Synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence analysis of VEPP-3 of the bottom sediments of Lake Baikal to perform a paleoclimatic reconstruction

Data on the element composition of 107 samples collected by drilling down to a depth of 11 m on the bottom of the Academican Ridge, Lake Baikal, are reported. Some experimental aspects of SRXFA on VEPP-3 appropriate for Baikal sediments are also described. The procedure of energy scanning was used to correct the data on RbMo concentrations in samples with significant U contents. A variant of geochemical paleoclimatic interpretation of these data has been carried out using additional U, Th/U and biogenic silica distribution. “Warm” and “cold” periods of climate with the corresponding mean contents of elements have been distinguished. The greater contents of almost all the elements during “cold” periods as compared to “warm” ones are observed. Compared to terrigeneous mud from the Central Depression of Lake Baikal, the total element contents of St. 15 are also elevated.