Implications For Provenance Studies Research Articles

Geochemical and Radiogenic Sr‐Nd Isotope Characterization of Widespread Sandy Surface Sediments in the Great Indian Desert, Thar: Implications for Provenance Studies

AbstractUnderstanding large desert formation/evolution contributing to regional‐to‐global dust cycles remains a challenge. This study presents the geochemical and Sr‐Nd isotope compositions of 51 surface sediment samples collected from the widespread hyper‐arid Thar Desert in northwestern India. The major objective is to determine sediment provenance for a better understanding of the formation/evolution mechanism of this Great Indian Desert as well as downwind dust contributions toward the Himalayas. The compositionally immature sandy Thar sediments (CIA ∼50 ± 4, WIP ∼49 ± 12, and EuN/Eu* ∼0.80 ± 0.13) are recycled materials derived from the Himalayan orogen and later modified by quartz addition and heavy mineral depletion/sorting processes. The 87Sr/86Sr (0.7259 ± 0.0012 and εNd (−12.5 ± 2.7) in the bulk of these Thar sediments are different from the earlier published compositions of the eolian sand deposits in northwestern India. The subcategories of Thar materials collected from different dune types exposed over different lithologies (Quaternary alluvium vs. Tertiary and Mesozoic sedimentary formations) are geochemically and isotopically indistinguishable, which indicates their cogenetic sources and/or sediment reworking. Thar sediments collected in this study have a predominant Indus origin along with significant contributions from the upwind Ghaggar‐Hakra paleochannels. The Indus sediments are most likely wind‐eroded from the shelf region exposed during the low sea stand of LGM and afterward deglaciation. Considering the new and published data sets, the Sr‐Nd isotope budget of dust deposited in the Himalayan frontal glaciers indicates that atmospheric mineral dust contribution from the upwind Indo‐Gangetic Plain proximal to the Himalayas is at par with dust parcels from distant natural deserts.

The Strontian Intrusive Complex: Petrography, Thermobarometry and the Influence of Titanite on Residual Melt Chemistry

Abstract Although the evolution of residual melts in magmatic systems controls their eruptability and ore-forming potential, their compositions are obscured in plutonic rocks by a protracted near-solidus evolution and the absence of interstitial glass. Here, we trace the evolution of residual melt compositions in rocks from the Strontian Intrusive Complex, Scotland, using the trace element chemistry of amphiboles, and titanites which are intergrown with amphibole rims. Laser ablation mapping reveals an abrupt change in certain trace elements in the amphibole rims, with sharp increases in Eu/Eu* and Sr/Y, and decreases in rare earth elements, Ta, Nb, and Ta/Nb ratios. Core-rim variations in these elements in titanite show the same variations as in amphibole, but are more gradual. By reconstructing the crystallisation sequence of the Strontian magmas using textural observations and thermobarometric estimates, we determine that amphibole cores crystallised prior to titanite saturation, but amphibole rims crystallised simultaneously with titanite. Using the trace element composition of the mineral phases and their modal abundance in the rock, with comparison to the whole-rock chemistry, we determine that titanite hosts the majority of the rare earth and high field strength element budget of the rocks. We therefore propose that the onset of titanite crystallisation had a profound effect on the trace element composition of late-stage residual melts at Strontian, which were inherited by the amphibole rims and subsequent titanites. This is supported by Rayleigh fractional crystallisation modelling, which demonstrates that the composition of amphibole rims cannot be explained without the influence of titanite. We therefore show that the saturation of trace element-rich phases in magmas represents a significant geochemical event in the petrogenesis of intermediate to silicic magmas. This has implications for provenance studies that attempt to reconstruct bulk rock compositions from mineral compositions, as the residual melts from which those minerals crystallise can be driven to significantly different compositions from the host magma by late-stage accessory phase crystallisation.

National-scale distribution of strontium isotope ratios in environmental samples from South Korea and its implications for provenance studies

Successful application and accurate interpretation of strontium (Sr) isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr) requires underlying information about the large-scale variabilities in their signatures from a variety of environmental samples, which can be correlated with the Sr isotopic signatures of underlying local geology. In this national-scale study, we analyzed 87Sr/86Sr in soil, plants, stream water, and Chinese mystery snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis) shells collected from South Korea to evaluate large-scale spatial variabilities, interpret relationships among isotopic signatures of various sample types, and generate spatial distribution isoscapes reflecting the heterogeneity of isotopic signatures across South Korea. Non-parametric comparisons among environmental samples showed non-significant differences in their isotopic ratios. The 87Sr/86Sr of plant and soil samples were strongly correlated (R2adj = 0.93), suggesting that both reflect national-scale lithological properties. Similarly, the 87Sr/86Sr of shells showed strong correlations with the 87Sr/86Sr of both plant and soil samples (R2adj = 0.90). The 87Sr/86Sr signatures of environmental samples in this study aligned with expected Sr isotopic values and generally reflected local geology. Spatial distribution maps of samples showed similar 87Sr/86Sr spatial patterns, with high radiogenic values from granitic and granitic gneiss rocks systems and low radiogenic values from volcanic and sedimentary rock systems. Stream water samples showed significant correlations with soil and plant isotopic ratios, but with a low coefficient of determination (R2adj = 0.68). The deviations were much larger for samples with 87Sr/86Sr > 0.720. Further study is needed to improve the accuracy of baseline determination and interpretation of stream water isotopic variations.

Variation in Luminescence Characteristics and Paramagnetic Defect Centres in Fine-Grained Quartz From a Loess-Palaeosol Sequence in Tajikistan: Implications for Provenance Studies in Aeolian Environments

Trapped charge characteristics in quartz are of increasing interest for their utility as indicators of sediment provenance. These include sensitivity of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and thermoluminescence (TL) signal and paramagnetic E1’ defect centre in quartz. Up until now, these methods have largely been used independently in provenance investigations, especially in aeolian systems. Variations in quartz OSL and TL signal sensitivity in loess-palaeosol sequences has been linked to shifts in sediment source corresponding to climatic fluctuations. However, the processes responsible for observed variation in OSL and TL sensitivity in quartz, including its link to the original rock source and/or its sedimentary history, remains a topic of contention. On the other hand, the intensity of E1’ defect centre in quartz is known to reflect the provenance of quartz, and is also routinely utilised as a provenance indicator in aeolian studies. In this study we aim to understand the variations in E1’ intensity and OSL (and TL) sensitivity by direct comparison of these characteristics in fine-grained quartz from a c. 60 m-thick loess-palaeosol sequence in Tajikistan. In doing so, we investigate the natural processes that may have led to variability in trapped-charge characteristics over the c. 500 ky timespan covered by the sequence. Our results suggest that apart from the inherent link to its provenance signature, the observed luminescence sensitivity of quartz especially in loess-palaeosol sequences are largely influenced by depositional and post-depositional processes during soil formation.

Comparison of U-Pb Ages of Detrital Zircons from Liaodong and Xuhuai Regions and Their Implications for Provenance Studies

Comparison of U-Pb Ages of Detrital Zircons from Liaodong and Xuhuai Regions and Their Implications for Provenance Studies

Comparison of Detrital Zircon U-Pb and Muscovite 40Ar/39Ar Ages in the Yangtze Sediment: Implications for Provenance Studies

Detrital zircon U-Pb and muscovite 40Ar/39Ar dating are useful tools for investigating sediment provenance and regional tectonic histories. However, the two types of data from same sample do not necessarily give consistent results. Here, we compare published detrital muscovite 40Ar/39Ar and zircon U-Pb ages of modern sands from the Yangtze River to reveal potential factors controlling differences in their provenance age signals. Detrital muscovite 40Ar/39Ar ages of the major tributaries and main trunk suggest that the Dadu River is a dominant sediment contributor to the lower Yangtze. However, detrital zircon data suggest that the Yalong, Dadu, and Min rivers are the most important sediment suppliers. This difference could be caused by combined effects of lower reaches dilution, laser spot location on zircons and difference in closure temperature and durability between muscovite and zircon. The bias caused by sediment laser spot targeting a core or rim of zircon and zircon reworking should be considered in provenance studies.

The “Flint Depot” of prehistoric northern Israel: Comprehensive geochemical analyses of flint extraction and reduction complexes and implications for provenance studies

AbstractRecent research has demonstrated that the Eocene Timrat formation in northeastern Israel, which appears as an extensive land “strip” west of and parallel to the Rift Valley, was a major source of prehistoric flint. This supposition is supported by three large‐scale extraction and reduction (E&R) complexes identified within this region, which offer direct evidence of intense Lower and Middle Palaeolithic exploitation and limited Neolithic/Chalcolithic activities. Here, we present a first comprehensive overview of this “industrial strip” and of its E&R complexes (Nahal Dishon, Mt. Achbara, and Sede Ilan), demonstrating that these production areas were used mainly for the manufacture of large‐volume items such as Lower Palaeolithic hand axes, Middle Palaeolithic Levallois cores, and Neolithic/Chalcolithic axes/adzes. Furthermore, we integrate information from recently published field studies and lithic analyses with new intercomplex and intracomplex inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (inductively coupled plasma (ICP)‐MS) analyses of flint debitage. The relatively large number of analysed samples ( n = 69) constitutes the first robust reference database for provenance studies of this E&R “strip.” The potential contribution for provenance studies is demonstrated by a detailed ICP‐MS comparison drawn between specific extraction and reduction localities within the Dishon complex and flint tools found in six occupation sites located up to 20 km from the sources. The detailed geochemical study also yielded methodological insights regarding challenges associated with flint heterogeneity and patination effects.

On smelting cassiterite in geological and archaeological samples: preparation and implications for provenance studies on metal artefacts with tin isotopes

Tin isotope ratios may be a useful tool for tracing back the tin in archaeological metal artefacts (tin metal, bronze) to the geological source and could provide information on ancient smelting processes. This study presents the results of laboratory experiments, which reduced (smelted) synthetic stannic oxide, natural cassiterite and corroded archaeological tin and bronze objects. The overall aim of the study is to find a reliable method for the decomposition of tin ores and corrosion products in order to determine their tin isotopic composition, and to explore possible effects on the tin isotope ratios during pyrometallurgy. We focused on five methods of reduction at high temperatures (900–1100 °C): reduction with CO (plain smelting), reduction with KCN/CO (cyanide reduction), reduction with Na2CO3/CO, reduction with Cu/CO (‘cementation technique’) and reduction with CuO/CO (‘co-smelting’). The smelting products are analysed by means of optical and scanning electron microscopy as well as X-ray diffraction, while their isotope composition is determined with a high-resolution multi-collector mass spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma ionisation. The results show that all five methods decompose synthetic stannic oxide, cassiterite and corrosion products. Ultimately, reduction with KCN is the best solution for analysing tin ores and tin corrosion because the chemical processing is straightforward and it provides the most reproducible results. Reduction with Na2CO3 and copper is an alternative, especially for bronze corrosion, but it requires laborious chemical purification of the sample solutions. In contrast, evaporation of tin and incomplete alloying during plain smelting and co-smelting can cause considerable fractionation among smelting products (Δ124Sn = 0.10 ‰ (0.03 ‰ u−1)). A less precise and even inaccurate determination of the tin isotopic compositions of the tin ores would be the consequence. However, the results of this study help to evaluate the possible influence of the pyrometallurgical processes on the tin isotope composition of tin and bronze artefacts.

Textural, microstructural, and compositional characteristics of Fe‐based geomaterials and Upper Paleolithic ocher in the Lessini Mountains, Northeast Italy: Implications for provenance studies

AbstractProvenance research of archaeological ocher contributes to understanding the capabilities of prehistoric humans to select, process, and treat suitable raw materials for symbolic and utilitarian purposes. The western part of the Lessini Mountains in the Veneto region of northeast Italy is an ideal location for this type of study as it features several different Fe‐rich deposits, and many examples of archaeological ocher have been found in the nearby Fumane Cave and Tagliente Rockshelter Upper Paleolithic sites. Sourcing areas are often identified through the use of geochemical studies; however, microscopic techniques can also be used with the benefit of providing more detailed information about accessory minerals and textural characteristics of the material. One of the goals of our study was to demonstrate the potential in using polarizing light microscopy supported by scanning electron microscopy coupled with an energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometer in research of this type. We studied geological source samples and archaeological materials from the sites, the results of which are very promising in terms of shedding light on the sourcing of prehistoric ocher in this region.

Mineralogical and geochemical (stable C and O isotopes) variability of marbles from the Moldanubian Zone (Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic): implications for provenance studies

Metacarbonates of the Moldanubian Zone (Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic) were studied to obtain qualitative and quantitative mineralogical-petrographic as well as stable isotopic data for the purpose of stone provenance studies, potentially applicable in material research studies of cultural heritage artefacts. Twenty-six samples from twelve different historical quarries, as well as two samples from historical artefacts, were analysed by both mineralogical-petrographic and geochemical methods including: polarizing microscopy, cathodoluminescence, scanning electron microscopy with microanalysis, petrographic image analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, and isotope ratio mass spectrometry. The petrographic characteristics allowed for the discrimination of groups of (1) calcitic marbles, (2) dolomitic marbles, and (3) carbonate–silicate rocks. These groups exhibit characteristic features such as (1) the presence/abundance of major rock-forming minerals, (2) grain geometric characteristics (specifically, mean carbonate grain size and index of grain size homogeneity), and (3) the presence of specific accessory phases. The content of non-carbonate minerals, some rock fabric parameters, as well as the carbon and oxygen isotope data exhibited significant variability, even within a single quarry in the case of some impure marbles and carbonate–silicate rocks. Although the carbon and oxygen isotopic ranges displayed overlaps among the quarries studied, the isotopic signatures throughout the Moldanubian Zone allowed for discrimination of a group of white calcitic marbles with high carbon and oxygen depletion, as well as white dolomite–calcitic marble with higher carbon isotope values when compared with other marble resources of the Bohemian Massif. A combination of the isotopic signature with detailed mineralogical-petrographic characteristics seems to provide sufficient information for discrimination of the Moldanubian marbles from one another. The provenance of the Vrchotovy Janovice artefact is very probably from the Rabi quarry, among the Moldanubian marbles. The provenance of the artefact from the Prague Klementinum was not definitively assigned; however, the Nehodiv quarry was considered its probable source locality.

Mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of Miocene pelitic sedimentary rocks from the south-western part of the Pannonian Basin System (Croatia): Implications for provenance studies

Fifty-two samples of Miocene pelitic sedimentary rock from outcrops on Medvednica, Moslavačka Gora and Psunj Mts., and boreholes in the Sava Depression and the Požega Sub-depression were investigated. These sediments formed in different marine (with normal and reduced salinity), brackish, and freshwater environments, depending on the development stage of the Pannonian Basin System. Carbonate minerals, clay minerals and quartz are the main constituents of all pelitic sedimentary rocks, except in those from Moslavačka Gora Mt in which carbonate minerals are not present. Feldspars, pyrite, opal-CT, and hematite are present as minor constituents in some rocks. Besides calcite, dependent on the sedimentary environment and diagenetic changes, high-magnesium calcite, aragonite, dolomite and ankerite/Ca-dolomite are also present. Smectite or illite-smectite is the main clay minerals in the samples. Minor constituents, present in almost all samples, are detrital illite and kaolinite. In some samples chlorite is also present in a low amount. Major elements, trace elements and rare earth elements patterns used in provenance analysis show that all analysed samples have a composition similar to the values of the upper continental crust (UCC). The contents of major and trace elements as well as SiO2/Al2O3, K2O/Al2O3, Na2O/K2O, Eu/Eu*, La/Sc, Th/Sc, La/Co Th/Co, Th/Cr, Ce/Ce* and LREE/HREE ratios, show that the analysed pelitic sedimentary rocks were formed by weathering of different types of mostly acidic (silicic), i.e. felsic rocks.

Mechanism of metamorphic zircon growth in a granulite-facies quartzite, Adirondack Highlands, Grenville Province, New York

Granulite-facies quartzites from the Adirondack Highlands (Grenville Province, New York) contain accessory zircon with ubiquitous metamorphic overgrowths. Detrital zircon cores are resorbed, preserve various internal zoning styles and inclusions, and have ages of 1.3 to 2.7 Ga. These ages constrain the timing of deposition of the protolith sandstone and suggest that the Adirondack Highlands were proximal or part of Laurentia during deposition. Metamorphic overgrowths formed in the quartzites during the Shawinigan orogeny (1.20-1.14 Ga). The average volume of overgrowths in eight samples ranges from 62-87%, with a positive correlation between zircon growth and feldspar content (melt productivity during metamorphism). Melt volumes and Zr solubility were too small to allow the overgrowths to have formed in one dissolution-precipitation event. Crystal-size distributions suggest zircon coarsening by the dissolution of small crystals and Zr transfer via a partial melt, and thus zircon overgrowths date anatexis. These results have implications for provenance studies, as dissolution of small zircon grains and growth of new zircon could bias age spectra of metasedimentary rocks.

Linking source and sedimentary basin: Detrital zircon record of sediment flux along a modern river system and implications for provenance studies

U/Pb analysis of detrital zircons from sands along the Frankland River in SW Australia reveal marked downstream changes in their age signatures that correlate with changing basement character. The Archean Yilgarn craton underlies the upper 70% of the river catchment (by area) and detrital zircons from sands in this region are characterized by a unimodal ∼2.7 Ga age signature. The lower part of the river catchment flows over the Mesoproterozoic Albany–Fraser orogen and input from this source results in progressive downstream masking of Yilgarn detritus so that in the most downstream samples this source constitutes only 25% of the detrital zircon age spectrum. The Frankland River age data indicate that the lower portions of the drainage system did not form a non-erosive pathway for sediment flux but rather basement lithologies were a continuing source of sediment yield. This probably reflects rejuvenation and incision of the lower reaches of the river system in response to a drop in baseline and possible sequestering of Yilgarn detritus in upstream reservoirs along the broad open mid-region valleys of the river system. These data emphasize that in ancient orogens, where the link between source and sample site is often not preserved, care needs to be exercised in relating detrital zircon age signature to interpretations of source distribution and paleogeographic reconstructions.

The effects of source rocks and chemical weathering on the petrogenesis of siliciclastic sand from the Neto River (Calabria, Italy): implications for provenance studies

Plutonic and gneissic rocks of the Sila Massif in the uppermost portion of the Neto drainage basin (Calabria, Southern Italy) weather and erode under a humid Mediterranean climate. During the development of weathering profiles, a combination of chemical weathering and granular disintegration processes occurred. Chemical weathering involves a loss of both plagioclase (mainly during grus generation) and K‐feldspar (mainly during soil formation). This loss is attributed to transformation of plagioclase to clay minerals and to leaching and dissolution of K‐feldspar. Sand composition is quartzofeldspathic and nearly homogeneous along the main channel of the Neto River, even where the river cuts across a blanket of sedimentary cover. Thus, fluvial transport does not alter sand composition within the Neto drainage basin. Petrographic indices are effective in (1) discriminating between contributions from similar (granite and gneiss) source rocks (Qm/F); (2) relating the provenance of plutoniclastic and gneissiclastic sand found in the headwaters to grus horizons (Qm/F; Q/Rg); and (3) distinguishing between upstream first‐cycle and downstream multicycle sand (Q/Rg). This last distinction is further emphasized by considering both aphanitic and phaneritic varieties of rock fragments (RgRmRs diagram). Chemical weathering is the main sand producer within the regolithic environment in northern Calabria. In addition, rapid erosion resulting from steep slopes removes weathered products, and rapid and short transport leads to minimal sediment maturation. In general, the F/Q index is climate and relief dependent; thus, it should be used in conjunction with palaeoclimatic and palaeophysiographic evidence for provenance interpretations of ancient quartzofeldspathic sandstones.

Effects of Weathering on the Coloration of Chert and Its Implications for Provenance Studies

ABSTRACTBlack colored chert artifacts have been found at Cerros and other coastal Maya sites in Northern Belize. Most of the Cerros assemblage is made of banded brown and gray cherts which were imported from lithic Workshops located 90 kilometers to the south, but no block colored chert occurs in the Workshops. Some researchers have suggested that the black coloration results from the submersion of chert artifacts in water, while other findings suggested that a black chert source might exist. We inspected cross-sections of black colored samples and found that the coloration only occurred in narrow bands that closely followed the perimeter of the piece, indicating that it is the result of a weathering process. These findings are important, because they demonstrate that the surficial coloration of some lithic artifacts cannot be used as a basis to visually source the material.

Analysis of Shell-Tempered Pottery Replicates: Implications for Provenance Studies

Archaeometric methods such as provenance studies must be predicated on understanding the processes that underlie the production of this information. This study focuses on element-based provenance studies of Mississippian-period pottery, which are complicated by the fact that this pottery generally was tempered with crushed shell in different amounts and of unknown species composition. Experiments conducted at the Missouri University Research Reactor (MURR) have documented elemental dilution and enhancement effects of adding shell temper to clay. Mathematical corrections previously have been employed to correct for shell-temper effects. Results of physical, chemical, and mathematical approaches to eliminating the effects of shell tempering indicate that mathematical methods, based on a firm knowledge of shell composition, provide the most efficient correction.

Effects of Chemical Weathering and Sorting on the Petrogenesis of Siliciclastic Sediments, with Implications for Provenance Studies

The bulk chemical compositions, mineralogy, and mineral proportions of sands and muds of the Mallacoota Basin in southeastern Australia reflect the composition of weathering profiles mantling source rocks, rather than bedrock. Muds contain abundant clay minerals that are virtually absent from the source rocks but abundant in the weathering profiles. Sands are strongly enriched in quartz relative to source rocks, even in the headwaters of the fluvial system, demonstrating that feldspar destruction occurs by in situ chemical weathering within profiles and before detritus enters the fluvial system. K-feldspar is proportionally more abundant in fluvial sands than in source rocks because plagioclase is more rapidly destroyed than either quartz or K-feldspar in weathering profiles. Subsequent erosion and sorting produce sands enriched in quartz, with high K-feldspar:plagioclase ratios relative to source rocks. The composition of plagioclase incorporated into the fluvial sands is also controlled by chemical weat...