A Novel Proxy for Tracking the Provenance of Dust Based on Paired E ₁ ’?Peroxy Paramagnetic Defect Centers in Fine?Grained Quartz

Crystal lattice defects in quartz have long been exploited for age determination, yet also show potential sediment provenance studies. Here, we introduce a novel method tracking aeolian dust by utilizing the natural accumulation of E1’ and peroxy defect centers quartz. Our approach is based on previously observed premise that arise from Frenkel pairs, their concentration increases with quartz-bearing source rock. We propose these can be utilized as characteristic feature rock consequently, fingerprinting sediments derived it. successfully apply our new protocol to distinguish fine-grained extracted loess deposits two regions Central Asia which are known derive different material differing age. offers strong identifying variability source, both spatially through time down sedimentary sequences.