Weathering and geochronology of a quaternary paleosol sequence in lower teleki valley mount kenya
Mahaney, W.C.
Catena 19(1): 99-118
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0341-8162 DOI: 10.1016/0341-8162(92)90019-8
Accession: 008004355
A sequence of paleosols, including residual regolith (saprolite), till, aeolian, volcaniclastic, colluvial and slope-wash deposits, dating from the lower Brunhes Chron (< 730 000 yr), was investigated to reconstruct the weathering effects and climatic intensities that occurred during three interglacial periods on Mount Kenya [Kenya]. Overall, weathering appears to have been least intense during the Lake Ellis-Naro Moru Interglaciation, and intensified progressively during the Naro Moru/Teleki and Teleki-Liki interglaciations. In comparison with weaker postglacial weathering of sediments emplaced close to the end of the Liki Glaciation (= Wurm), each interglacial episode left a more intense weathering imprint, which probably resulted from wetter conditions for long periods of time. Scanning electron microscopy of the sand fractions in these paleosols reveals the full extent of weathering differences between interglacial and interstadial climates.