Comparative analysis of pelagic Pleistocene silica accumulation in the Pacific and Indian Oceans

Abstract

The methodical principles of the analysis of biogenic silica accumulation in the pelagic zones of the Pacific and Indian oceans are considered. Two quantitative approaches of lithological analysis are compared: method of absolute mass by A.D. Arkhangel’skii and volumetric method by A.B. Ronov. It is established that the concept of “two oceans” (“ice” and “non-ice”) may be applied to both the oceans. Differences in the evolution of the silica accumulation rate in the Pleistocene between high- and low-latitude oceans are revealed.