Luminescence Sensitivity of Rhine Valley Loess: Indicators of Source Variability?

Loess provides a valuable terrestrial record of past environmental conditions, including the dynamics and trajectories air mass circulation responsible for dust transport. Here we explore variations in luminescence sensitivity characteristics sedimentary quartz feldspar as possible tools identifying changes source down loess-palaeosol sequence (LPS). Luminescence is rapidly measurable index which product interplay between lithology history or clasts. Variations profile may therefore reflect sediment provenance well other factors such weathering through pedogenesis. We undertake an empirical investigation from different grain-size fractions Schwalbenberg LPS German Rhine valley. compare samples 30 m core spanning last full glacial cycle with oxygen isotope stage (OIS) 3–2 age exposed within nearby profile. find overall inverse relationship sensitivity, variability grain sizes. Statistical analyses yield significant correlation IR50 unprocessed sediments clay content, Si/Al ratios core. Since indicate provenance, latter suggests that measurements on be used to provide reliable, rapid scan over millennial timescales.