Elemental Compositions of the "Wushan Loess": Implications for Origin and Sediment Source

Key words: 
• " /
• Wushan loess" /
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• elemental compositions

Abstract: 73 samples from the typical section of the "Wushan Loess" were analyzed for elemental compositions in order to obtain information about its origin and sediment source. Elemental analysis show that the major elements of the "Wushan Loess" contain SiO₂, Al₂O₃ and TFe₂O₃(Fe₂O₃+FeO), average concentration of those is 84.8%. It is similar as the UCC (86.2%), Luochuan Loess (85.34%) and Zhenjiang Xiashu Loess (86.76%). Elemental compositions of the "Wushan Loess" were similar as the Luochuan Loess, Ganzi Loess and Xifeng Red Clay, indicating the similar sediment environment. TiO₂/Al₂O₃ vs. K₂O/Al₂O₃ diagram shows that the "Wushan Loess" and the Ganzi Loess had almost the same elemental compositions. Besides the UCC-normalized patterns were also similar, indicating the aeolian origin. Elemental ratios show that the "Wushan Loess" were derived from multi-provenances. Besides, the "Wushan Loess" were reworked by fluvial process.