Progress in Direct Dating of Tephra via Thermo- and Optically Stimulated Luminescence

Luminescence dating utilizes natural dosimeters (minerals and mineralloids) to calculate either time elapsed since crystallization or the last exposure to light or intense heat. Direct dating of volcanic materials via luminescence has been attempted for nearly fifty years with varying degrees of success: dim luminescence signals, anomalous signal loss (`fading') from volcanogenic minerals, incomplete mineral separation, and mineralogical and geochemical variability have been problematic (Fattahi and Stokes, 2003). Recent advances in measurement protocols to probe signals less prone to anomalous fading (Tsukamoto et al., 2007; 2010), and the development of equipment that allows direct imaging of luminescence-emitting grains via EMCCD cameras (Clark-Balzan and Schwenninger, 2012) offer new opportunities for tephra dating. The lack of available luminescence data on a wide variety of tephra, however, makes it difficult to predict which measurement techniques will be generally applicable given presumed high inter- and intra-sample variability. Therefore we present first results from a systematic characterization of luminescence emissions from a geochemically and geographically diverse body of tephras. Spectrometric analysis of luminescence emitted from plagioclase, glass, and quartz fractions during thermal and optical stimulation provide key data for optimization and testing of measurement protocols. We also show preliminary results of EMCCD imaging of both mineral separates and bulk tephras, emphasizing identification and characterization of mineral constituents and luminescence properties via the simultaneous measurement of many grains. EMCCD imaging allows luminescence characterization on the single grain level, thereby revealing variability between grains which cannot be measured via standard spectromectric techniques. Clark-Balzan, L., Schwenninger, J.-L., 2012, Radiation Measurements, v. 47, pp. 797-802. Fattahi, M., Stokes, S., 2003, Earth Science Reviews, v. 62, p. 229-264. Tsukamoto, S., Murray, A. S., Huot, S., Watanuki, T., Denby, P. M., Bøtter-Jensen, L., 2007, Radiation Measurements, v. 42, p. 190-197. Tsukamoto, S., Duller, G. A. T., Wintle, A. G., Frechen, M., 2010, Quaternary Geochronology, v. 5, p. 274-278.