PLIOCENE-PLEISTOCENE DIATOMS AND ENVIRONMENTS IN THE NORTHERN TARTAR STRAIT

Abstract

Diatoms from a 34-m-thick member of Pliocene-Pleistocene sediments in the near-continental part of the Tartar Strait were studied. The beginning of the Pliocene was characterized by marine neritic environments indicating the stable influence of the Sea of Okhotsk waters. Warm-water environments were characteristic of the interval of 4.4-3.2 Ma, which is evidenced by subtropical diatom species. Their presence evidently reflects the periodically strong influence of warm Pacific waters and a weakening connection with the Sea of Okhotsk. The role of tectonics and climatic fluctuations was also considered.