Gypsum crystal morphologies in lake sediments for paleoclimate reconstructions: a case study in Fuente de Piedra playa-lake (Málaga)

Authors

  • Lucia Martegani Department of Biology and Geology, University of Almería, Spain - Andalusian Centre for the Monitoring and Assessment of Global Change (CAESCG), University of Almería, Spain
  • Fernando Gázquez Department of Biology and Geology, University of Almería, Spain - Andalusian Centre for the Monitoring and Assessment of Global Change (CAESCG), University of Almería, Spain
  • Claudia Voigt Department of Biology and Geology, University of Almería, Spain
  • Alejandro Jiménez-Bonilla Department of Physical, Chemical and Natural Systems, Pablo de Olavide University, Seville, Spain
  • Miguel Rodríguez-Rodríguez Department of Physical, Chemical and Natural Systems, Pablo de Olavide University, Seville, Spain
  • Klaus Reicherter Institute of Neotectonics & Natural Hazards, RWTH Aachen University, Germany

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55407/geogaceta104492

Keywords:

gypsum, morphological varieties, lake level reconstruction, playa-lake, paleoclimate

Abstract

Gypsum (CaSO4∙2H2O) is one of the most common evaporitic minerals on Earth. Its crystals exhibit diverse morphologies that can provide insights into their depositional environment. We analyzed the morphologies of gypsum deposits in a 14 m sedimentary sequence of Fuente de Piedra playa-lake (Málaga, Spain) to link its variations to sedimentary facies and changes in the past lake level. Precipitation of primary prismatic crystals prevailed during lake highstand periods. In contrast, lenticular gypsum crystals are consistently present throughout the entire core and do not seem to be related to specific lake levels. An exception are macro-lenticular crystals, which seem to be correlated with dry periods and high salinity water. Subrounded gypsum grains, eroded from former primary crystals, are also abundant along the sequence and usually concentrate in facies related to stages of lake agitation during highstand periods. Gypsum is generally absent during lowstand periods, which may indicate relatively high dissolve organic matter or, more likely, less interaction of the lake with the saline groundwater aquifer beneath. Our results suggest that the occurrence of some gypsum morphologies can be used to infer paleo-lake levels.

 

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Published

2024-12-02

How to Cite

Martegani, L., Gázquez, F., Voigt, C., Jiménez-Bonilla, A., Rodríguez-Rodríguez, M., & Reicherter, K. (2024). Gypsum crystal morphologies in lake sediments for paleoclimate reconstructions: a case study in Fuente de Piedra playa-lake (Málaga) . GEOGACETA, 76, 11–14. https://doi.org/10.55407/geogaceta104492

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Vol. 76 (2024): July-December

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Artículos

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Copyright (c) 2024 Lucia Martegani, Fernando Gázquez, Claudia Voigt, Alejandro Jiménez-Bonilla, Miguel Rodríguez-Rodríguez, Klaus Reicherter

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