Carbonate Deposition in Turloughs (Seasonal Lakes) on the Western Limestone Lowlands of Ireland

Abstract

Deposits found in seasonal groundwater-fed lakes (turloughs) on the limestone lowland of Ireland were investigated, and of ninety turloughs surveyed, forty-six contained calcareous deposits known as marl, consisting of more than 60%. and frequently more than 90%. calcium carbonate. The pollen record from deposits found in two turloughs in Co. Mayo suggests that the marl dates from the early Holocene (c. 10,000–9.000 years B.P.) when the turloughs were permanent lakes.

Keywords:

• Freshwater carbonate deposition
• marl
• turloughs
• Late-glacial