Caution in cryptotephra correlation: resolving Lateglacial chemical controversies at Sluggan Bog, Northern Ireland

MacLeod, A. and Davies, S. M. (2016) Caution in cryptotephra correlation: resolving Lateglacial chemical controversies at Sluggan Bog, Northern Ireland. Journal of Quaternary Science, 31 (4). pp. 406-415. ISSN 0267-8179 doi: 10.1002/jqs.2858

Abstract/Summary

Tephra layers are valuable stratigraphic and chronological markers in palaeoenviromental studies. Establishing robust linkages require complete comparative databases of eruptive events to ensure that potential correlatives are not overlooked. This is achieved through the construction of tephrostratigraphical inventories proximal to the volcanic source. Proximally-characterised ash layers are frequently detected thousands of kilometres from source alongside limited numbers of tephras with no apparent proximal correlative. Despite the inability to correlate to a specific eruption, source volcanoes can be proposed and many of these far-field occurrences have become well-established stratigraphic markers. However, careful scrutiny is essential to verify the primary and instantaneous fallout origin of these distant occurrences. Here we present new data which proposes explanation for the long-standing controversy surrounding the source of Late-glacial age cryptotephras within Sluggan Bog, Northern Ireland. Chemical analysis of glass shards detected within this sequence are proposed to originate from an obsidian exposure located 11 km from the site, rather than from a contemporaneous eruptive event. This discovery highlights the importance of giving appropriate consideration to the enclosing geology of a particular palaeorecord. We suggest locations where geological sources might complicate air-fall record

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/77197
Identification Number/DOI	10.1002/jqs.2858
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	No Reading authors. Back catalogue items Science > School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science > Department of Geography and Environmental Science
Publisher	Wiley
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