Lithological and Geochemical Characteristics of Miocene Lacustrine Stromatolites from the Wudaoliang Formation in the Hoh Xil Basin, Northern Tibetan Plateau: Implications for the Paleo-environment

Miocene lacustrine stromatolites from the Wudaoliang Formation in Qinghai Hoh Xil, Northern Tibetan Plateau, reveal critical insights into paleo-environmental conditions. These stromatolites, characterized by dense and porous laminae, indicate a warm, arid-dominated climate conducive to their growth during the Cenozoic era. Oxygen isotope analysis suggests periodic hydrological changes in the basin, with evidence of decreased salinity over time. Geochemical data, including trace elements and rare earth elements (REE), show depletion in most upper continental crust elements and a slight negative Eu anomaly, further supporting the interpretation of environmental shifts. The study utilizes lithological observations, geochemical analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to reconstruct the paleo-salinity and hydrological dynamics of the Miocene Hoh Xil Basin.

Han, L., Qiao, D., Chen, B., & Shi, Z. (2022). Lithological and Geochemical Characteristics of Miocene Lacustrine Stromatolites from the Wudaoliang Formation in the Hoh Xil Basin, Northern Tibetan Plateau: Implications for the Paleo-environment. Geomicrobiology Journal, 40(1), 12–33. https://doi.org/10.1080/01490451.2022.2100947