Assessing the sediment factory: The role of single grain analysis

摘要: Abstract Type and amount of sediment generation are intimately connected to tectonic climatic processes active at the earth's surface today as well throughout geologic past. Detrital single grains (sand very coarse silt sized) from well-dated sedimentary formations serve mineral tracers in systems record sediment-forming processes. In this review, a selection individual methods available extract petrogenetic chronological information detrital is compiled. Emphasis placed on techniques, concepts, their possibilities shortcomings defining type history source rocks, rates relative proportions which sediments being eroded delivered basins. Statistical issues intrinsically coupled interpretation single-grain distributions highlighted, new emerging techniques. These include geochronology phases like e.g. titanite, monazite, or rutile overcome common restriction apatite zircon bearing lithologies, any kind double triple dating both high-T low-T thermochronological same grains. Mineral pairs especially suited quantify contributions well-defined rocks areas when two (i) occur contrasting rock types, (ii) relatively stable under conditions, (iii) allow for extracting significant detailed petrology chronology. general, however, multi-method approaches only way ambiguous record. combination with either independent flux erosion derived thermochronology, controlling mechanisms overall settings can be properly assessed.