The efficiency of elemental geochemistry and weathering indices as tracers in aeolian sediment provenance fingerprinting

Confirmation of cost-effective and reliable tracers for aeolian sediment (sand dune) source fingerprinting warrants further research. Accordingly, the main objective work reported in this paper was to investigate efficiency weathering indices using a case study fragile arid region Qom Province, Iran. Eight geochemical elements (Al, Ca, Fe, K, Na, Mg, Si, Ti) 17 associated were measured 34 samples 10 sand dune target three absolute particulate size fractions. For each fraction, final composite fingerprints (i.e., only, only combination two) discerning ascribing sources selected. The Modified MixSIR Bayesian un-mixing model used apportion contributions fingerprints. Regardless fingerprint used, all results across different fractions suggested that south-eastern alluvial fan is dominant (average contribution 50.6%, SD 19.0%) samples, with western being second most important 38.4%, 20.4%) source. Comparisons posterior distributions predicted proportions generated nine (three kinds fingerprints*three particle fractions) showed combining powerful material discrimination. Our demonstrate use alongside more conventional elemental geochemistry investigations into provenance.