Pedogenetic events affecting deposits of Marília Formation (Late Cretaceous) in the municipality of Campina Verde (MG)

This present research aims to characterize the paleosols of Marília Formation (Bauru Group) in Campina Verde, region of Triângulo Mineiro, in Minas Gerais, and identify the formation conditions during the origin and development of pedogenetic events. The Marília Formation outcrops in parts of the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais (Triângulo Mineiro), Mato Grosso do Sul e Goiás. It¿s characterized by sandstones, conglomerates and mudstones/siltstones with frequent occurrence of calcretes and silcretes. It was deposited under an association of alluvial fans from torrential regimes, ephemeral fluvial and lacustrine systems, or even as an ancient system of aeolian sand sheet. Recognition of paleosols was carried out at three different points (Bastos 1, 2 and Capela), from macromorphological descriptions and laboratory analyzes (micromorphological, X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction). Accordingly to the results, vertical associations were identified between paleosols and sedimentary deposits, which represent periods of stability and instability of surfaces, respectively. In general, carbonate horizons occurs, usually showing traces of roots and occasionally associated with formation of calcretes and pedological structures, which show a high degree of pedogenetic development. Estimates of paleoprecipitation revealed values between 308 mm/year (calcretized horizon, Cca) and 1117 mm/year (horizon C/R). It was verified a predominance of palygorskite in paleosol profiles, which is normally associated with hot and dry conditions, and, specifically in Bastos 1 (PP1), was observed the presence of goethite, usually found in highly weathered soils in humid climates. We concluded that the semi-arid climate prevailed during the formation of paleosols and calcretes, with an average of about 530 mm annual, marked by scarcity, irregularities and concentrations of precipitations. The PP1 (Bastos 1) which recorded values above 1000 mm/year suggest intense weathering conditions (CIA-K above 90) which are determinant bases removal by leaching and preventing the calcium carbonate cementation in the matrix. These paleoprecipitation values are not due to factors related to seasonality, but are associated with regional climate change based in environment with conditions of higher moisture available (AU)