Long-chain alkenones in Hotong Qagan Nur Lake sediments and its paleoclimatic implications

The long-chain alkenones present in the shallow sediment of Hotong Qagan Nur Lake in China are reported. According to the similarity of compositions and distributions of the alkenones determined commonly in the sediment section to those of marine sediment, it is reasonably referred that the alkenones might also originate from Prymnesiophyceae. In addition, the parameter U ₃₇ ^k′ ; of alkenone is in positive correlation to δ¹⁸O values of authigenic calcium and magnesium minerals. This indicates that the parameter U ₃₇ ^k∼ of long-chain alkenone is also available to indicate paleoclimate of high-salinity alkaline lake.