Chronology constraints on the complex sedimentary stratigraphy of the paleo-Yangtze incised valley in China

Numerous studies have documented the sedimentary sequences of the Yangtze Delta in response to relative sea-level changes since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). However, the pre-LGM sedimentary history of the paleo-Yangtze Delta remains unknown, especially for the formation timing of the basal fluvial sedimentary succession in the paleo-Yangtze incised valley. Here, based on luminescence dating techniques, the sedimentary stratigraphy of three sediment cores (YD016, YD014 and YD006) were constrained and the sedimentary successions were analyzed. Combining with previously published sedimentary sequences, we infer spatiotemporal variation of the stratigraphic architectures over the Yangtze Delta through the time spanning from the late Pleistocene to the Holocene (-50-0 ka). Our reconstruction for the paleogeography and environmental evolution of the paleo-Yangtze incised valley showed that the basal fluvial channel belts in the paleovalley associated with coeval laterally extensive paleosol-bearing stratigraphy at the interfluves occurred in the transition between marine isotope stage (MIS) 3 and MIS 2; the overlying sedimentary successions are characterized by the post-glacial floodplain deposits formed between 19 and 12 ka, and estuary to shallow marine deposits during early Holocene (11 -8 ka); and then the upper most is the Yangtze Delta depositional systems dated to mid-to-late Holocene (since -8 ka). Correlations of the chronostratigraphy of sediment cores over the cross-sections in this region suggest that a superimposed compound fluvial channel complex has probably characterized the paleo-Yangtze incised valley systems since MIS 3. Apart from the post-LGM infilling of the LGM incised valley, the basal MIS 3 fluvial deposits might represent the earlier infilling over another incised valley, which might be formed during MIS 4 although our cores have not reached yet. Such hierarchical incised valley systems in the paleo-Yangtze Delta were likely related to the late Quaternary sea-level changes. In addition, the relict inherited topography since the last glacial period could have played an important role in the stacking patterns of the paleo-Yangtze incised valleys.

Automated summary

This study uses luminescence dating techniques to reconstruct the sedimentary history and paleogeography of the Yangtze Delta. The results show that the sedimentary sequences in the paleo-Yangtze incised valley can be traced back to the late Pleistocene. The formation of the basal fluvial sedimentary succession likely occurred between marine isotope stage (MIS) 3 and MIS 2. The study also suggests that the hierarchical incised valley systems in the paleo-Yangtze Delta were likely influenced by late Quaternary sea-level changes and the relict inherited topography from the last glacial period.