Comparisons with other regional records support a broader understanding of climate change in the semi-arid Andes of Chile.