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An optimized chronology for a stalagmite using seasonal trace element cycles from Shihua Cave, Beijing, North China.

ABSTRACT: Stalagmites play an important role in paleoclimatic reconstructions from seasonal to orbital time scales as 230Th-dating can provide an accurate absolute age. Additionally, seasonal trace element and optical layers can provide a precise age. We analyzed the seasonal variability of multiple trace elements on a stalagmite (XMG) in Shihua Cave, Beijing and compared them with results from laminae counting. The results show that (1) the polished section of the topmost part of XMG has obvious bi-optical layers under a conventional transmission microscope, however, laminae are not observed using this method in the rest of the sample, and (2) The variations of P/Ca, Sr/Ca, Ba/Ca, U/Ca and Mg/Ca show seasonal cycles throughout the sample. The PC1 in the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of five trace elements represents the annual cycle. This stalagmite was deposited over 150?±?1 years through PC1 peak counting. This result corresponds well with the annual layers and U-Th dating. Trace element cyclicity of PC1 can increase the accuracy of stalagmite dating, especially in the absence of obvious laminae and are a powerful method to identify seasonal changes in a strongly contrasting wet-dry monsoon climate region.

SUBMITTER: Ban F

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5852128 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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An optimized chronology for a stalagmite using seasonal trace element cycles from Shihua Cave, Beijing, North China.

Ban Fengmei F Baker Andy A Marjo Christopher E CE Duan Wuhui W Li Xianglei X Han Jinxian J Coleborn Katie K Akter Rabeya R Tan Ming M Nagra Gurinder G

Scientific reports 20180314 1

Stalagmites play an important role in paleoclimatic reconstructions from seasonal to orbital time scales as <sup>230</sup>Th-dating can provide an accurate absolute age. Additionally, seasonal trace element and optical layers can provide a precise age. We analyzed the seasonal variability of multiple trace elements on a stalagmite (XMG) in Shihua Cave, Beijing and compared them with results from laminae counting. The results show that (1) the polished section of the topmost part of XMG has obvio ...[more]

PMID: 29540793

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Project description:High-quality and accurate environmental investigations are essential for the evaluation of contamination and subsequent decision-making processes. A combination of environmental geochemical indices, multivariate analyses and geographic information system approach was successfully used to assess contamination status and source apportionment of trace elements (Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, V and Zn) in surface stream sediments from the Oued Rarai basin in north-western Tunisia, containing various metal and metalloid ores. The contamination level reported in this study indicates a non-negligible potential ecological risk, mainly related to sediment transport along the river. Antimony (concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 297 mg kg-1 and Igeo > 5), arsenic (from 0.5 to 1490 mg kg-1 and Igeo > 5), lead (from 2.9 to 5150 mg kg-1 and Igeo > 5) mercury (from 0.05 to 54.4 mg kg-1 and Igeo > 5) and silver (from 0.05 to 9.4 mg kg-1 and Igeo > 5) showed the most crucial contamination. Besides, potential ecological risk index values were maximum for arsenic with a median of 302, indicating a very high to serious ecological risk (> 160). Results from correlation analysis and principal component analysis revealed three main geochemical associations related to lithologic, tectonic and anthropogenic sources. V, Cr and Cu mainly originated from natural bedrock and soil. Ag and Cd were more controlled by both natural and mining enrichments. Mercury and Pb were mostly influenced by the ancient ore-related activities at the Oued Rarai site and north-east-south-west trending faults. Finally, Sb, As, Ni and Zn were largely controlled by the siliciclastic continental Neogene sequences. Finally, the physical and chemical dynamics of the watershed system, lithological properties, mineralisation, tectonic settings and mobilisation of subsurface sediments largely controlled both concentrations and spatial patterns of trace elements in the study basin. These results need to be considered in the strategies of suitable environmental management at former and current mining sites in north-western Tunisia.

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An optimized chronology for a stalagmite using seasonal trace element cycles from Shihua Cave, Beijing, North China.

Publications

An optimized chronology for a stalagmite using seasonal trace element cycles from Shihua Cave, Beijing, North China.

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