Luminescence characteristics of Scandinavian quartz, their connection to bedrock provenance and influence on dating results

The success of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating relies to a large extent on suitable characteristics the analysed mineral, in this case quartz. Previous OSL Quaternary sediments Scandinavia has shown that quartz vary widely across region, resulting studies with varied success. aim study is provide an overview Sweden and Norway, evaluate their effect results discuss underlying causes variability. A qualitative assessment signal from Late sediment deposits, range geological geographical settings, been made by re-analysing data samples previously dated at Lund Luminescence Laboratory, Sweden. This allowed general characterisation signals relationship these properties result ‘quality’. To quantify results, selected were further single-grain measurements small aliquots. show average fairly dim but dominated fast component changes little during measurement. Dose determination precision ?4% for 8-mm aliquots ?6% 2-mm However, have spatial variation which appears correlate large-scale bedrock units. In areas sedimentary outside Scandinavian mountains within Blekinge-Bornholm province, brighter stronger component, while Caledonian orogenic belt, very weak lacks component. These differences lead doses, ?2% >40% (for doses order 5–400 Gy), number rejected (0–100%) depending location, also implies can be used as provenance indicator part Norway. • most Norway are Brighter occurs e.g. areas. Quartz belt low slow components. Bright yields precise (2%) dose estimates, less (19%). Spatially contrasting promise studies.