Optical Dating of Holocene Dune Sands in the Ferris Dune Field, Wyoming

1993 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 274-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Stokes ◽  
David R. Gaylord
Keyword(s):  
Late Quaternary ◽  
Dune Sand ◽  
Optical Dating ◽  
Dune Field ◽  
Considerable Potential ◽  
Dune Sands ◽  
Aeolian Deposits

AbstractOptical dating of late Quaternary quartz dune sands from the Clear Creek portion of Ferris dune field, Wyoming, demonstrates the considerable potential of the technique as a chronostratigraphic tool. A sequence of radiocarbon-dated Holocene interdune strata permit optical dating of the intercalated dune sand to be tested; the concordance is good. The optical dates for the aeolian deposits not datable by radiocarbon suggest that aeolian sedimentation at Clear Creek peaked during two relatively short phases at ca. 8500 and 4000 yr B.P. The dates indicate that aeolian accumulation maxima (at least in the Clear Creek area) may not be synchronous with previously defined phases of marked aridity.

Optical dating of dune sands in the northeastern deserts of China

2002 ◽  
Vol 181 (4) ◽  
pp. 419-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheng-Hua Li ◽  
Ji-Min Sun ◽  
Hui Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Optical Dating ◽  
Dune Sands

Late Pleistocene Eolian Sediments Related to Pyroclastic Eruptions of Mauna Kea Volcano, Hawaii

1997 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen C. Porter
Keyword(s):  
Late Pleistocene ◽  
Sand Dunes ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Cinder Cone ◽  
Lava Flows ◽  
Trade Wind ◽  
Stratigraphic Correlation ◽  
Dune Sand ◽  
Dune Sands ◽  
Eolian Sediments

Loess and dune sands that mantle volcanic rocks on the northwest flank of Mauna Kea volcano consist predominantly of fine-grained pyroclasts of the alkalic Laupahoehoe Volcanics produced by explosive eruptions. The loess is divided into lower and upper units, separated by a well-developed paleosol, while older and younger dune sands are separated by loess. Four interstratified tephra marker horizons aid in regional stratigraphic correlation. Radiocarbon ages of charcoal fragments within the loess, U-series ages of rhizoliths in the dune sand, and K/Ar ages and relative stratigraphic positions of lava flows provide a stratigraphic and temporal framework. The lower loess overlies lava flows less than 103,000 ± 10,000 K/Ar yr old, and14C dates from the paleosol developed at its top average ca. 48,000 yr. Loess separating the dune sand units ranges from ca. 38,000 to 25,00014C yr old; the youngest ages from the upper loess are 17,000–18,00014C yr B.P. Dips of sand-dune foreset strata, isopachs on the upper loess, and reconstructed isopachs representing cumulative thickness of tephra associated with late-Pleistocene pyroclastic eruptions suggest that vents upslope (upwind) from the sand dunes were the primary source of the eolian sediments. Average paleowind directions during the eruptive interval (ca. 50,000–15,000 yr B.P.), inferred from cinder-cone asymmetry, distribution of tephra units, orientation of dune foreset strata, and the regional pattern of loess isopachs, suggest that Mauna Kea has remained within the trade-wind belt since before the last glaciation.

scholarly journals Optical Dating of Eolian Dune Sand from the Canadian Prairies*

2004 ◽  
Vol 56 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 191-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olav B. Lian ◽  
David J. Huntley ◽  
Stephen A. Wolfe
Keyword(s):  
Near Infrared ◽  
Correction Method ◽  
Dune Sand ◽  
Optical Dating ◽  
Canadian Prairies ◽  
Thermal Transfer ◽  
South Central ◽  
Sedimentary Deposit ◽  
Infrared Excitation ◽  
Better Than

Abstract Optical dating is a well-established method that is used to determine the time elapsed since quartz or feldspar grains were last exposed to sunlight, which usually dates the time elapsed since their burial in a sedimentary deposit. Only a few seconds of direct sunlight are needed to reset the “mineral clock”, making the method ideal for dating the formation of eolian landforms. In this paper we describe how we use violet luminescence that is emitted in response to near-infrared excitation of sand-sized K-feldspar grains to date the time of formation of eolian dunes on the Canadian prairies. Using the multiple-aliquot with thermal transfer correction method, together with a test for sufficient sunlight exposure, and a correction for anomalous fading, we are able to produce accurate optical ages ranging from 150 years to more than 11 ka with precision usually better than 10 % at 2σ. Ages are given for dunes in the Dundurn and Elbow sand hills of south-central Saskatchewan, the climatic significance of which is provided in a paper also in the present volume. Knowledge of when the dunes were stable, and when they were not, is used to help understand the nature and timing of Holocene climate change in the area.

Inland dune field and deposits at Dviete: evidences of the late Pleistocene aeolian morphogenesis and landscape evolution during transition from glacial to post-glacial conditions in South-eastern Latvia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juris Soms ◽  
Zane Egle
Keyword(s):  
Late Pleistocene ◽  
Landscape Evolution ◽  
Last Deglaciation ◽  
Dune Field ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Aeolian Deposits ◽  
Aeolian Sediments ◽  
Aeolian Activity ◽  
Initial Evolution ◽  
Dammed Lake

<p>In the south-western part of Jersika Plain (SE Latvia), the late Pleistocene aeolian sediments form the inland dune field located at Dviete village. This dune field with surface >112 km<sup>2</sup> represents the evidence of aeolian activity and landscape evolution during the transition from glacial to post-glacial conditions in this region. The dunes have developed on the surface of glaciolacustrine plain, where subaqueous sedimentation in the Nīcgale ice-dammed lake took place during the retreat of glacier, the Pomeranian phase of the last glaciation.</p><p>Here, we focus on reconstructing paleoenvironmental conditions in this region, as inferred from landforms morphology, aeolian sand granulometry and geochemistry, and efficient wind directions derived from DEM. It will contribute to better understanding the processes of landscape evolution conditioned by last deglaciation in SE Latvia.</p><p>Results indicate that single parabolic dunes typically have U-shaped configuration in planar view. Aeolian landforms also link and override each other, presenting clustered groups. GIS analysis reveals that the dominating wind directions during the development of dunes would have been westerly to easterly. Previously published dates on OSL chronology for this dune field indicate the initial phase of aeolian activity at around 15.5 Ka and 14.5 Ka. Hence, when the studied landforms formed in presumably paraglacial landscape, the Scandinavian Ice Sheet (SIS) was still present, and most likely atmospheric circulation in this region was affected by anticyclone over the SIS.</p><p>The mean grain size <em>M<sub>z</sub></em> of the aeolian deposits forming inland dune field ranges between 143 μm and 256 μm. Hence aeolian landforms are composed mainly of fine-grained sands. It indicates the dominance of saltation and a balance between sand particles and comparatively low energy of local wind power during the aeolian processes. The sediments demonstrate well and moderately well sorting with σ values between 0.473 and 0.707 phi. Granulometry elucidates symmetrical distribution of particles of different fraction with small both negative and positive skewness <em>Sk</em> values ranging from -0.048 to 0.112 phi. For the values of kurtosis <em>K<sub>G</sub></em>, results showed that sand is mainly mesokurtic.</p><p>Geochemical analysis points out that elemental composition is rather typical for aeolian sediments, determined by the dominance of quartz and K-silicates. Among REE elements, only Y un Nb were identified in detectable concentrations. Similar geochemical signatures across the dune field suggest the provenance of sediments from one main source, possibly associated with glaciofluvial sediment transportation by extra-glacial waters draining from the already ice-free parts of adjoining uplands to the glacial lake.</p><p>As apparent from the limited number of paleosoils, aeolian deposition seems to nearly instantly follow the drainage of the Nīcgale ice-dammed lake. It is most likely that cold and dry climate in conjunction with low groundwater tables during the late Pleistocene – beginning of Holocene were among the main controlling factors which prevented development of vegetation cover in this region and delayed stabilisation of the dunes. In turn, it facilitates the action of wind over glaciolacustrine plain as the main driving process of aeolian morphogenesis during the initial evolution of metastable post-glacial landscape.</p>

scholarly journals Compaction and Collapse Characteristics of Dune Sand Stabilized with Lime-Silica Fume Mix

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Y. Fattah ◽  
Hasan H. Joni ◽  
Ahmed S. A. Al-Dulaimy
Keyword(s):  
Silica Fume ◽  
Soil Stabilization ◽  
Ground Improvement ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
California Bearing Ratio ◽  
Dune Sand ◽  
Dune Sands ◽  
Maximum Percentage ◽  
Collapse Characteristics ◽  
Sand Stabilized

The purpose of this research is to assess the suitability of dune sands as construction materials. Moreover, such a goal is considered beneficial in determining appropriate methods for soil stabilization or ground improvement and to assessing the suitability of dune sands as subgrade layer for carrying roads and rail foundation. Dune sand samples were collected from a region in Baiji area in Salah-Aldeen governorate, North of Iraq. A grey-colored densified silica fume (SF) and lime (L) are used. Three percentages are used for lime (3%, 6%, and 9%), and four rates are used for silica fume (3%, 6%, 9% and 12%) and the maximum percentage of silica fume is mixed with the proportions of lime. Unsoaked California Bearing Ratio (CBR) on compacted dune sands treated dune sands with L-SF by mixing and cured for one day. The increasing in CBR ranged between 443 – 707% at 2.54 mm penetration and 345 – 410% at 5.08 mm penetration.   ResumenEl propósito de esta investigación es evaluar el uso de arena de dunas como materiales de construcción. Además, este objetivo permite determinar los métodos apropiados para la estabilización del suelo, el mejoramiento del terreno y la evaluación de pertinencia de la arena de dunas en capas subbase para carreteras y cimientos férreos. Se recolectaron muestras de arena de dunas en el área de Baiji, del comisionado Salah-Aldeen, al norte de Irak. Se utilizó vapor de óxido de silicio (SF, en inglés), grisáceo y densificado, y óxido de calcio (L). Se utilizaron tres porcentajes para el óxido de calcio (3 %, 6 % y 9 %), y cuatro para el óxido de silicio (3 %, 6 %,  9% y 12%) y el máximo porcentaje del óxido de silicio se mezcló con las proporciones de óxido de calcio. Se realizó en seco el Ensayo de Relación de Soporte de California (del inglés California Bearing Ratio, CBR) en arena de dunas compactada y tratada con la mezcla L-SF curada durante un día. El incremento en el ensayo CBR osciló entre 443-707 % en la penetración de 2.5 mm y 345-410 % en la penetración de 5.08 mm.

Using remote sensing to quantify aeolian transport and estimate the age of the terminal dune field Dunas Pampa Blanca in southern Peru

2009 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 426-436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralf Hesse
Keyword(s):  
Late Quaternary ◽  
Digital Processing ◽  
Sediment Supply ◽  
Aeolian Transport ◽  
Dune Field ◽  
Southern Peru ◽  
Coastal Desert ◽  
Aeolian Dunes ◽  
Minimum Age ◽  
Transverse Dunes

AbstractAeolian dunes are widely used to reconstruct paleoenvironmental conditions. However, terminal dune fields (ergs) in the coastal desert of southern Peru – where information regarding Quaternary paleoenvironmental conditions is very limited – have until now not been used for paleoenvironmental reconstructions and the time depth of their accumulation is unknown. Here, different estimates are derived to constrain the time depth recorded in the Dunas Pampa Blanca, a terminal dune field in coastal southern Peru. Dune field age is calculated using the volume of the Dunas Pampa Blanca and (i) recent aeolian transport rate in migrating transverse dunes feeding the Dunas Pampa Blanca (derived from digital processing of sequential Landsat and Quickbird images) and (ii) limitations posed by recent fluvial sediment supply to the source of aeolian transport. The resulting maximum age estimate of 70 ± 8 ka (from aeolian transport) compares with a minimum age estimate of 4–75 ka (from sediment supply). However, a minimum age estimate of 110–450 ka is deduced from the tectonic and topographic evolution of the region. This discrepancy contradicts the hypothesis of late Quaternary stability in the Peruvian coastal desert and indicates that recent conditions of aeolian sediment supply and transport are not representative for the late Quaternary.

Late Quaternary paleoenvironments and paleoclimatic conditions in the distal Andean piedmont, southern Mendoza, Argentina

2011 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfonsina Tripaldi ◽  
Marcelo A. Zárate ◽  
George A. Brook ◽  
Guo-Qiang Li
Keyword(s):  
Late Quaternary ◽  
Semiarid Region ◽  
Aeolian Deposits ◽  
Aeolian Activity ◽  
Facies Associations ◽  
Sand Sheet ◽  
Size And Morphology ◽  
Paleoclimatic Significance ◽  
San Rafael ◽  
The Last Glacial

AbstractThe Andean piedmont of Mendoza is a semiarid region covered by extensive and partially vegetated dune fields consisting of mostly inactive aeolian landforms of diverse size and morphology. This paper is focused on the San Rafael plain (SRP) environment, situated in the distal Andean piedmont of Mendoza (34° 30′S), and reports the sedimentology and OSL chronology of two representative exposures of late Quaternary deposits, including their paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic significance. Eleven facies, including channel, floodplain, fluvio–aeolian interaction, and reworked pyroclastic and aeolian deposits, were described and grouped into two facies associations (FA1 and FA2). FA1 was formed by unconfined sheet flows, minor channelized streams and fluvial–aeolian interaction processes. FA2 was interpreted as aeolian dune and sand-sheet deposits. OSL chronology from the SRP sedimentary record indicates that between ca. 58–39 ka and ca. 36–24 ka (MIS 3), aggradation was governed by ephemeral fluvial processes (FA1) under generally semiarid conditions. During MIS 2, the last glacial maximum (ca. 24–12 ka), a major climatic shift to more arid conditions is documented by significant aeolian activity (FA2) that became the dominant sedimentation process north of the Diamante–Atuel fluvial system. The inferred paleoenvironmental conditions from the SRP sections are in broad agreement with regional evidence.

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