Methodological Aspects on Luminescence Dating of Fluvial Sands from the Moselle Basin, Luxembourg

Abstract

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of quartz and infrared-stimulated luminescence (IRSL) dating of feldspar were applied to fluvial sands from the lower terrace (M1) of the Moselle valley in Luxembourg (western Europe). The dating results indicated that the aggradation period for the sediments from below the M1 alluvial terrace can be correlated to the Weichselian upper Pleniglacial (MIS 2), which is in good agreement with the general chronostratigraphy of the Moselle terrace staircase. The ages were obtained from small aliquots of quartz and feldspars, using the single aliquot regenerative (SAR) protocol. The equivalent dose determination included a series of tests and the selection of the Minimum Age Model as the most appropriate statistical model. This made it possible to provide a reliable methodological background for further luminescence dating of fluvial sediments from the Moselle basin.