Utilizing Geochemical Analysis for Provenance Determination in Sedimentary Systems

Abstract

Geochemical and isotopic analysis represents a potent approach for investigating sediment provenance, a crucial aspect for paleogeographic reconstructions, understanding the evolution of the Earth's crust and characterizing geology in areas that are no longer exposed at the surface. The sediment composition can be influenced by multiple processes including the weathering and erosion of the source rock, mixing with other sediment sources, grain size sorting and hydrodynamic processes such as water or wind transport. Additionally, climate and topography can impact the sediment composition by affecting the rate and nature of weathering and erosion as well as the transport and deposition of sediments. Moreover, post-depositional processes such as diagenesis and metamorphism have the potential to modify the original isotopic and geochemical composition of sediments. The objective of the present investigation is to conduct an overview of diverse geochemical proxies frequently employed in the evaluation of provenance as well as to assess their capabilities and limitations in estimating the origin of sediment. Additionally, statistical methodologies might be advantageous for sediment source determination, although it is crucial to acknowledge their restrictions and to merge them with traditional geochemical and isotopic techniques. A multidisciplinary strategy that encompasses several techniques and methodologies is probable to yield the most sturdy and dependable outcomes for identifying sediment provenance.