MethodsX (Jan 2023)

Measuring and evaluating colorimetric properties of samples from loess-paleosol sequences

  • Christian Laag,
  • France Lagroix,
  • Sebastian Kreutzer,
  • Stoil Chapkanski,
  • Christian Zeeden,
  • Yohan Guyodo

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10
p. 102159

Abstract

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Colorimetric measurements are valuable in studying paleoenvironmental changes in sediment archives such as loess-paleosol sequences. These measurements allow for the identification of climate-sensitive minerals such as hematite, goethite, and secondary carbonates, as well as the observation of stratigraphic changes influenced by paleoclimate variations. Herein, a detailed workflow protocol emphasizing mineral abundance extraction by determining true band amplitudes is presented. Moreover, we present a protocol for colorimetric measurements that eliminates container bias, allowing the analysis and re-analysis of stored sediment quickly and inexpensively. Finally, we introduce a new R-package ('LESLIE') for graphical data display and enhancement. The protocol and its validation are demonstrated on the Suhia Kladenetz loess-paleosol sequence of northern Bulgaria. • A detailed workflow protocol eliminating container bias in colorimetric measurements and extracting mineral abundances is presented. • The protocol is independently validated with aid of Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform mid-infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopic experiments. • Stratigraphic color enhancement using the R-package 'LESLIE' is facilitated by a user-friendly R-shiny application.

Keywords