BIOGENETIC SILICA IN LAKE SEDIMENTS: DETERMINATION AND PALEOCLIMATE SIGNIFICANCE

The biogenetic silica is an important fraction of lake sediments, of which most derives from the deposition of diatoms. The abundance of diatom is closely related to the lake water chemistry and its productivity, which depends upon the local environment around the lake. Recently, biogenetic silica has gradually become an effective mean for investigation of environmental changes internationally. In this paper, we reviewed the factors that influence the production and preservation of biogenetic silica, and discussed the problems existing in the determination of biogenetic silica, and its application in paleoclimate study. Suggestions are made as well for better determination of biogenetic silica.