Abstract

Reconstruction of Vendian climatic conditions on the East European Craton is of principle importance for elucidation of the Ediacarian biota habitat. However, paleogeographic reconstructions for this time are largely based on fragmentary and controversial paleomagnetic data. The degree of rock maturity deduced from lithochemical indicators allowed us to identify two stages of Late Vendian sedimentation on the Belomorian-Kuloi Plateau. The first (Lyamitsa-Verkhov) stage was characterized by the delivery of immature clastic material to the basin from a provenance with arid climate. The second (Erga-Padun) stage was marked by the input of relatively mature aluminosilicate clastics from a provenance with mild humid climate. The sedimentation stages approximately coincide with replacement of the shallow-water marine environment by the fluvioalluvial environment marked by steady and intense perennial river drainage from a highland in the northeast. In the Late Vendian (since 555 Ma ago), the northeastern area of the East European Craton was influenced by humid climate.

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