Abstract
In this study, we analyzed up to 80 detrital quartz grains from four lithic greywackes along the stratigraphic column of the Julian Basin, a synorogenic basin in the southeastern Alps between Italy and Slovenia. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of detrital quartz was used to investigate the sample set with interest to its OH-defect speciation and content of each associated substitution. According to several recent studies, OH-defects in quartz are correlated to petrogenetic conditions of the source material and can be used as a provenance tool. The aim of this study is to compare results based on this method with previous studies that used other methods, to better constrain the palaeogeographical reconstruction of sedimentary fluxes. Detrital quartz within the samples of the basin shows different patterns of OH-defects and water content, indicating substantial petrogenetic differences between the sediment source rocks. For the oldest analyzed sample (ca. 66 Ma), the distribution of OH-defects suggests a mixed source between igneous and non-igneous rocks, with a predominance of metamorphic material supply. Another sample (56 Ma) reveals a great variability of OH-defects and water content, indicating that the magmatic component dominates over the metamorphic component. The distribution of OH-defects in the samples at the top of the sequence (52–53 Ma) suggests an almost solely metamorphic source. These results are in line with previous studies based on heavy minerals and geochemistry.
Highlights
Clastic sediment packages are geological archives that record and preserve signatures of past geological events in source provinces
Four samples from the Julian Basin were selected according to their stratigraphic age: JB1 is Maastrichtian, JB17 is Upper Paleocene
The majority of spectra show peaks that can be assigned to the typical OH-defects, but there are spectra that do not reveal recognizable peaks (Figures 3 and 4)
Summary
Clastic sediment packages are geological archives that record and preserve signatures of past geological events in source provinces. By investigating the source of sediments, we can address a wide spectrum of questions, such as sedimentation routes and mechanisms, as well as rates of sedimentation and erosion. More complex issues such as regional and global tectonic evolution can be studied by analyzing the effect these processes have on sediment provenance. In the southeastern Alps, orogenesis, metamorphism, volcanic activity, oceanic spreading, and, erosion and sedimentation are all major processes. In a framework as complex as the Alpine–Dinaric orogeny, which is still active, any improvement in knowledge is important for predicting the future modification of the landscape and its substantial effects on human activities and their planning. In addition to adding to the paleogeographic understanding of the area, provenance studies could have industrial applications including reservoir characterization and prospect for economic heavy mineral deposits
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
