Spatial distribution of paleoclimatic proxies in stalagmite slabs using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

• DOI: 10.1039/c2ja10299d
• Publication Date: 2012-03-15T10:34:27Z
• Authors: F. J. Fortes; I. Vadillo; H. Stoll; M. Jiménez-Sánchez; A. Moreno; J. J. Laserna
• Keywords: Stalagmite; Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy; Paleoclimatology

The spatial distribution of paleoclimatic proxies in stalagmite slabs using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been performed this study. Stalagmites from different locations the north Spain were cut and analyzed along main growth axis by LIBS. For comparative purposes, powders drilled also inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission (ICP-AES). Advantages LIBS include fast analysis long sections at atmospheric pressure, lateral resolution μm range no sample preparation beyond having optical access to section be inspected. Mg/Ca Sr/Ca intensity ratios are major interest for paleoclimate applications. An excellent agreement between measured ICP-AES was observed. trends well matched only high Sr stalagmites. Also, work reports employment detrital layers as speleothems Large concentrations Si Al indicative flood events inside cave.