Seismic stratigraphy of Lago Fagnano sediments (Tierra del Fuego, Argentina) - A potencial archive of paleoclimatic change and tectonic activity since the Late Glacial

Authors

  • D. N. WALDMANN Section of Earth Sciences, University of GenevaRue des Maraîchers 13, CH-1205 Geneva, Switzerland.
  • D. ARIZTEGUI Section of Earth Sciences, University of GenevaRue des Maraîchers 13, CH-1205 Geneva, Switzerland.
  • F. S. ANSELMETTI Geological Institute, ETH-ZürichUniversitätsstrasse 16, CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland
  • J. A. AUSTIN Institute for Geophysics, John A. and Katherine G. Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at AustinAustin, TX 78759, Texas, USA
  • R. B. DUNBAR Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Stanford UniversityCA 94305, California, USA.
  • C. M. MOY Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Stanford UniversityCA 94305, California, USA.
  • C. RECASENS Section of Earth Sciences, University of GenevaRue des Maraîchers 13, CH-1205 Geneva, Switzerland.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1344/105.000000244

Keywords:

Paleoseismology, Lacustrine sedimentation, Turbidites, Paleoclimate

Abstract

Located at 54ºS in the heart of the Island of Tierra del Fuego, Lago Fagnano occupies the deepest of a chain of en-echelon tectonic depressions along the Magallanes-Fagnano Transform system (MFT). A recent geophysical campaign combining 3.5 kHz (pinger) single-channel with 1 in3 airgun multi-channel systems surveyed more than 100 m of glacio-lacustrine sediments filling two main sub-basins. These data provide a unique opportunity to visualize the most recent lacustrine sequence with high-resolution while simultaneously imaging the oldest infill. A preliminary seismic stratigraphic analysis of the high-resolution 3.5 kHz pinger data allowed the identification of three major seismostratigraphic units (A, the oldest and C, the youngest). While unit A is interpreted as glacially derived sediments, the overlying unit B is interpreted as fining upward sequences of proglacial turbidites reflecting sediment pulses released by the retreating Fagnano glacier during the last deglaciation. A major environmental change occurred during deposition of unit C when pelagic style of sedimentation is intercalated by sequences of downslope mass flow events probably triggered by relatively strong tectonic pulses along the MFT system. Gravity cores show a regular alternation of light and dark laminae occasionally interrupted by homogenous sedimentary units interpreted as turbidites. Ultra-high resolution X-ray fluorescence micro-profiles show fluctuations in major trace elements at mm scale that may indicate seasonal variations in the sedimentary influx. These core data provide a unique record of decadal changes in regional climate that can be compared with other marine and continental archives to improve our understanding of the forcing mechanisms behind climate change.

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2008-03-26

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Vol. 6 No. 1 (2008): GEOSUR 2004: Mesozoic to Quarternary evolution of Tierra del Fuego and neighbouring austral regions II

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