Potts, P. J.; Bernardini, F.; Jones, M. C.; Williams-Thorpe, O. and Webb, P. C.
(2006).
| DOI (Digital Object Identifier) Link: | http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1002/xrs.881 |
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| Google Scholar: | Look up in Google Scholar |
Abstract
Laboratory experiments were undertaken to investigate the effect of weathering on dolerite and rhyolite samples from the Preseli Mountains, South Wales, an area of archaeological significance for the provenancing of archaeological artefacts. Portable XRF (PXRF) analysis was used to construct a depth profile of elemental concentrations through the weathering layer of suitable rock samples. These measurements were made by sequentially grinding away successive layers, each time measuring the newly exposed surface by PXRF. The elements studied included K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Ba, Nb, Pb, Sr, Y and Zr. In dolerite samples, Ca, Fe and Y were generally depleted in heavily weathered surface layers,whereas K and Pb were enhanced, the latter element significantly so, probably as a result of anthropogenic activities (emissions from leaded automobile fuel). Element behaviour in rhyolites was less consistent. A correction factor was derived for each element based on the ratio of the weathered surface concentration to the corresponding steady-state (fresh rock) concentration beneath the altered layer. This correction factor was evaluated as a possible means of compensating for elemental discrepancies when measuring weathered surfaces. Improved datawere obtained for a significant number of elements, but furtherwork is required to evaluate this procedure fully.
| Item Type: | Journal Article |
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| Copyright Holders: | 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
| ISSN: | 0049-8246 |
| Keywords: | Portable X-ray fluorescence; weathering; outcrop characterisation; Preseli Mountains |
| Academic Unit/Department: | Science > Environment, Earth and Ecosystems Mathematics, Computing and Technology > Mathematics and Statistics Science > Life, Health and Chemical Sciences |
| Interdisciplinary Research Centre: | Centre for Earth, Planetary, Space and Astronomical Research (CEPSAR) |
| Item ID: | 5223 |
| Depositing User: | Philip Potts |
| Date Deposited: | 02 Aug 2006 |
| Last Modified: | 05 May 2011 15:19 |
| URI: | http://oro.open.ac.uk/id/eprint/5223 |
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