Bloedite sedimentation in a seasonally dry saline lake (Salada Mediana, Spain)

Abstract

Salt crusts covering the surface of the Salada Mediana, a seasonally dry saline lake in northern Spain, consist predominantly of bloedite (Na2Mg(SO4)2.4H2O). Microscopic features of the crust were investigated to understand processes of bloedite sedimentation. This study was combined with satellite and airborne observations, revealing asymmetrical concentric and parallel-linear patterns, related to wind action. Gypsum (CaSO4.H2O) and glauberite (Na2Ca(SO4)2) in the calcareous sediments below the crust, and abundant eugsterite (Na4Ca(SO4)3.2H2O) along the base of the crust, largely formed at a different stage than bloedite. The main part of the crust consists predominantly of coarse-crystalline xenotopic–hypidiotopic bloedite, but fan-like aggregates with downward widening, radial aggregates, surface layers with vertically aligned elongated crystals, and partially epitaxial coatings occur as well. The upper part of the crust is marked by a bloedite–thenardite (Na2SO4) association, recording a change in brine composition that is not in agreement with results of modelling of local brine evolution. A thin fine-grained thenardite-dominated surface formed in part by subaqueous settling of crystals, but there are also indications for development by transformation of bloedite. Surface features include fan-like bloedite aggregates with upward widening, formed by bottom growth. Overall, the Salada Mediana crusts record a complex history of bloedite and thenardite precipitation by various processes.