Geochemical indicators of source area and weathering intensity for the loess-paleosol sequence of Neka-Abelou, Northern Iran

The loess-paleosol sequences (LPS) of the northern foothills of Alborz Mountains recently gained scientificattention as they sensitively reacted to past climate change. The LPS at Neka-Abelou consist of clayey loesssubdivided by weakly or strongly developed paleosols grouped into several pedocomplexes. The sequenceprovides a basis for paleoenvironmental reconstruction for the Middle to Upper Pleistocene. The mainobjective of the present study is to trace diachronic change in sediment source areas and weatheringintensities of the LPS at Neka-Abelou. Major and trace element composition has been determined by X-rayfluorescence of ۷۴ discrete samples from the section described previously by KEHL et al. ۲۰۲۱. A numberof commonly used element ratios and weathering indices has been used to estimate the weatheringintensities and to reveal changes in provenance of Neka loess deposits throughout the entire record. Theresults of Neka are compared with previous analysis from LPS of Toshan. The geochemical compositionprovides valuable insights into weathering intensities and provenance of LPS along the Alborz Mountainfoothills.

Keywords:

XRF , Provenance , Paleoclimate , Iran , Loess , Pleistocene