A 14,000 yr elemental and lead isotopis record in a peat core in the south of Poland –results and interpretation

A 14,000 YR ELEMENTAL AND LEAD ISOTOPIC RECORD IN A PEAT

CORE IN THE SOUTH OF POLAND - PRELIMINARY RESULTS AND

INTERPRETATIONS

Konrad Tudyka1,*_{, François De Vleeschouwer}2 _{, Anna Pazdur}1_{, Leszek Chróst}3_{, Nathalie}

Fagel4

1 _{Department of Radioisotopes, Institute of Physics, Silesian University of Technology,}

Poland

2 _{Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, Sweden}

3 _{Laboratory for Ecological Research, Measurement and Expertise, Chopina 26a/4, 44-100}

Gliwice, Poland

4 _{U.R. Argiles et Paléoclimats, University of Liège, Belgium}

* konrad.tudyka@polsl.pl

We present a mid-resolution elemental and isotopic record in a 14,000 yrs peat core from Żyglin (South Poland). Our principal objectives are to decipher between human impact and natural variability causing changes in peat inorganic geochemistry. This is of particular importance, as the actual region has been under the influence of many civilizations/countries throughout times, but has also been subject to various climatic conditions.

The multiproxy approach used in this study includes 14_{C dating, elemental geochemistry}

(major elements and trace metals), lead isotopes, ash and charcoal content. Radiocarbon measurements were performed using the Liquid Scintillation technique. Elemental geochemistry was acquired through Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry. Lead isotopic ratios were measured using a Nu-Plasma Multi-collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer.

Preliminary results show few periods of enhanced elemental concentrations. First and the most recent stage of core with increased amount of metals (Cu, Zn, Ag, Ni, Pb) corresponds to a known human settlement 200-300 AD. Next, during the Eneolithic age 3500-1500 BC, there is also enrichment in metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni) together with charcoal and there is the question of the possibility of early human impact through local smelting. In the later stage of Eneolithic age (1500-2500 BC) there is also significant increase of Ag and different

206_Pb/207_{Pb ratio that shifts from 1.179 up to 1.188. However, there is also possible input of}

local soils with a different elemental and isotopic signature. Here arise some questions about the mobility and other possible sources of elements.