山东胶莱盆地K-Pg界线新发现

<正>1 研究目的(Objective)山东胶莱盆地为晚中生代—新生代叠合盆地,不仅保存着极为丰富的白垩系恐龙足迹和骨骼化石,也发育连续的白垩纪至古近纪早期地层层序,其中极有可能存在K-Pg界线并记录有关重要事件的地层信息。基于部署在胶莱盆地中部的科学钻探JK1井,本研究拟探索、查验K-Pg界线及其科学证据。2 研究方法(Methods)胶莱盆地中部胶州断块区是潜在的K-Pg界线易于揭露处。山东地质调查院与中国地质科学院     

A dual-layer Chicxulub ejecta sequence with shocked carbonates from the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary, Demerara Rise, western Atlantic

An up to ∼2-cm thick Chicxulub ejecta deposit marking the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary (the “K-T” boundary) was recovered in six holes drilled during ODP Leg 207 (Demerara Rise, tropical western Atlantic). Stunning features of this deposit are its uniformity over an area of 30 km² and the total absence of bioturbation, allowing documentation of the original sedimentary sequence. High-resolution mineralogical, petrological, elemental, isotopic (Sr-Nd), and rock magnetic data reveal a distinct microstratigraphy and a range of ejecta components. The deposit is normally graded and composed predominantly of rounded, 0.1- to max. 1-mm sized spherules. Spherules are altered to dioctahedral aluminous smectite, though occasionally relict Si-Al-rich hydrated glass is also present, suggesting acidic precursor lithologies. Spherule textures vary from hollow to vesicle-rich to massive; some show in situ collapse, others include distinct Fe-Mg-Ca-Ti-rich melt globules and lath-shaped Al-rich quench crystals. Both altered glass spherules and the clay matrix (Site 1259B) display strongly negative values (−17) indicating uptake of Nd from contemporaneous ocean water during alteration. Finally, Fe-Mg-rich spherules, shocked quartz and feldspar grains, few lithic clasts, as well as abundant accretionary and porous carbonate clasts are concentrated in the uppermost 0.5-0.7 mm of the deposit. The carbonate clasts display in part very unusual textures, which are interpreted to be of shock-metamorphic origin. The preservation of delicate spherule textures, normal grading with lack of evidence for traction transport, and sub-millimeter scale compositional trends provide evidence for this spherule deposit representing a primary air-fall deposit not affected by significant reworking.The ODP Leg 207 spherule deposit is the first known dual-layer K-Pg boundary in marine settings; it incorporates compositional and stratigraphic aspects of both proximal and distal marine sites. Its stratigraphy strongly resembles the dual-layer K-Pg boundary deposits in the terrestrial Western Interior of North America (although there carbonate phases are not preserved). The occurrence of a dual ejecta layer in these quite different sedimentary environments - separated by several thousands of kilometers - provides additional evidence for an original sedimentary sequence. Therefore, the layered nature of the deposit may document compositional differences between ballistic Chicxulub ejecta forming the majority of the spherule deposit, and material falling out from the vapor (ejecta) plume, which is concentrated in the uppermost part.     

A new terrestrial Cretaceous-Paleogene site in New Zealand—turnover in macroflora confirmed by palynology

A fluvial sequence near Cave Stream (north of Castle Hill Village, central Canterbury), New Zealand, contains organically-preserved plant macrofossils (cuticles). The almost ubiquitous presence of Araucariaceae macrofossils in the lower part of the section and their stratigraphic disappearance roughly coincident with the appearance of the angiosperm leaf Dryandra comptoniaefolia and conifer taxa only known elsewhere from sediments of Paleogene age, indicates that the section spans the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-T) boundary. This was subsequently confirmed by a palynological study that demonstrated the disappearance of Late Cretaceous index species within the investigated exposure. The sequence supports the pattern recognized elsewhere in New Zealand where Araucariaceae macrofossils either disappear or become very rare in end-Cretaceous and the leaf Dryandra comptoniaefolia is an important component in the early Cenozoic. The Cave Stream K-T boundary is one of the very few in the world with organically-preserved plant macrofossils and confirms the dramatic turnover in macroflora, which is known from North America.     

Tracking paleoecological and isotopic changes through the K-Pg boundary from marine ostracodes: The Poty quarry section,northeastern Brazil

Ostracode assemblages of the Poty quarry, Pernambuco-Paraíba Basin, northeastern Brazil, record an abrupt faunal change near the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary. Paleoecological and stable isotope analyses of ostracode carapaces were used to interpret the paleoenvironmental changes that took place from the Late Maastrichtian to the Early Danian. Ostracode distribution demonstrates substantial changes at and around the boundary with the last occurrences of most species and appearance of new ones. Stable isotope analyses carried out for four ostracode species distributed along the entire succession exhibit oscillations in the isotopic composition before the K-Pg boundary, thus suggesting that environmental changes may have begun slightly prior the boundary event itself. These changes may have triggered the extinctions that culminated at the K-Pg boundary, marked by positive δ¹⁸O and negative δ¹³C excursions. The K-Pg boundary is marked by cooling of bottom seawaters and a decrease in productivity, as well as the beginning of an extensive marine regression.     

Late Cretaceous marine reptiles (Elasmosauridae and Mosasauridae) of the Chatham Islands, New Zealand

A new marine reptile record for the Upper Cretaceous of the Chatham Islands is described from the Takatika Grit. Incomplete mosasaur and plesiosaur remains represent the first record of marine reptiles from the Chatham Islands and wider New Zealand. Present among the myriad bones are elasmosaurid plesiosaurs and mosasaurine mosasaurs. This assemblage is comparable to the New Zealand marine reptile record and represents apex predators that flourished in a zone of upwelling in a Late Cretaceous southern high-latitude ecosystem.     

Paleomagnetism and magnetostratigraphy of Upper Cretaceous and Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary intervals,southern Kulunda basin (West Siberia)

The study presents new paleomagnetic data on the Upper Cretaceous and Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary intervals of the southern Kulunda basin (Alei area), which were obtained from core samples collected from a 305-m-thick section penetrated in two wells. The paleomagnetic sections of each well were compiled and correlated based on the characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM). Paleomagnetic, geological, stratigraphic, and paleontological data were used to compile the Upper Cretaceous and Cretaceous-Paleogene magnetostratigraphic section of the southern Kulunda basin. The magnetostratigraphic section consists of five magnetozones, one normal polarity zone, and four reversed polarity zones spanning the Upper Cretaceous and Lower Paleogene. The lower part of the Gan’kino Horizon, showing normal polarity, forms a single normal polarity magnetozone N. The upper part of the Gan’kino Horizon comprises two reversed polarity magnetozones (R₁km and R₂mt). The Talitsa and Lyulinvor Formations of Lower Paleogene age correspond to two reversed polarity magnetozones (R₁zl and R₂i). The compiled Upper Cretaceous and Lower Paleogene magnetostratigraphic section was correlated with the geomagnetic polarity time scale. Two options were considered for correlating the lower normal polarity part of the section with geomagnetic polarity time scale of Gradstein.     

Cosmic particles (micrometeorites) and nanospheres from the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K/T) boundary clay layer at the Stevns Klint Section,Denmark

This paper presents new data on numerous small metallic particles of iron, copper, Fe-Ni, Fe-Ni-Co, and Fe-Cr alloys, magnetite, and aluminosilicate balls of cosmic origin found in the black clay boundary layer between the Cretaceous and Paleogene in the Stevns Klint Section (Denmark). The findings imply that a fall of an asteroid to Earth 65 Ma ago was accompanied with falling of finely dispersed metallic particles of extraterrestrial nature related to the asteroid fragments or to micrometeorites following the asteroid or to the intense supply of cosmic dust. The huge amount of finely dispersed matter that fell to Earth at that time should be considered in further reconstructions of events at the boundary of the Cretaceous and Paleogene.     

Biostratigraphy of the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary deposits in the Arctic region of West Siberia (Implications of Foraminifers)

Benthic foraminifers from borehole sections recovered by drilling in the Yamal Peninsula, West Siberia, characterize the Ceratobulimina cretacea Beds (the upper Campanian-lower Maastrichtian) and the Spiroplectammina variabilis-Gaudryina rugosa spinulosa and Spiroplectammina kasanzevi-Bulimina rosenkrantzi regional zones of the lower and upper Maastrichtian, respectively. The Danian Stage is missing from the sections, which include marine deposits of the Selandian Stage attributed to the Ceratolamarckina tuberculata Beds. Foraminiferal assemblages of the beds include the Siberian endemic species associated with Paleocene foraminifers of the Midway-type fauna of subglobal distribution range. Occurrence of the latter suggests that warm-water surface currents from the North Atlantic reached southern areas of the Kara Sea.     

(Ruby--Sapphire)--Chromian Mica--Tourmaline Rocks from Westland, New Zealand

Boulders of the assemblage ruby—sapphire corundum, chromianmuscovite, margarite, tourmaline (chromian chlorite, Zn—Mnchromite and Mn—Ti magnetite) occur in glacial moraineand rivers of north Westland, South Island of New Zealand. Thelocation, Cr-rich composition of the boulders and the presenceof rare serpentinite rinds indicate that they are derived fromultramafic rocks (Pounamu Ultramafics) that occur within AlpineSchist of the Southern Alps. The largest sample is progressivelyzoned outwards from a corundum—margarite core, throughan intermediate zone of Cr-muscovite, to an outer zone of Cr-chloritethat is in contact with serpentinite. Most finds consist oferosion-resistant corundum-rich cores. In the corundum, Cr₂O₃content ranges from 0.5 to 13%, with red coloration becomingmore intense with increasing Cr. In addition to the dominantCr³⁺ Al³⁺ substitution, those of (Fe, V)³⁺ Cr³⁺ and (Ti⁴⁺+Fe²⁺) 2Cr³⁺ result in spectacular colour zoning from colourlessto deep ruby red-carmine and pale blue to dark blue—violet.Corundum has grown by replacement of the micaceous matrix thatconsists of chromian muscovite (0.10–4.10% Cr₂O₃) andchromian margarite (0.46–1.20% Cr₂O₃). Both micas containa significant paragonite component (up to 21.5% in muscoviteand up to 40.8% in margarite). Late phase muscovite is Ba richwith up to 4.77% BaO, and margarite has up to 0.66% SrO. Tourmalineoccurs as veins, vein outgrowths and larger poikilitic crystalsthat replace the mica matrix. Chromium content ranges between0.82 and 3.6% Cr₂O₃. High bulk rock Al (up to 78% Al₂O₃), K,Ca, Cr and Na, and low Si (14.5–23.1% SiO₂), suggest thatthe corundum—Cr-silicate rocks are the products of extrememetasomatic alteration of quartzofeldspathic schist enclavesin serpentinite. Isocon analysis indicates that conversion ofthe schist to the micaceous matrix of the corundum rocks involvesconservation of Ca, Al, K, volatiles and Sr, a mass loss of59% and a volume reduction of 69% consequent on removal of 70–80%Si and all other elements (most >80%), with enrichment ofbetween 900 and 1800% Cr. The formation of corundum from themica matrix involved a further mass—volume reduction anddecrements in Si, Ca, K, volatiles and Sr from reaction sites.Concentric mineral zonation in single rock samples and zoning—replacementin minerals, e.g. Cr in corundum and chromite, Ti, Fe²⁺ in corundum,Ba in muscovite, Sr in margarite, and Mn and Zn in chromiteand magnetite, imply element redistribution during metasomatism.Experimental reaction between quartzofeldspathic schist andserpentinite at 450C and 2 kbar produced reaction sequencescontaining newly formed Ca-plagioclase—phlogopitic micachloriteand muscovite—chlorite that in terms of composition areanalogous with the observed (corundum—margarite)—muscovite—chloritezonation. The temperature of metamorphism of garnet zone rocks(45020C) that contain the corundum—Cr-silicate rocksis well below that of the breakdown of muscovite and margariteto form corundum and indicates the importance of fluid composition,particularly the cation—hydrogen variables a_Ca²⁺/H⁺, aK⁺/H₊and a_S1O2. Introduction of boron into the schist (from serpentinite),and boron released from the breakdown of original tourmalinein the schist, resulted in tourmaline veining and reaction ofthe mica matrix to form tourmaline that invoved both a massand volume increase and addition of Fe, Mg together with B. KEY WORDS: corundum—Cr-silicate rocks; metasomatism; New Zealand; Southern Alps ^*Corresponding author.     

Multiproxy approach to understanding the origin of Cretaceous pelagic limestone–marl alternations (DSDP site 391, Blake-Bahama Basin)

Limestone–marl alternations are usually directly interpreted to reflect cyclic palaeoenvironmental signals. However, uncertainty in such interpretations stems from the differential diagenesis that most limestone–marl alternations have undergone. Differential diagenesis results in markedly different alterations between limestones and marls and in the loss of comparability of many measurable parameters. For an unequivocal interpretation of the origin of rhythmic alternations, diagenetically robust parameters or parameters that clearly indicate the degree of diagenetic bias are required. The present study uses a multiproxy approach (independent biotic, sedimentary and geochemical parameters) in order to unravel the palaeoenvironmental signal recorded in Valanginian (Early Cretaceous) limestone–marl alternations from the Blake‐Bahama Basin (DSDP site 391). Using this approach, terrestrial and marine influences can be distinguished, changes in nutrient levels estimated and prediagenetic differences in the non‐carbonate fraction constrained. Surprisingly, no systematic variations in any of these parameters were observed between limestone and marl layers, implying that none of these was directly responsible for the formation of the rhythmic alternation. Hence, none of the current models of sedimentary formation of limestone–marl rhythmites is applicable here. Calcareous nannofossils are equally well preserved in limestone and marl layers, ruling out their dissolution in marl layers as a source of the calcite cement in the limestone beds. Sr values of 700–900 p.p.m. indicate that aragonite may have been present in the original, pelagic sediment. The assumption of fine‐grained sedimentary aragonite imported from nearby carbonate platforms as the source of the cement would explain a number of otherwise enigmatic features in these rhythmites, including the source of the calcite cement observed in the limestones, the equally good preservation of calcareous nannofossils in limestones and marls and the higher concentration of calcareous nannofossils in marl layers. The study demonstrates that examination of diagenetically inert parameters or parameters in which diagenetic effects can be filtered can yield unexpected results. Clearly, careful analysis of such parameters needs to be undertaken in order to make reliable palaeoenvironmental interpretations from rhythmite successions.     

Glacial activity in New Zealand near the Pleistocene-Holocene boundary in the light of new radiocarbon dates

Burrows, C. J., Chinn, T. & Kelly, M. 1976 08 01: Glacial activity in New Zealand near the Pleistocene-Holocene boundary in the light of new radiocarbon dates.
Although glaciers in New Zealand were diminishing from the late Pleistocene onwards, there remained an extensive ice cover, greater than at present, well into early Holocene. The Birch Hill advances are dated to just before the Pleistocene-Holocene boundary at 10,000 B.P., and at least two lesser advances are recognised, at 9000 B.P. and 8000 B.P. A general parallel with northern hemisphere glacial activity is drawn.     

Carbon isotope stratigraphy and depositional oxia through Cenomanian/Turonian boundary sequences (Upper Cretaceous) in New Zealand

Stratigraphic sections across the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary (C/T boundary) are identified in New Zealand and were deposited in southern high latitudes of the palaeo-Pacific. Lithological evidence for Cretaceous Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE2), which preceded and spanned the C/T boundary, is lacking in these sections. The correlative interval is identified, however, from a positive 2‰ carbon isotope excursion (CIE) and from clustered highest occurrences of Cenomanian-restricted dinoflagellate taxa together with the lowest occurrence of Turonian Heterosphaeridium difficile. A zone lacking benthic macrofossils encompasses the CIE. In some sections, this interval is also characterized by distinctive red mudstone beds; the thickest such red bed (6–18 m thick) may overlap or just overlie the main part of the CIE interval. Shelly macrobenthos, notably inoceramid bivalves, disappeared >500 kyr prior to the CIE. This suggests that environmental deterioration associated with OAE2 may have preceded the inferred volcanic trigger that has been identified from other regions. Strong intermediate water depth oxia during OAE2, which contrasts with oceanic anoxic conditions that occurred elsewhere on the globe, apparently prevailed during the later phase of OAE2 in the southernmost Pacific. New data from New Zealand indicate that causal mechanism(s) of OAE2 may be complex.     

Discovery of antler from a new site in the Pinjor Formation (Pleistocene) of Pakistan

Partially complete right antler from the Pinjor Formation (Pleistocene) of the Upper Siwalik Subgroup is identified, described and its phylogenetic relationship is discussed. The fossil antler is compared with other known fossil records of family Cervidae as well as with the extant species, on the basis of which it can be attributed to Axis punjabiensis. This species has not been reported previously from this fossil site.     

Development and propagation of a pollution gradient in the marine boundary layer during INDOEX (1999)

The development and propagation of a pollution gradient in the marine boundary layer over the Arabian Sea during the Intensive Field Phase of the Indian Ocean Experiment (1999) is investigated. A hypothesis for the generation of the pollution gradient is presented. Infrared satellite images show the formation of the pollution gradient as the leading edge of a polluted air mass in the marine boundary layer and also its propagation over the Arabian Sea and the northern Indian Ocean. Aerosol data measured from two research vessels over the Arabian Sea show a variation in the concentrations caused by the passage of this pollution gradient. Depth of the pollution gradient was found to be about 800 m. A numerical model was used to simulate the development of this gradient and its propagation over the ocean. Results show that its formation and structure are significantly influenced by the diurnal cycle of coastal sea-land breeze circulations along India’s west coast. Transport of aerosols and gases over the Arabian Sea in the lower troposphere from land sources appears to be through this mechanism with the other being the elevated land plume.     

Sedimentation in the Conway Trough, a deep near-shore marine basin at the junction of the Alpine transform and Hikurangi subduction plate boundary, New Zealand

The Conway Trough is a 40 km × 10 km, 1000 m deep, rectangular, tectonically controlled sedimentary basin situated on an active plate boundary. The basin lies at the junction of the Alpine transform and Hikurangi subduction sectors of the Indo-Australian/Pacific plate boundary. It is incised into Cainozoic sedimentary rocks and contains a thick fill of late Neogene sediment. Study of the continental shelf near the Conway Trough indicates: (1) that transport mechanisms operate in a net north-easterly direction, and (2) that the neritic sediment drift system is confined to within a few kilometres of the shoreface, with the result that (3) large areas of the shelf south of the trough comprise bare bedrock, or relict late Pleistocene sediment. Despite reaching to within 3 km of shore, the Conway Trough receives little modern bedload sediment, as indicated by a paucity of sand fill. However, the trough has intercepted some Holocene bedload, since the main channel contains redeposited graded gravel and sand with a C-14 age of 4670 yr. Satellite imagery and piston cores reveal that abundant mud is provided to the trough, much of it from river sources up to 200 km to the south. Some of this sediment is inferred to move by turbid layer transport through Conway Trough and out via Kaikoura Canyon into nearby Hikurangi Trough. Nonetheless, sedimentation rates in the Conway Trough may be as high as 1-7 m (1000 yr) ¹. The Conway Trough forms a modern example of a transform basin, varying Neogene examples of which are found widely in north-eastern South Island. Sedimentation models are constructed to compare transform and transduction basins, particularly with respect to the effects of Pleistocene sea-level changes.     

Early Holocene M~6 explosive eruption from Plosky volcanic massif (Kamchatka) and its tephra as a link between terrestrial and marine paleoenvironmental records

We report tephrochronological and geochemical data on early Holocene activity from Plosky volcanic massif in the Kliuchevskoi volcanic group, Kamchatka Peninsula. Explosive activity of this volcano lasted for ~1.5 kyr, produced a series of widely dispersed tephra layers, and was followed by profuse low-viscosity lava flows. This eruptive episode started a major reorganization of the volcanic structures in the western part of the Kliuchevskoi volcanic group. An explosive eruption from Plosky (M~6), previously unstudied, produced tephra (coded PL2) of a volume of 10–12 km³ (11–13 Gt), being one of the largest Holocene explosive eruptions in Kamchatka. Characteristic diagnostic features of the PL2 tephra are predominantly vitric sponge-shaped fragments with rare phenocrysts and microlites of plagioclase, olivine and pyroxenes, medium- to high-K basaltic andesitic bulk composition, high-K, high-Al and high-P trachyandesitic glass composition with SiO₂ = 57.5–59.5 wt%, K₂O = 2.3–2.7 wt%, Al₂O₃ = 15.8–16.5 wt%, and P₂O₅ = 0.5–0.7 wt%. Other diagnostic features include a typical subduction-related pattern of incompatible elements, high concentrations of all REE (>10× mantle values), moderate enrichment in LREE (La/Yb ~ 5.3), and non-fractionated mantle-like pattern of LILE. Geochemical fingerprinting of the PL2 tephra with the help of EMP and LA-ICP-MS analyses allowed us to map its occurrence in terrestrial sections across Kamchatka and to identify this layer in Bering Sea sediment cores at a distance of >600 km from the source. New high-precision ¹⁴C dates suggest that the PL2 eruption occurred ~10,200 cal BP, which makes it a valuable isochrone for early Holocene climate fluctuations and permits direct links between terrestrial and marine paleoenvironmental records. The terrestrial and marine ¹⁴C dates related to the PL2 tephra have allowed us to estimate an early Holocene reservoir age for the western Bering Sea at 1,410 ± 64 ¹⁴C years. Another important tephra from the early Holocene eruptive episode of Plosky volcano, coded PL1, was dated at 11,650 cal BP. This marker is the oldest geochemically characterized and dated tephra marker layer in Kamchatka to date and is an important local marker for the Younger Dryas—early Holocene transition. One more tephra from Plosky, coded PL3, can be used as a marker northeast of the source at a distance of ~110 km.     

Nitrogen and carbon isotopic composition of bone collagen from marine and terrestrial animals

The stable nitrogen and carbon isotope ratios of bone collagen prepared from more than 100 animals representing 66 species of birds, fish, and mammals are presented. The δ¹⁵N values of bone collagen from animals that fed exclusively in the marine environment are, on average, 9%. more positive than those from animals that fed exclusively in the terrestrial environment; ranges for the two groups overlap by less than 1%. Bone collagen δ¹⁵N values also serve to separate marine fish from the small number of freshwater fish we analyzed. The bone collagen δ¹⁵N values of birds and fish that spent part of their life cycles feeding in the marine environment and part in the freshwater environment are intermediate between those of animals that fed exclusively in one or the other system. Further, animals that fed at successive trophic levels in the marine and terrestrial environment are separated, on average, by a 3%. difference in the δ¹⁵N values of their bone collagen. Specifically, carnivorous and herbivorous terrestrial animals have mean δ¹⁵N values for bone collagen of + 8.0 and + 5.3%., respectively. Among marine animals, those that fed on fish have a mean δ¹⁵N value for bone collagen of + 16.5%., whereas those that fed on invertebrates have a mean δ¹⁵N value of + 13.3%. These results support previous suggestions of a 3%. enrichment in δ¹⁵N values at each successively higher trophic level. In contrast to the results for δ¹⁵N values, the ranges of bone collagen δ¹³C values from marine and terrestrial feeders overlap to a great extent. Additionally, bone collagen δ¹³C values do not reflect the trophic levels at which the animals fed. These results indicate that bone collagen δ¹⁵N values will be useful in determining relative dependence on marine and terrestrial food sources and in investigating trophic level relationships among different animal species within an ecosystem. This approach should be applicable to animals represented by prehistoric or fossilized bone in which collagen is preserved.     

First attempt to combine terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide (10Be) and Schmidt hammer relative-age dating: Strauchon Glacier, Southern Alps, New Zealand

This study provides the first attempt to combine terrestrial (in situ) cosmogenic nuclide (¹⁰Be) surface exposure dating with Schmidt hammer relative-age dating for the age estimation of Holocene moraines at Strauchon Glacier, Southern Alps, New Zealand. Numerous Schmidt hammer tests enable a multi-ridged lateral moraine system to be related to three late-Holocene ‘Little Ice Age’-type events. On the basis of cosmogenic ¹⁰Be ages, those events are dated to c. 2400, 1700, and 1100 years ago. Linear age-calibration curves are constructed in order to relate Schmidt hammer R-values to cosmogenic ¹⁰Be ages. The high explanation yielded reveals the causal link between both data sets. The potential of combining both methods in a ‘’multiproxy approach’ is discussed alongside possible future improvements. Terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide dating delivers absolute ages needed as fixed points for Schmidt hammer age-calibration curves. The Schmidt hammer technique can be used to crosscheck the boulder surfaces chosen for surface exposure dating by terrestrial cosmogenic nuclides. It should, therefore, reduce the number of samples necessary and costs.