Selim KAPUR, Meryem YEŞİLOT KAPLAN, Muhsin EREN, Selahattin KADİR

Comparison of stable isotope values of Quaternary calcretes from Adana and Mersin provinces: implications on controlling factors

Calcretes are widespread in Adana and Mersin provinces and form under different morphologies. Most calcrete profilescomprise a hard laminated crust/hardpan at the top, gradually intergrading into the nodular and/or tubular/columnar horizon withdepth. This study compares the δ18O and δ13C values of calcretes from both provinces and discusses the controlling factors andenvironmental conditions. The δ18O and δ13C values are characteristic for the pedogenic calcretes. The Adana calcrete mean δ18O valuesof the hardpan, nodules and tubes, and fractures-infills are 0.69‰, 0.77‰, and 1.04‰ PDB heavier than those of the Mersin calcretes,respectively. The overall difference between the two groups is 0.78‰ PDB. The differences are related to the high evaporation rate inAdana province in respect to Mersin province under similar climatic conditions, except for the evaporation rate. The high evaporationrate in Adana province is due to higher ventilation. The δ13C values of both provinces are almost the same, reflecting calcrete formationin soil with abundant C3 vegetation similar to contemporary vegetation. In addition, the mean δ18O and δ13C values of the hardpancalcretes slightly differ from those of the columnar horizon, showing a depletion in heavy isotopes. The depletion in the mean δ18Ovalues of hard laminated crust in respect to the columnar horizon is 0.09‰ PDB for Adana calcretes and 0.12‰ PDB for Mersincalcretes. This is related to the relatively thick water film from which the calcretes formed by precipitation and displacive replacementprocesses. The difference in the mean δ13C values is 0.32‰ PDB for the Adana calcretes and 0.11‰ PDB for the Mersin calcretes, andthe depletion in δ13C values of the hard laminated crust reflects proximity of the bioactive horizon in the soil.

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