Evolution of biosiliceous sedimentation patterns - Eocene through Quaternary: paleoceanographic response to polar cooling

Abstract

Biosiliceous sediments in the modern ocean reflect present-day oceanographic conditions and are incorporated into the geological record beneath regions of high surface water productivity. Although numerous regional factors influence the deposition and preservation of these sediments, the distribution of biosiliceous sediments throughout the Tertiary mainly records the presence of high surface water productivity which responds to changes in surface and deep water circulation due to progressive polar cooling and the tectonic opening and closing of oceanic gateways. In this paper, the evolution of biosiliceous sedimentation patterns for Eocene through Quaternary times is presented. Oceanic and continental sequences are integrated in order to address the response of biosiliceous sediments to changing global and regional conditions. -from Authors