Influence of volcanic glass on the magnetic signal of different paleosols in Córdoba, Argentina

Abstract

This contribution comprises geological and magnetic results obtained in loess and paleosols profiles outcropped in the Pampean plain (Argentina). The sedimentary sequence exposed in Córdoba province is represented by four profiles Corralito I, Corralito II, Monte Ral815o and Lozada, 32°S 64°14W (Argentina). These profiles were mineralogically described and magnetically analyzed. The sediments that compound the profiles contain volcanic glass between 20 and 90%. The results of two paleosols with different percentage of volcanic glass in the parent material (correlated to Marine Isotope Stage 5, MIS 5) exposed at Corralito I and Lozada, were compared; an important relationship between environmental magnetism signal and volcanic glass content was observed. All the results suggest that there are variations between different paleosols of the same area and age; such variations are attributed to content of volcanic glass in parent material; time of exposure of the parent material to pedogenic processes; and geomorphological place of each profile. At present, it is not possible to quantify certainly the paleo-precipitation index. Only qualitative interpretation can be done taking into account many variables of the geological system.