<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The Gyaring Co Fault (GCF) is an active right-lateral strike-slip fault in central Tibet that accommodates convergence between India and Asia in the interior of the Tibetan Plateau. The average long-term slip rate of the fault remains controversial, given the absence of absolute age data of faulted geomorphic features. We have applied optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating to the northern segment of the GCF, revealing that the GCF has displaced alluvial fans at Aerqingsang by 500 ± 100 m since their deposition at ~109 ka, yielding a slip rate of 4.6 ± 1.0 mm/yr. A slip rate of 3.4 ± 0.4 mm/yr is inferred from analysis of an alluvial fan with an offset of 65 ± 5 m (~19 ka) at Quba site 1. The Holocene slip rate is estimated to be 1.9 ± 0.3 mm/yr, as inferred from the basal age (~8.3 ka) of terrace T1 that has a gully displacement of 16 ± 2 m at Quba site 2. These slip rates are generally lower early estimates (10–20 mm/yr), but are consistent with more recent results (2.2–4.5 mm/yr) and GPS data for other strike-slip faults in this region, indicating that deformation may be distributed across the entire Tibetan Plateau. Moreover, we suggest that the slip rate along the GCF may have decreased slightly during the late Quaternary.</abstract>

State Key Laboratory of Earthquake Dynamics, Institute of Geology, China Earthquake Administration, Beijing 100029,

Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi’an 710075,

The School of Earth Science and Resources, Chang’an University, Xi’an, 710064,

OSL dating of the late Quaternary slip rate on the Gyaring co Fault in central Tibet

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Koonalda Cave is located on the Nullarbor Plain of South Australia and is one of 17 deep karst caves in this region. In 2014, the cave was listed as a National Heritage Place in recognition of its significant archaeological and cultural heritage features. It In order to understand the antiquity of and complex human activity in this site a range of dating methods have been applied including typologic, radiometric and luminescence. Each has been challenged and the chronology of this highly significant site has relied on contextual data from other sites. This paper presents an overview of the archaeology recorded at Koonalda Cave, the issues in dating sites in deep karst systems and emphasises the urgent need to resolve these issues so that a reliable chronology can be presented for Koonalda Cave.</abstract>

Koonalda Cave, Nullarbor Plain, South Australia – issues in optical and radiometric dating of deep karst caves

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>This study reports the variation of tree-ring widths and annual variation of concentration of metals (Na, Mg, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb) in pine growing nearby chemical factories. The conifers (<italic>Pinus silvestris</italic> L.) investigated in this study covered the time span from 1920s to 2010 AD. Tree-ring widths were measured, dated and rechecked using the COFECHA. Radial trace-element profiles were determined by Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. The combined usage of tree ring width and chemical composition of wood provides historic records of anthropogenic impact on the environment and allows identifying the behavior adaptation of trees to the pollution. Data of pine tree cores collected from the sites nearby chemical factories show increasing levels of pollution linked to the increasing of industrial activities in Poland and subsequent dust fallout around the site. This study evidences that tree rings can be used as archives of past environmental contamination.</abstract>

Variations of tree ring width and chemical composition of wood of pine growing in the area nearby chemical factories

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Radiocarbon dating of the plant material is important for chronology of archaeological sites. Therefore, a selection of suitable plant samples is an important task. The contribution emphasizes the necessity of taxonomical identification prior to radiocarbon dating as a crucial element of such selection. The benefits and weaknesses of dating of taxonomically undetermined and identified samples will be analysed based on several case studies referring to Neolithic sites from Hungary, Slovakia and Poland. These examples better illustrate the significance of the taxonomical identification since plant materials of the Neolithic age include only a limited number of cultivated species (e.g. hulled wheats) and typically do not contain remains of late arrived plants (e.g. <italic>Carpinus betulus</italic> and <italic>Fagus sylvatica</italic>). For more accurate dating results cereal grains, fruits and seeds, which reflect a single vegetative season, are preferred. Among charred wood, fragments of twigs, branches and external rings should mainly be taken into account, while those of trunks belonging to long-lived trees should be avoided. Besides the absolute chronology of archaeological features and artefacts, radiocarbon dating of identified plant remains might significantly contribute to the history of local vegetation and food production systems.</abstract>

Benefits and weaknesses of radiocarbon dating of plant material as reflected by Neolithic archaeological sites from Poland, Slovakia and Hungary

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
A series of laboratory experiments was performed to determine the carbon stable isotopic composition of different combustion/pyrolysis (B/P) products. Variation in the δ13C values of the products was observed, up to 4‰. The differences in the carbon isotopic compositions of the B/P products were dependent on temperature, time and wood type. Comparison of the results for fresh and fossil oak wood suggested that the δ13C differences were the effect of selective decomposition of some wood components during the fossilization process. The temperature dependence of the carbon isotopic composition was linked to variation in the carbon isotopic composition of the main wood components, which each had different levels of thermal stability. Isotopes exchange reactions in between different products can be also considered as possible source of variation of δ13C on temperature. Both these hypotheses were supported by molecular simulations of cellulose and lignin B/P. The results confirm that B/P should be treated as a continuous process, where the results depend on the degree of process development. Natural burning processes are dynamic and burning conditions change rapidly and it is necessary to take care when using combustion products as a paleoenvironmental proxy or as an isotopic characteristic for the identification of source material.</abstract>

Carbon isotopes in wood combustion/pyrolysis products: experimental and molecular simulation approaches

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The Zedmar culture is linked with the subneolithic circle of the South-Eastern Baltic region. So far, excavations have been carried out only on seven archaeological sites. Nonetheless, there are quite a lot of radiocarbon measurements. Most of them refer to the stratigraphic contexts. This allows to integrate all of the data into statistical models. With these, it is possible to query some statements about the Zedmar culture origin and its duration. At least as long as placing the Zedmar culture into an absolute timescale may offer any solution to those issues.The idea that radiocarbon dates could provide solutions or even final answers to some arguable questions in prehistorical studies was dropped, as soon as it became clear that in the whole approach the key role is played by calibration methods and the general variability of sampled material.However – thanks to including Bayesian analysis, a better understanding of dated materials and more complex examination of received results – it has been asserted again.</abstract>

Absolute chronology of the Zedmar culture: Re-thinking radiocarbon dates

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The article presents the results of a collective analysis of 181 radiocarbon and 38 luminescence dating results from the time range 50–11.7 cal kBP for samples originating in fluvial sedimentary environment in Łódź region (central Poland), south of the last glacial maximum (LGM) line. Four sites were selected for a general of fluvial deposits and the obtained dating results Struga Żłobnicka, Parchliny, Warenka, and Swędów regions. Based on the summed probability density function (PDF) curves, the study demonstrates the response of the fluvial sedimentary environment to events of overregional scale. The collective analysis of the radiocarbon age determinations from the Łódź region allows for observing the correlation between local environmental changes and large-scale changes recorded in the NGRIP core. The warming periods Greenland interstadials (GI)-3, GI-4, and GI-5.1, the cooling event GI-1b within the warming GI-1, as well as the transition between GI-1a and Greenland stadials (GS)-1, were most prominently recorded in the PDF curves. The collective analysis of the luminescence age determinations reflects a change in the river valleys, expressed by a strong aggradation during the cold maximum of the studied period.
</abstract>

Impacts of Large-Scale Climate Oscillations on Fluvial Sediments in Central Poland: Evidence from Geochronological Analysis

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
This article aims to compare the molar fraction of atmospheric CO2 measured in southern Poland, specifically in Gliwice (an urban area), Kraków (an urban area), and Kasprowy Wierch (a mountain environment) from August 2022 to March 2023. The study examines diurnal, monthly and seasonal variations in the molar fraction of CO2. Monthly and diurnal average CO2 air mole fraction data are reported for Gliwice, Kraków, and Kasprowy Wierch during the specified period. The results reveal greater fluctuations in CO2 amplitude in urban areas compared to the mountain environment. Significant differences in diurnal, nocturnal, monthly and seasonal variabilities of atmospheric CO2 are observed in the urban sites. The findings suggest that the biosphere may act as a dominant source of local CO2 in summer and fall, while other local or regional anthropogenic sources could impact CO2 levels during winter and early spring, prior to the vegetation period. Additionally, this paper discusses challenges encountered during the use of a low-cost system (CARBOCAP GMP-343) for measuring CO2 levels in the urban area of Gliwice in 2022.
</abstract>

Insights From the Last Year’s Atmospheric CO2 Measurements in the Urban Atmosphere and the Natural Ecosystem in Southern Poland

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Carbon black (CB) is produced through the incomplete combustion of biomass or thermal decomposition in an oxygen-deprived environment. Technical carbon black (TCB) primarily consists of elemental carbon and comes in various grades distinguished by surface area and nanostructure morphologies. However, TCB production raises sustainability concerns due to its reliance on non-renewable feedstock, significant CO2 emissions and high energy consumption. TCBs find extensive use as reinforcing fillers in the tire and rubber industries. Recent studies underscore the importance of eco-friendly alternatives. This research was carried out to monitor the renewability of the TCB samples by determining the 14C isotope concentration. Liquid scintillation counting (LSC) and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon techniques were employed for measuring the 14C isotope concentration, while isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) corrected standardised isotope fractionation correction. The investigation revealed that the examined TCB samples contain extremely low 14C concentrations, measuring &lt;1 per cent modern carbon (pMC). This finding raises concerns regarding potential environmental ramifications.
</abstract>

Technical Carbon Black and Green Technology

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
To examine the associations existing between elevation and tree growth, tree-ring width chronologies of Schrenk spruce (<italic>Picea schrenkiana</italic>) were developed from sampling sites at different elevations in the Wusun Mountain, Yili region, Xinjiang, northwest China. The radial growth of high-elevation trees was observed to be primarily influenced by meteorological factors in the non-growth season of the previous year. The radial growth of mid-elevation trees was mainly affected by temperature. The radial growth of low-elevation trees was mainly affected by both temperature and relative humidity. About climate change, the radial growth of Schrenk spruce at different elevations showed a non-uniform response to climate variables. Under the condition of intensified drought stress in the future, the forest ecosystem is likely to be greatly affected, and the radial growth of Schrenk spruce at low elevations will be especially inhibited.
</abstract>

Responses to Climate Factors in the Radial Growth of Schrenk Spruce (<italic>Picea Schrenkiana</italic>) in the Yili Region, Northwest China

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Sediments in Józefów were deposited in a small lake in the Eemian Interglacial and Early Vistulian (MIS 5). They were then covered by periglacial mineral sediments during the Upper Pleniglacial and the Late Vistulian (MIS 2). These sediments were deformed by gelifluction and thermokarst processes. There is no traces of deposition from MIS 4 and MIS 3. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating confirmed the age of the sediments and enabled the reconstruction of the deposition phases and deformation of the lake infilling.
</abstract>

Lithostratigraphy and Chronology of Vistulian Periglacial Deposits in Józefów (Central Poland) Based on Luminescence Dating

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
This paper presents comprehensive investigations of the morphological, sedimentological, and stratigraphic features in the lower Prosna River valley infill, situated in west-central Poland. At the Rokutów site, we identified two meander generations and an anastomosing system. Fluvial changes observed depict the response of the extraglacial river system to climate fluctuations post-last glaciation. Following valley aggradation, scouring erosion, reaching depths of 9–10 m, likely occurred during the Bølling Interstadial. ‘Great meanders’ emerged during the Allerød-Younger Dryas, persisting for around 1000 years, with an uncommon upstream rotation influenced by the sub-Quaternary surface slope. A lengthy stabilization phase, lasting 8000–10,000 years, characterized by an anastomosing system with gradual aggradation, followed the great meandering period. About 3600–3900 years ago, the valley shifted back to a fluvial system with small meanders, lasting 600–900 years. Subsequently, the River Prosna reverted to an anastomosing system, remaining so until the 19th–20th centuries when it transformed into a single-channel system through regulatory manipulation. Our research suggests that the evolution of the Prosna River differed from other rivers across Western and Central Europe, exhibiting a blend of anastomosing and meandering phases.
</abstract>

Morphology, Sedimentology and OSL Chronology of the Lower Prosna River System Evolution – A Case Study in Rokutów, West-Central Poland

<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Using a set of modern/young (0 to about 200 years old) dust samples collected from the Chinese Loess Plateau the bleachability of IRSL measured at 50°C (IR50) and post-IR50 elevated temperature IRSL (measured at 225°C and at 290°C) is investigated by measuring the apparent (residual) doses recorded by these signals. Doses recorded by quartz OSL are used as a reference. Allowing for differences in dose rates it seems that both IRSL and post-IR IRSL signals yield residual doses that are significantly larger than the doses measured in quartz. These residual doses can be largely explained by thermal transfer caused by preheating. Nevertheless, we advise against the use of a low temperature preheat (&lt;200°C) with IR50 to date loess samples because, as has been reported before, the signal appears to be thermally unstable. In general, we conclude that it may not be advisable to apply post-IR IRSL dating to Chinese loess samples where residuals of up to ∼20 Gy are a significant fraction of the total dose. However, these residuals quickly become unimportant when dating older samples, and this is the age range in which post-IR IRSL dating is likely to be most useful.</abstract>

Nordic Laboratory for Luminescence Dating, Department of Earth Sciences, Aarhus University, Risø DTU, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark

Radiation Research Division, Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, Technical University of Denmark, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark

Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics, S3: Geochronology and Isotope Hydrology, 30655, Hannover, Germany

Laboratory of Mineralogy and Petrology, Department of Geology and Soil Science, Ghent University, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium

School of Geographical and Oceanographical Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China

IRSL and post-IR IRSL residual doses recorded in modern dust samples from the Chinese Loess Plateau

<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The newly developed lexsyg system by Freiberg Instruments is a versatile luminescence reader, suited for research on the luminescence of materials, fundamental research in luminescence dating, but also for routine mass measurements in retrospective dosimetry as well as in dating application. The 80 sample storage wheel is disconnected from the measurement chamber and therefore crosstalk of optical stimulation is absent and cross-irradiation is negligible from the α- and β-sources, which are providing very uniform irradiations, with the latter especially designed for radiofluores-cence (RF) measurement. Optical excitation sources and filter wheels to vary detection wavelengths can be programmed to change at almost any time within measurement sequences, including the auto-mated change of an optional wheel holding up to four different detectors. Thermoluminescence meas-urements and preheating are possible with a versatile heater, which can be programmed for linear or non-linear heating or cooling, as well as holding a temperature constant. Rates as well as durations can be varied, together with individual ramping, staging and cooling for an almost unlimited number of steps. Violet- and IR-lasers, green and blue LED-arrays can be operated in continuous (CW) or modulated mode (linear/non-linear), and optionally for pulsed as well as time resolved luminescence detection. Six arrays of power LEDs allow the simulation of different bleaching regimes (‘solar simu-lator’), while luminescence detection can be achieved by a variety of photomultiplier tubes and by CCD cameras for spatially resolved measurements and luminescence spectra.</abstract>

Freiberg Instruments GmbH, Delfterstr. 6, 09599, Freiberg, Germany

Geographisches Institut, LS Geomorphologie, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany

Lexsyg — A new system for luminescence research

<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The Holocene delivers a unique possibility to establish climatic stratigraphic boundaries based on detailed chronostratigraphy reflected in various facies of continental sediments, in their lithological parameters and organic remains. These sediments are dated by the 14C method in the case of organic remains, by counting annual laminations in lacustrine facies, and by dendrochronological method in the case of fluvial sediments.The existence of well dated profiles enables to reconstruct various climatic parameters like amplitudes of seasonal temperatures, types and frequency of extreme rainfalls and floods and, finally, to distinguish rare rapid changes and most frequent gradual ones. This reconstruction is based on the analogous effects of various types of present-day rainfalls.The current authors present a critical review of existing chronostratigraphic divisions starting from simple millennial division by Mangerud based on Scandinavian palynological stratigraphy of peat-bogs and Starkel’s concept based on fluctuations in rainfall and runoff regime reflected in fluvial and other facies of continental deposits.In the last decades, the calibration of 14C dates allowed a new approach to be used for the construction of the probability distribution function of these dates in various facies or types of sediments, which formed a background for distinguishing and correlating climatic phases and defining boundaries between them. These approaches have been creating new opportunities for revision of the existing chronostratigraphy.The aim of this paper is to present a revised version of chronostratigraphic division based on climatic fluctuations reflected in various facies of sediments on the territory of Poland and discuss their correlation with other European regions and global climatic changes.</abstract>

Department of Geomorphology and Hydrology of Mountains and Uplands PAS, Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization, Św. Jana 22, 31-018, Krakow, Poland

GADAM Centre of Excellence, Institute of Physics, Silesian University of Technology, Krzywoustego 2, 44-100, Gliwice, Poland

Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, AGH, University of Science and Technology, Mickiewicza 30, 30-059, Kraków, Poland

Institute of Nature Conservation PAS, Mickiewicza 33, 31-120, Kraków, Poland

W. Szafer Institute of Botany PAS, Lubicz 46, 31-512, Kraków, Poland

Progress in the holocene chrono-climatostratigraphy of Polish territory

<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Quartz has been the main mineral used for optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of sediments over the last decade. The quartz OSL signal, however, has been shown to saturate at relatively low doses of ∼200–400 Gy, making it difficult to be used for dating beyond about 200 thou-sand years (ka), unless the environmental dose rate is low. The infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) from feldspars has been shown to continue to grow to higher dose levels than quartz OSL. The application of IRSL dating of feldspars, however, has long been hampered by the anomalous fading effect. Recent progress in understanding anomalous fading of the infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) signals in potassium-feldspar has led to the development of post-IR IRSL (pIRIR) protocols and also a multiple elevated temperature (MET) stimulation (MET-pIRIR) protocol. These procedures have raised the prospect of isolating a non-fading IRSL component for dating Quaternary deposits containing feldspars. In this study, we review the recent progress made on (1) overcoming anomalous fading of feldspar, and (2) the development of pIRIR dating techniques for feldspar. The potential and problems associated with these methods are discussed.</abstract>

Centre for Archaeological Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia

Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China

Review and assessment of the potential of post-IR IRSL dating methods to circumvent the problem of anomalous fading in feldspar luminescence

<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Recent work has identified IR stimulated luminescence signals at elevated temperature from both potassium- and sodium-rich feldspars that have much lower anomalous fading rates than the conventional signal measured using IR stimulation at 50°C. This paper examines the stability of these signals for potassium-rich sedimentary feldspars. We show that the natural post-IR IRSL (pIRIR) signal from a 3.6 Ma old sample is in apparent saturation on a laboratory generated dose response curve, i.e. it does not show detectable fading in nature although a low fading rate is observed on laboratory time scales. We show that the pIRIR signal has a greater thermal stability than the IRSL signal and that the trend in increasing thermal stability is mirrored by a decreasing fading rate. We also investigate the effect of preheat temperature and IR stimulation power on the decay shape and conclude that the data can be explained in terms of either a single- or multiple-trap model. We present evidence that may suggest that at least part of pIRIR signal is derived from a high temperature trap (∼550°C thermoluminescence (TL) peak), although again the data can also be explained in terms of a single-trap model. Finally, we present dose response curves and characteristic curvature constants (D0) values for various IRSL signals and conclude that the more stable signals saturate more quickly than the less stable signals and that the initial and final signals saturate at approximately the same level.</abstract>

Stability of IRSL signals from sedimentary K-feldspar samples

<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Effects of Feldspar Contamination on Equivalent dose and the Shape of Growth Curve for OSL of Silt-Sized Quartz Extracted from Chinese Loess</title>This study examines the effects of feldspar contamination of different extent (by fluorosilicic acid etching for different time periods and mixing pure quartz with different percentage of unetched grains) on blue-light stimulated luminescence (BLSL) of quartz (38-63 μm) for Chinese loess. In particular, the De values and the shape of growth curves will be examined. The results show that: (1) The De determined using feldspar in Chinese loess is obviously underestimated, and infra-red stimulated luminescence (IRSL) has a greater underestimation than BLSL. For aliquots with no fluorosilicic acid etching, an IRSL De underestimation of ∼30% is observed for a sample with an expected age of ∼22 ka, ∼19% underestimation for BLSL, and ∼10% for post-IR BLSL. For quartz BLSL, the contamination of feldspar, which has not dissolved by fluorosilicic acid etching, will inevitably lead to age underestimation. We suggest that the IR-checking should be performed for every single aliquot. An aliquot should be excluded from the final De calculation if obvious IRSL signal was observed. (2) For the sample under examination blue LED stimulation can reset both IRSL and BLSL signals of feldspars, while IR stimulation cannot reset the BLSL of feldspars. (3) For multiple-mineral aliquot the growth curve shape of the post-IR BLSL is different from that of the IRSL, and within 25 Gy it is identical to that of the pure quartz BLSL. The contamination of feldspars in quartz will change the shape of a growth curve for quartz BLSL.</abstract>

Luminescence Dating Laboratory, QingHai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, XiNing 810008, P.R. China

Faculty of Geography, University of Marburg, D-35032 Marburg, Germany

Effects of Feldspar Contamination on Equivalent dose and the Shape of Growth Curve for OSL of Silt-Sized Quartz Extracted from Chinese Loess

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