Natural radioactivity studies in a paleontology site and paleoclimate interpretation of the last 8 Mya

Publication date: October 2018

Source: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volumes 193–194

Author(s): Ιoanna Maria Zougrou, Stilianos Stoulos, Nikolaos Kantiranis, Lambrini Papadopoulou, Ioakeim Ioakeimidis, Maria Katsikini, Eleni Paloura, Evangelia Tsoukala

Abstract

Fossil bones and sediments from different horizons of the Upper Miocene paleontological site of Platania, Drama-Greece were studied using ²³⁸U, ²³⁵U, ²³²Th series and ⁴⁰K measurements obtained by γ-spectroscopy. Additionally, SEM and XRF analysis was applied to bone and sediment samples while a lithological analysis of the sediments was also carried out. The ²²⁶Ra/²³⁸U ratios in the fossilization layers are attributed to the ²³⁸U depletion from the sediment and its incorporation into the fossils. The ²²⁶Ra/²³¹Pa ratio indicates that the absorption of the isotopes started long before 4.2 Ma ago. The ²³²Th/⁴⁰K profile demonstrate two distinct geological substrates, the lower corresponding to the Upper Miocene whereas the upper to the Upper Pleistocene–Holocene. Among them mediates a Mn-rich layer associated with the "Zanclean flood" during Pliocene. One layer above the "Glacial maximum event" during the Early Pleistocene was recorded. The natural radioactive sedimentary profile obtained reproduces the paleo-climatic conditions in Southeast Europe, which could be useful for the future.

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