MINERALOGY OF CONTINENTAL SEDIMENTS FROM THE ULAN-ZHALGA KEY SECTION (WESTERN TRANSBAIKALIA): RESPONSE TO QUATERNARY CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Abstract

We present the results of studying the material composition of Quaternary subaerial-slope sediments of the new key section Ulan-Zhalga (Western Transbaikalia) with a thickness of about 30 m. The research methods include X-ray diffractometry (XRD), infrared spectroscopy, laser grain size analysis, elemental analysis. Quartz, feldspar, clay minerals, carbonates, hematite and traces of amphibole were found in the mineral composition of the studied sediments. For the first time the composition and structure of carbonate minerals were shown as a reliable indicator of climatic changes in the Pleistocene and Holocene for the subaerial section. For correct identification and determination of quantitative ratios of carbonates the mathematical modeling of their XRD patterns by the Pearson VII function was used. It has been established that the structure of the section involves two thick sequences differing in lithological and mineralogical features corresponding to two major stages of sedimentation. The lower sequence was formed under conditions of moderate wind activity and relatively high humidity as evidenced by the widespread development of soil horizons and the presence of low-Mg carbonates. The upper sequence, formed under colder and drier conditions with increased dynamics of aeolian processes is characterized by the presence of calcite, high-Mg calcite and excess-Ca dolomite.