Testing the use of feldspars for optical dating of hurricane overwash deposits

The geological record preserved in coastal salt marshes provides an opportunity to determine past hurricane activity during the Late Holocene in New England, USA. High precision dating is important to correlate overwash sand layers associated with hurricane strikes between different sites along the coastline. Three different optical dating methods have been tested and compared with independent age control; i) optically stimulated luminescence from quartz, ii) infrared stimulated luminescence from K-feldspar, and iii) a subtraction method.Quartz and K-feldspar dating results for three samples in a core from Round Hill Beach Marsh are in stratigraphic order and they are consistent within errors with radiocarbon ages and with each other. Subtraction dating results agreed with the quartz and K-feldspar ages for two of the three samples, but the subtraction age of the youngest sample gave an age underestimate. Replicate equivalent dose values from quartz showed a larger variation than those from feldspars, and this resulted in larger errors for the quartz and subtraction ages than those based on feldspars. K-feldspar yields the most precise optical ages, but is complicated by the need to correct for anomalous fading. Both quartz and K-feldspar are suitable for optical dating of hurricane overwash deposits in New England.     

OSL and IRSL dating of raised beach sand deposits along the southeastern coast of Norway

Raised beach sand deposits along the southeastern coast of Norway were dated by optical (OSL) and infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) and the quartz and K-feldspar luminescence characteristics were described. Due to the poor quartz luminescence characteristics, only a limited number of samples were suitable for OSL dating. More promising are the K-feldspar extracts, with typical K-feldspar luminescence characteristics and no sign of fading. For equivalent dose (D_e) determination, sand-size quartz and feldspar extracts were used, applying a single aliquot regenerative (SAR) protocol. Both, OSL and IRSL D_e estimates show a wide distribution, unexpected for beach deposits. The calculated OSL and IRSL age estimates were generally in good agreement and the correctness of the ages was confirmed by independent age control. Because only a limited number of the quartz samples were suitable for OSL dating, IRSL dating of the K-feldspar represents an alternative to OSL quartz dating.     

Assessing the potential of luminescence dating for fault slip rate studies on the Garlock fault,Mojave Desert,California, USA

Although there has been significant advancement of OSL (optically stimulated luminescence) dating of quartz and feldspar over the past decade, the luminescence characteristics of quartz grains in many tectonically active areas are not suitable for accurate age determinations using this technique. This study investigates the reasons for this unsuitability and tests a new measurement protocol (ITL), which appears more promising. At two sites along the central Garlock fault in the Mojave Desert, California, USA, samples collected for OSL dating for this study have proven problematic. At the El Paso Peaks (EPP) trench site, a sequence of OSL samples was collected from sandy units with a well-established radiocarbon chronology, providing the opportunity to assess different approaches and optimize our luminescence dating procedures. At Christmas Canyon West (CCW), where future Garlock fault slip rate studies will be conducted using luminescence dating, samples were collected to assess the luminescence characteristics of both quartz and feldspar in this environment. At both sites, signals from quartz and K-feldspar grains are consistently dim. At EPP, quartz results provide age underestimates, while K-feldspar IRSL yields erratic values; the causes of this problematic behavior are unclear. Preliminary minimum isothermal thermoluminescence (ITL) signals of K-feldspar measured during preheating appear to be consistent with the radiocarbon age estimates, demonstrating potential for accurate age determination in this kind of environment using this protocol.     

Chronology of an oyster reef on the coast of Bohai Bay, China: Constraints from optical dating using different luminescence signals from fine quartz and polymineral fine grains of coastal sediments

Fossil oyster reefs are indicators of past sea levels, and their formation is usually dated by means of radiocarbon. However, radiocarbon dating of the shells from coastal areas may be complicated by the varying sources of carbon. Here we applied optical dating methods to date the samples from above and below a fossil oyster bed in a section on the coast of Bohai Bay, China. The optical ages of the sediments were used to constrain the oyster bed. Single-aliquot regenerative-dose procedures using the OSL signal from fine grain quartz, the IRSL and post-IR OSL signals from polymineral fine grains were employed to determine equivalent dose (D_e). The behaviors of the different luminescence signals from quartz and polymineral grains during D_e measurements were examined. The results showed that the quartz OSL signal is more reliable than the polymineral IRSL and post-IR OSL signals with respect to dating for these coastal samples. The optical ages indicated that the oyster reef formed between ca. 6.2 and 5.0 ka.     

Quartz OSL and K-feldspar pIRIR dating of a loess/paleosol sequence from arid central Asia,Tianshan Mountains,NW China

Loess deposits surrounding the high mountainous regions of arid central Asia (ACA) play an important role in understanding environmental changes in Eurasia on orbital and sub-orbital time scales. However, problems with dating loess in ACA have limited the interpretation of climatic and environmental data, especially Holocene data. We selected a typical loess/paleosol sequence (LJW10) on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains in ACA consisting of 280 cm of loess with multiple paleosols formed in the upper 170 cm of the section. We applied quartz OSL dating to coarse-grained (63–90 μm) fractions, and newly developed K-feldspar pIRIR dating protocols to both coarse-grained and medium-grained (38–63 μm) fractions of the samples from LJW10 section. Internal checks of the quartz OSL dating indicate that the single-aliquot regenerative-dose protocol on large aliquots (5 mm) is appropriate for equivalent dose (D_e) determinations and that the quartz ages of the loess samples are likely to be reliable. Luminescence characteristics and internal checks of the pIRIR dating indicate the pIRIR signal at a 170 °C stimulation temperature with a 200 °C preheat can be used for both coarse-grained and medium-grained D_e determinations. Anomalous fading tests for the pIRIR 170 °C signal indicate the pIRIR signals are stable and the anomalous fading of the pIRIR 170 °C signal can be ignored. Sunlight bleaching tests of the loess indicate the residual dose for the pIRIR 170 °C signal can also be ignored as it corresponds to only ∼9 years for the medium-grained K-feldspar and ∼85 years for the coarse-grained K-feldspar. The pIRIR ages of five medium-grained and coarse-grained K-feldspar samples are consistent with coarse-grained quartz OSL ages, and both the medium-grained and coarse-grained ages increase uniformly with depth, indicating these pIRIR ages are reliable. Based on the coarse-grained quartz OSL ages, and on coarse-grained and medium-grained K-feldspar pIRIR ages, an age-depth model for the paleosol-loess sequence was established by using a Bacon age-depth model. This model suggests eolian loess deposition began by at least ∼16 ka ago and that paleosol development on these eolian loess deposits began ∼5.5 ka, continuing to the present, with periods of high effective moisture at 5.5–4.9, 4.6–4.1, and 3.4–3.1 ka. This sequence suggests overall relative aridity during the early Holocene and an increase in effective moisture beginning ∼5.5 ka during the mid-late Holocene in ACA.     

Infrared stimulated luminescence and radiofluorescence dating of aeolian sediments from Hungary

Anomalous fading of the infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) signal from the polymineral fine-grain and K-feldspar fractions of aeolian sediments from Hungary has been studied. The samples in this study have previously been dated using the multiple aliquot additive dose (MAAD) protocol to measure the IRSL signal. The IRSL measurements using MAAD were conducted ～4 weeks after the irradiation, making it difficult to assess to what extent these age estimates were affected by anomalous fading. In this study, equivalent doses were obtained using the single aliquot regenerative dose (SAR) protocol. The fading rate for each sample was calculated using the different IRSL components and different parts of the decay curve. For each sample, the middle part of the decay curve always showed a lower fading rate than the initial part of the decay curve. The difference between the fading rates for different parts of the decay curve was greater for the K-feldspars than for the polymineral fine grains. Fading corrected ages were calculated by integrating both the initial and the middle part of the decay curve. These ages were compared with optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages from quartz, infrared radiofluorescence (IR-RF) ages obtained from K-feldspars and also with independent ages, provided by radiocarbon dating of shells and charcoal, and uranium-series dating of travertine.     

Optical dating of aeolian and fluvial sediments in north Tian Shan range,China: Luminescence characteristics and methodological aspects

Loess and fluvial sand are important materials for dating river terraces and alluvial fans. This study focuses on the methodological aspects of dating loess and fluvial deposits from the northern flank of the Tian Shan range, China, using sand-sized quartz and potassium (K) feldspar. Luminescence characteristics of quartz and K-feldspar were studied for searching suitable dating procedures. Our results indicate that 1) most quartz aliquots were contaminated by feldspar, and were dated using a post-infrared optically stimulated luminescence (post-IR OSL) procedure. A Fast ratio acceptance threshold of 15 can be applied to select these aliquots with post-IR OSL signals dominated by quartz OSL; 2) the multi-elevated-temperature post-IR IR stimulated luminescence (MET-pIRIR) procedures are applicable for K-feldspar. A test dose of ∼30% of the natural dose is appropriate for dating of older (>10 ka) samples. An Age (T, t) plateau test can be used to evaluate the dating results; 3) for the loess samples, both quartz and K-feldspar were well bleached and are suitable for dating. Dating using K-feldspar is preferred for its higher efficiency; 4) for the fluvial sand samples, only the quartz grains were fully bleached. Single-aliquot dating of quartz gives reliable ages.     

Timing of Holocene lake highstands around Dawa Co in inner Tibetan Plateau: Comparison of quartz and feldspar luminescence dating with radiocarbon age

Lakes over the inner Tibetan Plateau (TP) are very sensitive to the regional environmental transformations and climate changes. Well-preserved lake sediments around these lakes provide critical geomorphological and sedimentary evidence that can be used to infer the past hydroclimate changes. In this study, a lacustrine section from a sandy shoreline (∼74 m above the modern lake) situated to the northwest of modern Dawa Co in the inner TP was investigated using both luminescence and radiocarbon dating methods. Our results demonstrated: (1) the quartz optically simulated luminescence (OSL) dating yielded much younger ages (∼4 ka) than that of the post-infrared IRSL (pIRIR) dating of the K-feldspar fraction; (2) fading test showed g-values ranging between 1.34 and 4.46%/decade for quartz OSL signals, which is considered to be responsible for the underestimation of the corresponding ages; (3) the AMS ¹⁴C age of the charcoal sample from the section is in line with the K-feldspar pIRIR₂₂₅ ages, confirming the reliability of the pIRIR₂₂₅ dates and the underestimation of the quartz OSL ages. The anomalous fading of quartz OSL signals and the consequent age underestimation have been reported in several other lakes on the TP, we presented here for the first time firm evidence of the phenomenon with the help of a robust independent control of AMS ¹⁴C age of the charcoal. Based on the pIRIR₂₂₅ and AMS ¹⁴C ages, we conclude that Dawa Co underwent a prominent highstand during the early Holocene (∼9–7 ka), which was probably controlled by the large amounts of glacial meltwater input and the increased monsoonal precipitation.     

Bleachability of pIRIR signal from single-grain K-feldspar

The high-temperature (e.g., >200 °C) post-infrared infrared (pIRIR) stimulated luminescence of feldspar has been widely used for dating, because it usually suffers negligibly from anomalous fading. However, compared to the quartz optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) or low-temperature (e.g., 50 °C) IR stimulated luminescence (IRSL) from feldspars, the high-temperature pIRIR signals have been shown to bleach more slowly and usually have high residual does of a few Gys or more, which limits its application to date relatively young samples and may cause problems for correcting residual dose/signal. In this study, we investigated the bleachability of K-feldspar pIRIR signals for individual grains. A significant variation in the bleachability of the pIRIR signal was observed among different K-feldspar grains from the same sample. Experiments show that such a variability may result in different residual doses for different grains and, consequently, additional scatter in D_e values. We present a method for quickly testing the bleachability of individual grains. Our result suggests that selecting the easy-to-bleach grains for D_e determination provides an efficient way to date young samples using high-temperature pIRIR signals, which avoids the compromise of using low-temperature pIRIR signals that may suffer from anomalous fading.     

Progress in optical dating of guano-rich sediments associated with the Deep Skull, West Mouth of the Great Cave of Niah, Sarawak, Borneo

The West Mouth of the Great Cave of Niah is one of the major archaeological sites in Southeast Asia; the radiocarbon chronology of this site currently places the earliest presence of Homo sapiens (a Deep Skull find) in Southeast Asia at about 45 ka BP. An optical dating programme using sand-sized quartz was initiated in the West Mouth to complement the radiocarbon chronology. This paper reports on the progress in dating a key sample (sample 376r) that was taken from deposits containing the Deep Skull. A somewhat novel procedure was developed to separate and clean quartz grains from the unusual guano-rich deposits. From this, only a small quantity of quartz grains could be recovered and 36 aliquots (1 mm in diameter) were prepared, each consisting of 80 grains. This sample was dated by means of the single-aliquot regenerative-dose (SAR) method using the protocols of Murray and Wintle [2000. Luminescence dating of quartz using an improved single-aliquot regenerative-dose protocol. Radiation Measurements 32, 57–73], and of Choi et al. [2003. Luminescence dating of well-sorted marine terrace sediments on the southeastern coast of Korea. Quaternary Science Reviews 22, 407–421]. The results showed a wide distribution of equivalent doses; this distribution is inferred to be due to bioturbation, variable bleaching at deposition, and to local variations in the dose rate within the sample site. Dose rates were measured using both field (in-situ γ-ray spectrometry, IGRS) and laboratory (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry/atomic emission spectrometry, ICP-MS/AES; and isotope dilution, ID) methods. There was significant disagreement between the concentrations of radioisotopes found using laboratory and field measurements, indicating sediment heterogeneity and also possible disequilibrium in the ²³⁸U decay chain. Future work in the West Mouth should therefore concentrate on taking sediment samples of at least 500–600 cm³, improving the dose rate estimates (e.g. by high-resolution γ-ray spectrometry) and investigating other luminescence signals (e.g. red thermoluminescence) as potential geochronometers.     

Luminescence dating of the late Quaternary sediments in Hangzhou Bay,China

Coastal plain of Hangzhou Bay, to the south of the present Yangtze Estuary, is closely linked to the evolution of the Yangtze River delta. However, absolute age of Pre-Holocene sediments is limited, which hinders the understanding of this area's environmental evolution. In this study, using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), single aliquots and single grains of quartz and K-feldspar were used to date the late Quaternary sediments in coastal plain on the southern Hangzhou Bay. The vertical difference in particle size composition render either silt- or sand-sized quartz for dating. Cross-checking of multiple OSL dating methods indicated that the upper ∼65 m recorded the Holocene part of the succession; sediment from a depth of 136.6 m was dated to ∼180 ka. It was found that the single-grain method was more reliable in comparison to single-aliquot age, the former minimized the effect of signal components. Single-grain quartz and K-feldspar luminescence yielded consistent ages at sample depth of 136.6 m (∼160–180 ka), while the latter gave robust age at depth of 115.5 m (∼150 ka). This chronology is in general in accordance with neighbouring cores and can constrain paleomagnetic dating results in those cores. Taking together, the study site has thickest Holocene deposits in comparison to the highland centered around Taihu Lake on the southern Yangtze delta. Moreover, the luminescence characteristics of quartz from different sample depths, behaved differently with respect to luminescence sensitivity, signal components and saturation level, perhaps reflecting varied provenance and weathering characteristics caused by climate change.     

Luminescence dating of K-feldspar from sediments: A protocol without anomalous fading correction

A protocol for optical dating of potassium-rich feldspar (K-feldspar) is proposed. It utilizes the infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) signal measured by progressively increasing the stimulation temperature from 50 to 250 °C in step of 50 °C, so-called multi-elevated-temperature post-IR IRSL (MET-pIRIR) measurements. Negligible anomalous fading was observed for the MET-pIRIR signals obtained at 200 and 250 °C. This was supported by equivalent dose (D_e) measurements using the IRSL and MET-pIRIR signals. The D_e values increase progressively from 50 °C to 200 °C, but similar D_e values were obtained for the MET-pIRIR signal at 200 and 250 °C. Measurement of modern samples and bleached samples indicates that the MET-pIRIR signals have small residual doses less than 5 Gy equivalent to about 1–2 ka. We have tested the protocol using various sedimentary samples with different ages from different regions of China. The MET-pIR IRSL ages obtained at 200 and 250 °C are consistent with independent and/or quartz OSL ages.     

Late Quaternary lake level record of Orog Nuur,southern Mongolia,revealed by optical dating of paleo-shorelines

The Late Quaternary hydroclimatic evolution of lake systems in Mongolia remains unclear. Here we present a record of lake level variations at Orog Nuur in the Valley of Gobi Lakes in southern Mongolia, since the last interglaciation, based on paleo-shoreline dating using quartz optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and K-feldspar post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence (pIRIR) signals. Due to feldspar contamination that could not be eliminated, the OSL signals of quartz single-aliquots (SA), except for two Holocene samples, were unsuitable for dating and a double SA regenerative-dose (SAR) protocol was used for the quartz fraction of these two samples. The pIR₅₀IR₁₇₀ and pIR₂₀₀IR₂₉₀ signals of K-feldspar SA were used to date Holocene samples and old samples (>100 ka), respectively, with the SAR protocol. To determine the bleaching condition of the pIR₂₀₀IR₂₉₀ signals, the first pIRIR dating of K-feldspar single-grains of lake shoreline sediments in Mongolia was performed. The equivalent doses of K-feldspar grains show normal distributions, suggesting that the pIR₂₀₀IR₂₉₀ signals are well-bleached. Overall, the results, combined with those of previous studies, show that a mega-lake developed at 56 m above the modern lake level (a.m.l.) during MIS 5e (124.2 ± 6.8–114.7 ± 8.0 ka). Holocene high-stands occurred in the last deglaciation–early Holocene (11.1 ± 1.0 ka) at 23 m a.m.l. and in the mid-Holocene (6.7 ± 0.8–3.3 ± 0.4 ka) at 20–14 m a.m.l. The dimensions of the paleo-lakes were recovered, and a hydrological index indicates that the effective moisture during MIS 5e and the mid-Holocene was 10.7 times and 3.6–5.0 times larger than today, respectively. Finally, the possible mechanisms behind the lake level history are discussed based on correlation with independent paleoclimatic records.     

Feldspar SARA IRSL dating of very low dose rate aeolian sediments from Sandwick South,Unst, Shetland

Young sediments, with low sensitivity and low dose rates, are challenging for luminescence dating. Here, we present work on the site of Sandwick South, a Norse settlement, in which these challenges were present. Field gamma dose rates below 0.1 mGy a⁻¹, and total dose rates of 0.4–0.5 mGy a⁻¹, combined with expected ages of less than 1 ka, resulted in a requirement for quantitative determination of equivalent doses of 0.2–0.4 Gy. The bedrock geology of the area are metagabbros, which explain both the exceptionally low dose rates and the lack of autochthonous quartz. Luminescence profiling during fieldwork revealed stratigraphically progressive OSL and IRSL signals, indicating phases in the sediments with dating potential. While laboratory characterisation recovered some quartz, its low yields and luminescence sensitivity precluded application of quartz methods. Electron microscopy confirmed the presence of feldspars, which were separated and used for IRSL Single Aliquot Regeneration Additive (SARA) analysis. Counting times for both high resolution gamma spectrometry (HRGS) and thick source beta counting (TSBC) measurements were extended by 1 order of magnitude, resulting in overall uncertainties of <6% for these low dose rates. Dose estimates were obtained using an adapted SARA protocol, incorporating long overnight preheats before first measurement, with the aim of mitigating short-term fading effects. Using these procedures, archaeologically meaningful dates were obtained from this difficult material, which are internally consistent, coherent with stratigraphy, and concordant with the radiocarbon constraints of the associated archaeological settlement. The dates demonstrate sand accumulation in the early to mid-13th century AD and also in the 18th century AD, which are contemporary with disruptive sand movements registered in other coastal regions of the Northeast Atlantic and North Sea regions. The approaches adopted here have provided solutions to the challenging conditions of this young, insensitive material and can therefore be considered to extend the range and applicability of luminescence dating methods.     

Testing for sufficient signal resetting during sediment transport using a polymineral multiple-signal luminescence approach

We present a multiple luminescence signal measurement procedure that simultaneously measures six different luminescence signals from a single polymineral aliquot (i.e. multiple-signal, short MS-SAR approach). The six signals show different bleaching rates in bleaching experiments, ranging from rapid bleaching for the quartz dominated blue stimulated luminescence signal (measured at 125 °C, BSL-125), to the slow-bleaching polymineral thermoluminescence signal. The bleaching rate of the infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) measured at room temperature (IR-25) and elevated temperature post-IR IRSL (pIRIR-90, pIRIR-155, pIRIR-225) signals decrease with increasing measurement temperature. Owing to these different bleaching rates, the MS-SAR approach allows inference of the degree of bleaching, and thereby information on the transport history of sediments. We test this approach by applying the MS-SAR to four coastal samples from a well-monitored sand-nourishment site at the Dutch coast. Our results show that the proposed MS-SAR approach can be utilised to construct bleaching plateaus which provide an independent and time-effective measure of the degree of poor bleaching in a sediment sample based on the measurement of only a few large aliquots. We propose that the MS-SAR protocol can be used to profile the age, luminescence properties and degree of bleaching of minimal prepared polymineral. This pre-profiling will allow the selection of suitable samples for full luminescence dating analysis in a target-orientated and time-effective manner.     

Luminescence characteristics of coastal sediments in Langhovde,East Antarctica

The Late Pleistocene sea-level history of Antarctica is key to understanding and predicting the responses of icesheets, which significantly contribute to the global sea level, to changing climates. Coastal sediments at Lützow-Holm Bay, East Antarctica, have yielded radiocarbon ages of Holocene and Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 from deposits above the present sea level, suggesting that there have been two episodes of sea-level highstand. However, radiocarbon dating is likely to be less accurate for dating sediments close to or older than 40–50 ka, the upper limit of its application. We thus explored the applicability of luminescence dating to coastal sediments newly sampled from Langhovde on the eastern coast of Lützow-Holm Bay. Samples were collected from a trench <1 m deep and at several meters above the present sea level. Quartz coarse and fine grains, K-feldspar coarse grains, and polymineral fine grains were extracted from the samples. Quartz coarse and fine grains both showed very low optically stimulated luminescence sensitivity and no fast component and thus were not considered further. Dose-recovery tests on post-infrared infrared-stimulated luminescence (post-IR IRSL) signals of K-feldspar and polymineral grains yielded variable results and suggested acceptable measurement conditions for each grain size fraction and expected equivalent dose. Preliminary measurements revealed that the trench section can be divided into the upper and lower layers, corresponding to the Holocene and MIS 7, respectively. Further application of post-IR IRSL dating to coastal sediments, including to previously radiocarbon-dated sections, could refine our understanding of the late Quaternary relative sea-level history in East Antarctica.     

Evaluating the effectiveness of heavy liquid density separation in isolating K-feldspar grains using alluvial sediments from the Hajar Mountains,Oman

Heavy liquid density separation is commonly utilised in isolating specific minerals from bulk sediment for luminescence dating. K-feldspars are commonly separated from other minerals by isolating the <2.58 g cm⁻³ fraction which yields infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) signals conducive to dating. However, initial measurements of the IRSL and thermoluminescence (TL) signals from the <2.58 g cm⁻³ fraction of alluvial fan sediments from the Hajar Mountains, northern Oman, were atypical of K-feldspar luminescence signals reported in the literature. In this study, three different density separates (<2.58 g cm⁻³, 2.58–2.54 g cm⁻³ and <2.565 g cm⁻³) were trialled to attempt to isolate pure K-feldspar samples for dating, to measure K-feldspar IRSL signals which are not contaminated with inputs from other feldspar, quartz and/or heavy mineral signals. The mineralogy of these separates was explored using microscopy, X-ray diffraction and mass spectrometry. We found that despite more refined heavy liquid density separation, the proportions of K-feldspar in these separates had a maximum of 40% by weight, remaining significantly contaminated by other minerals. IRSL and TL signals were atypical of K-feldspar for all density separates and it is likely that there is a contribution of signal from IR-sensitive contaminants, such as muscovite. This highlights the importance of investigating the mineralogy of samples for luminescence dating, especially in regions where little prior work has been undertaken.     

OSL chronology of a sedimentary sequence from the inner-shelf of the East China Sea and its implication on post-glacial deposition history

Sedimentary records from the inner-shelf of the East China Sea (ECS) are unique for the reconstruction of post-glacial palaeoclimate and sea-level changes. So far, the chronology of sediment succession from this region has mainly been based on radiocarbon dating, which might be problematic due to reworked deposition or old carbon contamination. In this study we tested the applicability of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating to a drilling core (ECS-DZ1) taken from the northern ESC. A total of 20 OSL samples and two radiocarbon samples were collected from the upper 58 m of this core. The results indicate the likely sufficient reset of OSL signal of fine-grained (4–11 μm) quartz before burial, and thus reliable chronology for the studied core sediments. For one sample, however, the extracted coarse-grained (100–200 μm) quartz overestimated the deposition age significantly, presumably resulting from partial bleaching prior to deposition. The fine-grained quartz ages are generally consistent with the stratigraphical order, and the reliability of these OSL ages are further validated by two selective robust ¹⁴C dates. The chronological framework of core ECS-DZ1 reveals striking sedimentation-rate changes. By comparison with other chronostratigraphical records, we infer that post-glacial deposition history (since ∼15 ka) of the study site is likely related to regional sea-level rise and delta-estuary environment evolution, as well as strengthened human activities and/or coastal currents.     

A modified multi-elevated-temperature post-IR IRSL protocol for dating Holocene sediments using K-feldspar

A modified multi-elevated-temperature post-IR infra-red stimulated luminescence (MET-pIRIR) protocol is proposed for dating young samples of Holocene age using K-feldspar. The protocol utilizes a five-step MET-pIRIR measurement with a moderate preheating of 200 °C for 60 s, and a narrow IR stimulation temperature increment of 30 °C (i.e., the five measurement temperatures are 50, 80, 110, 140 and 170 °C). Using this method, the residual doses of the MET-pIRIR signals are generally less than 1 Gy. Holocene aeolian samples from Northern China were tested using the 30°C-increment modified MET-pIRIR method. The results demonstrate that similar ages from 140 °C to 170 °C were obtained for our samples, which were consistent with the quartz optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages. Based on this observation, the measurement procedures are further simplified to a three-step pIRIR protocol. The first IR stimulation at elevated temperature (110 °C) is used to remove the fading affected signals. This is followed by two steps of IR stimulation at high temperatures (140 and 170 °C) for equivalent dose (De) measurement. Dating results consistent with the expected ages have been obtained at stimulation temperatures of 140 and 170 °C. It is suggested that the first IR stimulation can effectively remove the fading component. The three-step pIRIR method has minimized the experimental procedures, while keeping the age plateau test.     

Testing the application of quartz and feldspar luminescence dating to MIS 5 Japanese marine deposits

The applicability of both quartz and feldspar luminescence dating was tested on twenty-five samples from a marine succession now forming a coastal cliff at Oga Peninsula, Honshu Island, Japan. The quartz optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) signal shows thermal instability and linear modulated (LM)-OSL analysis revealed the dominance of a slow component. When compared with independent age control provided by two marker tephras, the quartz OSL ages grossly underestimate the depositional age. In contrast, potassium (K)-rich feldspar is a suitable dosimeter when measured using post-IR infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) at 225 °C (pIRIR₂₂₅). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses on the feldspar extracts revealed that the grains are amorphous with small crystalline inclusions; using standard internal dose rate parameters, this would result in a too large dose rate. Dose rates were calculated using the observed grain size of 40 ± 20 μm with an assumed K concentration of 12.5 ± 0.5%. The fading corrected pIRIR₂₂₅ ages agree well with independent age control, and the sediments of the Katanishi Formation were deposited between 82 ± 6 and 170 ± 16 ka. This study demonstrates that pIRIR dating of feldspar is a powerful chronological tool for the dating of sediments of volcanic origin.