Loess and Sand Dunes
Loess deposits may be sampled in a similar manner to sandy deposits at vertical exposures using an opaque metal tube. For many parts of US, stratigraphy of loess or sand dunes may not be well-exposed, requiring augering or coring. See below for auger sampling of loess or sand dune sediments.
Shallow-sedument Auger Sampling for Luminescence Dating
T Shaped Hangle with Exension rod and OSL auger head
open bucket auger - Dr sample collection and sediment description
Enclosed auger head for OSL sampling
Key differences between luminescence dating of loess versus sand-size grains is the use of fine-grained polymineral IRSL dating. While this is not a common method used in our lab, in certain cases loess (silt-sized) sediment may be the only grain size available.
It is very important when sampling loess that paleosols are avoided, as these experience the same issues with mixing as modern soils.
Any other notes for loess here?
- New project form (pdf)
- Sediment samples (pdf)
- Sediment samples (.xlsx)
- Samples from single cores (.xlsx)
- Samples from multiple cores (.xlsx)
- Pottery samples (pdf)
- Pottery samples (.xlsx)
Send samples to:
USU Luminescence Lab
1770 North Research Parkway, Suite 123
North Logan, UT 84341
All samples should be labeled 'Light-sensitive mineral samples for geologic analysis. All material will be consumed in analysis. No monetary value'.
International samples: Send via international shipping company such as UPS, FedEx, DHL, TNT, do not use local postal service.