Geochemical properties of core sediments from Qinghai Lake in relation to palaeosedimentary environmental change

Abstract

Main elements, organic carbon and stable isotopic composition were measured in a core of sub-aquatic sediment from Qinghai Lake, northwest China. The vertical distribution patterns of those geochemical parameters may indicate the paleoenvironmental change with time around the Qinghai Lake. The high concentration of sulfate in the lake water and lower contents of sulfur and selenium may indicate very limited biological activity in the lake and also low temperature in the surroundings area.