The Origin and Evolution of Late Holocene Tsunamiites in the Doñana National Park (SW Spain): Trace Elements as Geochemical Proxies

Researchers have identified three distinct Holocene-age tsunami deposits (around 4.25, 3.56, and 2.2–2 kyr BP) within the Doñana National Park using trace element geochemistry as proxies for marine incursions and high-energy events. The study analyzed sediments from two boreholes, revealing complex estuarine paleoenvironments with inherited mineralogy (e.g., REE-Y-Rb-Sr-Cs-Th-U-Hf-Al-Ti-Co-Cr-Sc) and elements linked to evaporite conditions (Br-Na). Statistical analysis, including linear correlation and factor analysis, highlighted Na, Br, Sr, Hf, and Ti as key indicators of tsunamiites. The findings suggest that trace element geochemistry is a robust tool for identifying past tsunamis, with sediment provenance primarily originating from felsic sources.

Pozo, M., Ruiz, F., González-Regalado, M. L., Carretero, M. I., Monge, G., Rodríguez Vidal, J., Cáceres, L. M., Abad, M., Tosquella, J., Izquierdo, T., Muñoz, J. M., Prudencio, M. I., Dias, M. I., Marques, R., Gómez, P., Toscano, A., Romero, V., & Arroyo, M. (2020). The Origin and Evolution of Late Holocene Tsunamiites in the Doñana National Park (SW Spain): Trace Elements as Geochemical Proxies. Minerals, 10(11), 956. https://doi.org/10.3390/min10110956