Jonell, T. N. , Li, Y., Blusztajn, J., Giosan, L. and Clift, P. D. (2018) Signal or noise? Isolating grain size effects on Nd and Sr isotope variability in Indus delta sediment provenance. Chemical Geology, 485, pp. 56-73. (doi: 10.1016/j.chemgeo.2018.03.036)
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Abstract
Radiogenic elements, such as neodymium (Nd) and strontium (Sr), are commonly used to decipher the provenance and weathering histories of bulk siliciclastic sediments worldwide, although increasing evidence for diagenetic and sediment transport-driven bias of isotope signatures calls into question the utility of bulk isotope compositions as effective tools. This study evaluates grain size-dependence and variability of Nd and Sr compositions in the Indus delta of Pakistan, documenting both a significant isotopic evolution and coarsening upward sequence during the last deglaciation (~15 ka). Grain size analysis, trace element geochemistry, and Nd and Sr geochemistry are determined for bulk and separate grain size fractions (<63 μm, 63–125 μm, 125–250 μm, >250 μm) from four core sampling sites with similar provenance. Isotopic compositions are controlled by grain size distribution, in turn variably controlled by size fraction mineralogy. Fine-grained bulk sediment Nd isotope compositions are primarily dictated by the finest (<125 μm) sediments enriched in Nd-bearing monazite and allanite, with coarser bulk sediments influenced by mica. The most abundant grain size fraction drives bulk sediment Sr isotope compositions, with the finest grain size fractions indicating strong control by potassium feldspar, mica, epidote, and/or volcanogenic clay minerals. Over the last 15 k.y., resolvable provenance-driven trends are confidently identified in Nd isotope compositions. Long-term trends remain consistent with previous findings although the isotopic shift in delta compositions must be less than previously envisaged (~4 vs. 0.69–1.91 εNd units). Although considerable variability is observed in bulk Sr isotope compositions, <63 μm and 63–125 μm fraction 87Sr/86Sr compositions evolve in parallel through time and show fractionation by ~0.005–0.01 as a result of grain size. Within the isotopically diverse Indus drainage system, bulk isotopic compositions are estimated to deviate on average no than ±1.04 εNd units and ±0.0099 for 87Sr/86Sr values for any sediment as a result of mineralogy, grain size distribution, and analytical error. Isotopic excursions beyond these uncertainties can be unambiguously assigned to either a change in upstream provenance and/or chemical weathering.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Jonell, Dr Tara |
| Authors: | Jonell, T. N., Li, Y., Blusztajn, J., Giosan, L., and Clift, P. D. |
| College/School: | College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences |
| Journal Name: | Chemical Geology |
| Publisher: | Elsevier |
| ISSN: | 0009-2541 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1872-6836 |
| Published Online: | 29 March 2018 |
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