Facies Structure and Quantitative Parameters of the Pleistocene Sediments of the Andean Submarine Margin

Abstract—The lithological-facies zonality of the Neo- and Eopleistocene sediments from two main areas of the Andean submarine margin is described for the first time. Processing of corresponding maps and isopach schemes using A.B. Ronov’s volumetric method made it possible to calculate the quantitative parameters of sedimentation for distinguished types of Pleistocene sediments. Terrigenous sedimentation predominated and was intensified during the Pleistocene. The accumulation of biogenic opal in form of diatom frustules was more intense in the Eopleistocene than in the Neopleistocene. This is related to the activation of the Peruvian upwelling caused by the upwelling of the Antarctic Intermediate Water.