Sedimentary environment changes during the Early-Middle Pleistocene transition as recorded by the Daumantai sections in Lithuania

Abstract

Two sections (Daumantai-1 and Daumantai-3) in East Lithuania expose Early-Middle Pleistocene lacustrine-alluvial, deposits which lie on a thin Neogene layer and on older Devonian rocks. They are overlain by glacigenic deposits. Geochemical, palaeomagnetic, magnetic susceptibility, plant macrofossil, and diatom investigations were performed to determine the changes in the sedimentary environment. Cluster analysis of the geochemical variables (10 major elements, 16 trace elements, total organic and inorganic carbon) revealed the element groups and factors. The lowermost units are characterized by a major influence of local material and significant fluctuations in heavy mineral content. These fluctuations might reflect short-term climate changes. The transitional units have more expressed trends, especially as regards the trace elements and Zr/Ti. The uppermost units are characterized by a slight influence of local material and small fluctuations in trace elements. The data analysed enable the subdivision of the section into units related to changes in sedimentary environment. The boundary of the Bruhnes/Matuyama reversal in the Daumantai-1 and Daumantai-3 sections was detected by palaeomagnetic studies and enables the stratigraphical correlation of these deposits.