16 D1. Evaluating Linkages Between Volcanic, Sedimentary and Tectonic Processes (Posters)

Thursday, 18 May 2023
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Cargo Room

THE LUMINESCENCE DATING POTENTIAL OF PEBBLES FROM PLUVIAL LAKE BEACH DEPOSITS: PRELIMINARY RESULTS FROM THE GREAT BASIN, USA

Paper number: 16-7
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Authors

Abstract

The history of pluvial lake expansion and contraction is often determined by luminescence dating fine sand. Pebbles and cobbles, however, are much less susceptible to post-depositional reworking by wind, pedogenic processes, flora and fauna, and thus have the potential to yield more accurate luminescence chronologies for pluvial lake highstands in the Great Basin. This presentation will provide an update on investigations into the dating potential of pebbles from pluvial lake beach ridges in Lincoln County, Nevada. By developing a luminescence protocol to date beach pebbles, we hope to improve upon previous age estimates from sand that severely underestimate the age of the ~16 ka pluvial Lake Coal highstand. In Coal Valley and neighboring valleys, the dominant pebble lithologies sampled include limestone and andesite. Each lithology presents a unique set of challenges regarding sample preparation and measurement; these will be discussed along with preliminary findings as well as proposed future avenues of research.

Keywords: rock surface dating, luminescence dating, pluvial lakes, Great Basin, limestone, volcanic

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 55, No. 4

doi: 10.1130/abs/2023CD-387332

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