Geochemical and sedimentary constraints on the formation of the Venta Micena early Pleistocene site (Guadix-Baza Basin, Spain).

ABSTRACT: Despite the paleontological relevance of the terrestrial Early Pleistocene Venta Micena bonebed (Baza Basin, Spain), it lacks a comprehensive geochemical/sedimentological study. Here, we demonstrate that the 1.5-m-thick Venta Micena limestone formed in a relatively small freshwater wetland/pond located at the periphery of the large saline Baza paleolake. Two microfacies are observed, with high and low contents of invertebrate fossils, and which originated in the centre and margin of the wetland, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) mineralogy and paleohydrological characterization based on ostracod and bulk-rock geochemistry (δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O) indicate that the limestone reflects a general lowstand of the Baza lake, permitting the differentiation of freshwater wetlands

SUBMITTER: Granados A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8599509 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature