A lithostratigraphical and chronological study of Oligocene-Miocene sequences on eastern King George Island, South Shetland Islands (Antarctica), and correlation of glacial episodes with global isotope events

Abstract King George Island (South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula) is renowned for its terrestrial palaeoenvironmental record, which includes evidence potentially up to four Cenozoic glacial periods. An advantage of the glacigenic outcrops on island that they are associated with volcanic formations can be isotopically dated. As a result new mapping and chronological study, it now shown published stratigraphy ages many geological units eastern require major revision. The Polonez Glaciation dated as c. 26.64 ± 1.43 Ma (Late Oligocene (Chattian Stage)) previously considered an Eocene ('Krakow Glaciation'). It was succeeded by two important episodes (Boy Point Cinder Spur formations) formed during relatively brief interval (< 2 Ma), also erupted within Chattian Stage. Melville 21–22 (probably 21.8 Ma; Early Miocene (Aquitanian Stage)), Legru probably ≤ 10 or younger). this glaciations correlated increased confidence Oi2b Mi1a isotope zones, respectively, thus represent episodes.