Varves chronology
Varves are annually laminated sediments, found mostly in limnic environments. As one varve represents one year, they can be counted similar to tree rings, providing a high-resolution chronology. There are different types of varves with different origins. The three main types are clastic, evaporitic and organic warves. However different the provenance of varves may be, all show seasonally distinct, contrast rich layers. Through the counting of those layers a certain age may be ascribed to a certain point in a sediment drill core.
Varves from Lake Van, Turkey. Pale summer laminae and dark winter laminae can be clearly distinguish. This thin section was produced by MKfactory.
© AG Litt
Literature:
Litt, T., Krastel, S., Sturm, M., Kipfer, R., Örcen, S., Heumann, G., Franz, S.O., Ülgen, U.B. and Niessen, F. 2009. „‘PALEOVAN’, International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP): site survey results and perspectives“. Quaternary Science Reviews. 28(15-16): 1555-1567.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2009.03.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2009.03.002
Litt, T., Brauer, A., Goslar, T., Merkt, J., Bałaga, K., Müller, H., Ralska-Jasiewiczowa, M., Stebich, M. and Negendank, J.F. 2001. „Correlation and synchronisation of Lateglacial continental sequences in northern central Europe based on annually laminated lacustrine sediments“. Quaternary Science Reviews. 20(11): 1233-1249.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0277-3791(00)00149-9
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0277-3791(00)00149-9