Abstract Bedrock fault scarps and their associated colluvial wedges provide key evidence for reconstructing paleoearthquakes. We apply rock surface luminescence dating to a bedrock scarp on the Huashan fault in central China, using OSL‐depth profiles (DPs) from multiple heights. Results reveal two coseismic displacements of 6.8 and >1.0 m. The two phases of exposure ages inferred from OSL‐DPs of the bedrock fault surface above ground (0.4 ± 0.3 and 1.1 ± 0.4 ka) are consistent with burial ages of slices from the fault surface covered by the colluvial wedge. These ages also correlate with historical earthquakes, including the 1556 Huaxian M ∼ 8.5 event with slip of 6.8 m, confirming rupture of the western Huashan fault. A magnitude of M8.3 inferred from multiple fault rupture lengths agrees with seismic intensity estimates. The fitted OSL‐DPs of bedrock samples buried or being buried by the colluvial wedge, together with the burial ages of slices, reveal the exposure and burial history of the wedge.

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) materials can convert trapped charge carriers into light under controllable light stimulation, thus holding great promise for diverse applications such as radiation dose detection and anti-counterfeiting. Nevertheless, previous OSL signals are located in the visible or near-infrared regions, overlapping seriously with the ambient light and thus hindering the application potential. Herein, we report a type of double perovskite structured phosphor, Cs2NaYF6:Pr3+, capable of emitting ultraviolet-C (UVC) OSL. Upon X-ray irradiation, Cs2NaYF6:Pr3+ can store the excitation energy in terms of trapped charge carriers. In addition, it exhibits strong and persistent UVC luminescence under continuous light stimulation over a wide wavelength range or heating. By investigating the wavelength-dependent stimulated luminescence phenomenon and trap-clearing capability, we elaborate on the influence of excitation wavelength on UVC OSL. Leveraging the luminescent properties of Cs2NaYF6:Pr3+, we further demonstrate its potential application in tracking and marking in bright environments when exposed to sunlight irradiation. This work clarifies the generation mechanism of UVC OSL and its dependence on stimulation wavelength, thereby providing insights for the exploration of more UVC OSL materials.

Abstract The Yadu Fault (YDF), a critical component of the Yadu-Ziyun Fault system along the southwestern boundary of the South China block, plays a significant role in understanging regional deformation mechanism and kinematic characteristics. Through integrated methodologies including field investigations, high-precision remote sensing image interpretation, UAVs Photogrammetry, high-density electrical profiling, and OSL Dating, this study reveals the following key findings: The Yadu Fault exhibits a northwest-striking with a dextral strike-slip motion, which cumulative displacements of 31.7–74.1 m observed across multiple gullies. The fault truncates Late Pleistocene strata dated at 34.0 ± 5.0 ka, confirming its activity during the Late Quaternary. The horizontal slip rate is estimated about 1.3 mm/a, classifying the Yadu Fault as a Late Pleistocene active structure. These results provide essential constraints for seismic hazard assessments and tectonic evolution studies in the region.

Abstract Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods are widely used in the geosciences to determine grain shape and surface characteristics using SEM–secondary electron and backscatter imagery (SEM-SE/BSE) and elemental composition of minerals using SEM–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). We discuss applications and best practices for utilizing widely available SEM methods for luminescence dating, including (1) checking sample purity following mineral separation, (2) imaging grain shape and surface characteristics related to weathering and transport, (3) quantifying feldspar-mineral phases in feldspar separates, and (4) determining internal potassium concentration (wt% K) in feldspars for use in estimating internal beta contribution to the dose rate for a sample. Quartz and feldspar purification checks of mineral separates require the least sample preparation and instrument time. These methods utilize the “environmental” or “low-vacuum” conditions of SEM. These conditions are less conducive to acquiring high-quality compositional data but can be used to quickly determine sample purity. Conversely, to acquire higher-quality compositional data, SEM working conditions require high vacuum and accelerating voltages. The resulting semiquantitative SEM-EDS results can be used to determine the phase composition of feldspar separates and more accurately determine the internal potassium content for dose-rate and age calculations.

Abstract The development of multimodal dosimeters capable of preserving independent luminescent signals is a transformative goal in radiation sensing. Here, Eu‐doped LiCaAlF 6 nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized via a hydrothermal route. The synthesis parameters are systematically optimized. XRD confirmed single‐phase formation at low Eu concentrations. Spectroscopic analyses (XPS, PL, and time‐resolved emission) verified the predominance of Eu 2+ ions, responsible for the intense blue emission under X‐ray excitation. Dosimetric performance is assessed by radioluminescence (RL), thermoluminescence (TL), and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL). RL results revealed a relationship between Eu‐doping concentration and x‐ray fluence, suggesting that samples with higher %Eu are better suited for applications involving elevated photon fluence, such as flash radiotherapy. Samples with the smallest crystallite size exhibited the highest TL and OSL intensity and sensitivity. NPs doped with 0.1 mol% Eu and synthesized with PVP exhibited superior sensitivity and linear dose‐response, achieving minimum detectable doses of 4.7 mGy (TL) and 8 mGy (OSL). These samples demonstrated unprecedented behavior, maintaining intense TL signals even after complete OSL readout, thereby revealing uncorrelated TL and OSL processes within the same material system. This unique characteristic allows sequential and non‐destructive dose assessments, enabling the development of versatile, multimodal radiation detection platforms.

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of Qin-Han ancient city moat sediments in South China and its implications for geomorphic evolution

Luminescence dating of glacigenic deposits from northern Germany: A comparison of multigrain aliquots and single grains K-feldspar methods

Summary Remnants of thick alluvial fills in Himalayan valleys and intermontane basins record past disruptions in sediment routing. However, the climatic drivers of these aggradational phases remain debated. Do they reflect enhanced hillslope sediment supply during intensified monsoon phases, or reduced fluvial transport capacity under drier conditions? To address this question, we analyze an 55‐m‐thick late Pleistocene alluvial fan succession deposited in the structurally confined Pinjore Basin of the Northwestern Himalaya, sourced from an 350‐km 2 unglaciated catchment. Using optically stimulated luminescence dating and in situ 10 Be measurements from buried sediments, we reconstruct the timing of fan deposition and catchment‐scale paleo‐erosion rates to assess links between monsoon variability, sediment supply and fluvial transport capacity. Fan aggradation persisted for 39 kyr between 52 and 13 ka, coinciding with the prolonged weakening of the Indian Summer Monsoon. Low and relatively stable erosion rates throughout most of this interval suggest that aggradation was primarily driven by reduced runoff and limited fluvial transport capacity, rather than increased sediment supply. After 26 ka, declining sedimentation rates, sediment coarsening and lower inherited 10 Be concentrations may reflect reduced slope stability due to vegetation changes associated with glacial cooling. Renewed fan incision after 13 ka coincides with monsoon strengthening, indicating a shift toward increased transport capacity. These results highlight a climate‐sensitive, threshold‐controlled sediment‐routing system in which changes in runoff and vegetation drive aggradation–incision cycles. The Pinjore Basin record underscores the potential for nonlinear fluvial responses to hydroclimatic variability in tectonically active mountain landscapes.

Single-grain luminescence dating of K-feldspar based on the pre-dose MET-pIRIR protocol

The climate dynamics and driving mechanisms of the East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM) in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) remain uncertain. We reconstruct annual mean temperature (Tann), mean temperature of the warmest month (MTwa), and annual mean precipitation (Pann) since 19.4 ka BP in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), using pollen records from three sediment cores (LZK1, CSJA6, ZKA4), constrained by AMS ¹⁴C and OSL dating. Reconstructions were performed with a pollen–climate model based on the Locally-Weighted Weighted-Averaging (LWWA) method. Additional sedimentary proxies (grain size and magnetic susceptibility) were integrated to evaluate climate dynamics and forcing factors. Five climatic stages were identified: the LGM (19.4–18.0 ka, cold–dry), deglaciation (18.0–11.7 ka, fluctuating warming), early Holocene (11.7–8.2 ka, warm–humid), mid-Holocene (8.2–4.2 ka, warm–humid), and late Holocene (after 4.2 ka, fluctuating cooling). These stages broadly align with EASM intensity variations. Abrupt events (Heinrich 1, Bølling–Allerød, Younger Dryas, 8.2 ka, and 4.2 ka) were synchronous with Greenland ice core and Yangtze River stalagmite records, reflecting global climate teleconnections. On the millennial scale, EASM variability was controlled by Northern Hemisphere summer insolation, Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), and ice-volume/sea-level feedbacks. On the centennial scale, it was influenced by solar activity, volcanic eruptions, and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). These findings provide high-resolution evidence of EASM dynamics and offer a valuable reference for understanding regional climate adaptation in the future.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-33476-8.

Analysis of dosimetric characteristics of CaSO4:Mn,Tb phosphors synthesized by four different routes.

The rarity of Late Pleistocene hominin remains from Insular Southeast Asia (ISEA) has hampered our ability to understand a crucial episode of human evolutionary history, namely, the global dispersal of Homo sapiens from Africa. Moreover, recent discoveries indicate a surprising level of taxic diversity during this time with at least two species—H. floresiensis and H. luzonensis—endemic to the region when H. sapiens first arrived. A third hominin dubbed the ‘Denisovans’ is shown from DNA evidence to have interbred with the ancestors of contemporary Indigenous populations across ISEA, New Guinea and Australia. Yet, the Denisovans have not been identified from the fossil record of the area despite recent breakthroughs in this regard on mainland East Asia. New excavations by our team at the Trader’s Cave in the Niah National Park (‘Niah Caves’), northern Borneo, have yielded an isolated hominin upper central permanent incisor dated with Optically Stimulated Luminescence dating of sediments to about 52 − 55 thousand years ago. Specimen SMD-TC-AA210 has a massive crown absolutely and relative to its root size, the crown is wide (mesiodistally) and relatively short (labiolingually). Morphologically, it exhibits a very strong degree of labial convexity, pronounced shovelling, and the bulging basal eminence exhibits several upward finger-like projections. Labial enamel wrinking on the enamel-dentine junction is expressed as two large ridges exhibiting numerous spine-like projections, and the lingual extensions on the enamel surface of the basal eminence are expressed as six extensions. This combination of crown size and morphological traits is not normally found in H. sapiens and instead characterises archaic members of Homo such as H. erectus, H. neanderthalensis and Middle Pleistocene hominins sharing a clade with H. heidelbergensis. The Trader’s Cave tooth suggests that an archaic hominin population inhabited northern Borneo just prior to or coincident with the arrival of H. sapiens as documented at the nearby West Mouth of the Niah Great Cave.

ABSTRACT Dryland rivers are sensitive indicators of both long‐term and short‐term climatic fluctuations. These rivers are also useful archives for understanding tectonic responses superimposed on climatic fluctuations, which eventually provide important data for paleoclimatic and paleoseismic studies. In this context, we investigated fluvial sediments along the tributary‐paleochannels of the Khari River, which is a major dryland river of the Kachchh region in western India. This study reconstructs sedimentation patterns using lithofacies, architectural elements, facies associations, and Optically Stimulated Luminescence dates and indicates that the Khari River and its paleochannels have evolved in eight phases since MIS‐4, depicting both the climatic fluctuations and sedimentation response to tectonics. The adjoining Katrol Hill Fault, the Kachchh Mainland Fault, and their splays tectonically modulated the topography of the Khari basin. Two tectonically induced base‐level lowerings at ~74 ka and ~20 ka beveled the Mesozoic bedrocks underlying the alluvium and were followed by high‐magnitude‐low‐frequency ephemeral floods. Climatically induced aggradation phases occurred between approximately 67 ka and 59 ka, 48 ka and 37 ka, and 9 ka and 7 ka, showing a floodplain environment and sustained and wetter hydrological conditions. The lateral erosion of the underlying Mesozoic bedrock at ~50 ka and vertical incision at ~30 ka are marked as climatically governed phases. An uplift event (tectonic activity) is marked at ~7 ka, which led to debris‐flow deposition followed by vertical incision of the paleochannel and the Khari River. This study revealed that ephemeral floods, which are characteristic features of drylands, dominated fluvial sedimentation. The combination of enhanced precipitation and steepened topographic relief serves as two essential criteria for sedimentary discharge in these rivers.

ABSTRACT Kalavan‐2, a high‐altitude (∼1640 m a.s.l.) open‐air site in Armenia, preserves stratified Middle Paleolithic occupations with a rich small‐vertebrate record. Luminescence dating has placed site formation between ~60 and 45 ka, but without independent chronological control of the microvertebrate accumulation. Here, we apply accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) 14 C dating directly to individual rodent bones, made possible by recent advances in collagen extraction. These new radiocarbon ages refine the chronology to late marine isotope stage 3 (ca. 50–35 ka), in agreement with luminescence estimates. In addition, we conducted detailed taphonomic and taxonomic analyses of the microvertebrates, alongside paleoenvironmental reconstruction using the Taxonomic Habitat Index and Habitat Weighting Method. The microfaunal assemblage, dominated by cold‐adapted rodents and insectivores, indicates open, montane steppe conditions during occupation, contrasting with today's mixed forest. Combined chronological and faunal evidence suggests episodic high‐altitude hunting by Late Pleistocene hunter‐gatherers, consistent with models of seasonal mobility. More broadly, this study demonstrates the potential of direct 14 C dating on microvertebrate remains to independently anchor Paleolithic chronologies and strengthen reconstructions of human adaptations in marginal environments.

ABSTRACT Understanding the long‐term Quaternary glacial history of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands is crucial for contextualizing ice sheet responses to climate change. While Holocene deglaciation is relatively well‐studied, direct terrestrial evidence for pre‐Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) events remains scarce. This study investigates the depositional age of glacial sediments underlying Holocene patterned ground on Barton Peninsula, King George Island. A 50.5 cm sediment core (AG‐9) from a homogeneous diamicton at ~25 m above present sea level (a.s.l.) revealed a provenance from local Eocene magmatic bedrocks. Feldspar post‐infrared stimulated luminescence (pIRIR) dating, focusing on a cumulative analysis of all accepted aliquots from the core, yielded a Central Age Model De of 226 ± 12 Gy. Combined with an environmental dose rate of 2.32 ± 0.12 Gy/ka and a g ‐value of 2.07 ± 0.84%/decade, this results in a fading‐corrected luminescence age of 121 ± 9 ka. This age places the till deposition within Marine Isotope Stage 5e (MIS‐5e), the Last Interglacial. Key implications include the following: (1) The MIS‐5e glaciation provides a terminus post quem (a point in time after which an event must have occurred) for the onset of the subsequent glacial cycle in this locality. (2) The in‐situ preservation of the bulk of these MIS‐5e deposits, which subsequently served as the substrate for Holocene periglacial landforms, suggests largely continuous and non‐erosive ice cover from MIS‐5e until Holocene deglaciation. (3) The depositional setting at ~25 m a.s.l. is interpreted as a terrestrial marker of glacial advance to the higher MIS‐5e relative sea level, considering subsequent glacio‐isostatic adjustments. The MIS‐5e age challenges narratives focused solely on LGM/Holocene events, highlights the potential for uncovering older Quaternary terrestrial records, and offers new perspectives on the region's long‐term glacial dynamics and ice‐sheet sensitivity.

Forecasting mechanoluminescence self-recovery stability via optically-stimulated luminescence

Spatio-temporal variability of Quaternary glaciation in the arid alpine Spiti basin, Trans-Himalaya: Insights from luminescence dating and sedimentological analyses

Luminescence dating and the sedimentary pattern of loess on the Tibetan Plateau

Luminescence dating of three loess-paleosol sequences in the western Pamir Plateau and their paleoclimatic implications during the Late Pleistocene

Luminescence dating reveals late Quaternary evolution of the Pearl River Delta estuary (China) in response to global climate and sea-level changes