How reliable is µXRF core scanning at detecting tephra layers in sedimentary 
records? A case study using the Lake Suigetsu archive (central Japan)

McLean, Danielle; Albert, Paul G.; Schlolaut, Gordon; Lamb, Henry F.; Marshall, Michael H.; Brauer, A.; Wade, Jon; Nakagawa, Takeshi; Smith, Victoria C.

doi:10.1002/jqs.3432

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How reliable is µXRF core scanning at detecting tephra layers in sedimentary records? A case study using the Lake Suigetsu archive (central Japan)

Authors

McLean, Danielle
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Albert, Paul G.
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Schlolaut, Gordon
4.3 Climate Dynamics and Landscape Evolution, 4.0 Geosystems, Departments, GFZ Publication Database, Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum;

Lamb, Henry F.
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Marshall, Michael H.
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Brauer, A.
4.3 Climate Dynamics and Landscape Evolution, 4.0 Geosystems, Departments, GFZ Publication Database, Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum;

Wade, Jon
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Nakagawa, Takeshi
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Smith, Victoria C.
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Citation

McLean, D., Albert, P. G., Schlolaut, G., Lamb, H. F., Marshall, M. H., Brauer, A., Wade, J., Nakagawa, T., Smith, V. C. (2022 online): How reliable is µXRF core scanning at detecting tephra layers in sedimentary records? A case study using the Lake Suigetsu archive (central Japan). - Journal of Quaternary Science.
https://doi.org/10.1002/jqs.3432

Cite as: https://gfzpublic.gfz-potsdam.de/pubman/item/item_5011311

Abstract

Here, we evaluate the ability of micro X-ray fluorescence (µXRF) core scanning to identify non-visible volcanic ash (cryptotephra) layers in sedimentary records. Its suitability is assessed using the annually resolved lacustrine sediments of Lake Suigetsu (Japan) for which there is high-resolution ITRAX µXRF core scanning data, and a detailed crypto-tephrostratigraphy (formerly established via density separation techniques). The studied core sections contain 10 visible and 30 cryptotephra markers that span a range of glass concentrations (from 1000 to >20 000 shards per gram of dried sediment) and compositions (basalts, trachy-andesites, phonolites, trachytes and rhyolites), thus providing an ideal case study. The ITRAX core scanner produced recognisable µXRF elemental responses for the visible ash layers, including those just 1 mm thick. However, just 10% of the cryptotephra layers could be unequivocally identified. Although this study demonstrates that µXRF core scanning should not be used as an independent method within a similar geological setting, we show it can provide a powerful tool alongside traditional techniques. Where detected, µXRF profiles can verify and refine cryptotephra positions (here to a sub-millimetre resolution), and help establish reworking signatures. These insights create possibilities for ultra-precise synchronisation of records, improved chronological modelling and help generate more complete eruption histories.