Articles | Volume 73, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/egqsj-73-139-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/egqsj-73-139-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Older than expected: fluvial aggradation of the Rhine's main terrace at Kärlich dated around 1.5 Ma by electron spin resonance
University of Lausanne, Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics, Lausanne, Switzerland
Mathieu Duval
National Research Centre on Human Evolution (CENIEH), Burgos, Spain
Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
Palaeoscience Labs, Dept. Archaeology and History, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
María Jesús Alonso Escarza
National Research Centre on Human Evolution (CENIEH), Burgos, Spain
Gilles Rixhon
Laboratoire Image Ville Environnement (LIVE), Université de Strasbourg-CNRS UMR 7362, Strasbourg, France
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The OSLThermo and ESRThermo MATLAB libraries simulate how luminescence signals in feldspar and electron spin resonance signals in quartz minerals accumulate and fade over time, enabling reconstruction of recent rock cooling and surface temperature changes. By sharing these tools openly, we hope to promote collaboration, reproducibility, and broader use and development of these ultra-low-temperature thermochronology methods.
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Chemical weathering alters the chemical composition of mineral grains, and it follows that luminescence dating signals may also be progressively modified. We artificially weathered feldspar samples under different chemical conditions to understand the effect of feldspar partial dissolution on their luminescence properties. Only minor changes were observed on luminescence dating properties, implying that chemical alteration of feldspar surfaces may not affect luminescence dating signals.
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The OSLThermo and ESRThermo MATLAB libraries simulate how luminescence signals in feldspar and electron spin resonance signals in quartz minerals accumulate and fade over time, enabling reconstruction of recent rock cooling and surface temperature changes. By sharing these tools openly, we hope to promote collaboration, reproducibility, and broader use and development of these ultra-low-temperature thermochronology methods.
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This study examines the evolution of the lower Bruche River valley in north-eastern France through its fluvial terraces, reflecting past river dynamics and environmental changes. Terrace formations are dated using luminescence to ~ 12–14 ka, ~ 27–35 ka, and at least 200 ka. Methodological improvements over conventional luminescence dating techniques are also discussed and refined in this study.
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This article is the preface of the special issue "Quaternary research in times of change – inspired by INQUA Roma 2023". It is a result of the XXI INQUA Congress held in Rome in July 2023. It briefly presents the nine contributions published in this volume.
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This study, using ESR, OSL, and LA-ICPMS trace element analyses, reveals significant relationships between quartz OSL/ESR sensitivities and bedrock characteristics. Trace element compositions appear to influence the OSL and ESR-Ti sensitivities, the last being weak in quartz extracted from metamorphic or deformed rocks. Pressure may take a part in OSL/ESR-Ti sensitivities variability while ESR Al intensities could be linked to initial fluid composition and crystallization conditions
Melanie Bartz, Jasquelin Peña, Stéphanie Grand, and Georgina E. King
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Chemical weathering alters the chemical composition of mineral grains, and it follows that luminescence dating signals may also be progressively modified. We artificially weathered feldspar samples under different chemical conditions to understand the effect of feldspar partial dissolution on their luminescence properties. Only minor changes were observed on luminescence dating properties, implying that chemical alteration of feldspar surfaces may not affect luminescence dating signals.
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Short summary
The chronostratigraphy of the Rhine’s main terrace along the Middle Rhine Valley (MRV) is poorly constrained. This study fills this gap by using electron spin resonance (ESR) dating of quartz grains collected from the famous Kärlich site. Consistent ESR results date this terrace to ~1.5 Ma and have far-reaching implications as they numerically constrain, for the first time, the aggradation time of key terrace deposits along the MRV, providing new insights into the Rhine’s Quaternary evolution.
The chronostratigraphy of the Rhine’s main terrace along the Middle Rhine Valley (MRV) is poorly...