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Multi-technique geochemical characterization of the Alca obsidian source, Peruvian Andes

2013; Geological Society of America; Volume: 41; Issue: 7 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1130/g34313.1

1943-2682

Kurt Rademaker, Michael D. Glascock, Bruce Kaiser, David Gibson, Daniel R. Lux, Martin G. Yates,

Geological and Geochemical Analysis

Research Article| July 01, 2013 Multi-technique geochemical characterization of the Alca obsidian source, Peruvian Andes Kurt Rademaker; Kurt Rademaker 1Department of Anthropology, University of Maine, 5773 South Stevens Hall, Orono, Maine 04469, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Michael D. Glascock; Michael D. Glascock 2Research Reactor Center, University of Missouri, 1513 Research Park Drive, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Bruce Kaiser; Bruce Kaiser 3Bruker Elemental, Kennewick, Washington 99336, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar David Gibson; David Gibson 4Division of Natural Science–Geology, University of Maine, 173 High Street, Farmington, Maine 04938, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Daniel R. Lux; Daniel R. Lux 5School of Earth and Climate Sciences, University of Maine, 100 Bryand Global Sciences Center, Orono, Maine 04469, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Martin G. Yates Martin G. Yates 5School of Earth and Climate Sciences, University of Maine, 100 Bryand Global Sciences Center, Orono, Maine 04469, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (2013) 41 (7): 779–782. https://doi.org/10.1130/G34313.1 Article history received: 13 Dec 2012 rev-recd: 22 Feb 2013 accepted: 25 Feb 2013 first online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Kurt Rademaker, Michael D. Glascock, Bruce Kaiser, David Gibson, Daniel R. Lux, Martin G. Yates; Multi-technique geochemical characterization of the Alca obsidian source, Peruvian Andes. Geology 2013;; 41 (7): 779–782. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G34313.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract We report results from comprehensive mapping and multi-technique geochemical characterization of obsidian from the Alca source in the Peruvian Andes (15.3°S, 72.7°W), aimed at understanding patterns of extraction and trade in one of the world's centers of complex civilization. Alca obsidian was among the most economically important and widely distributed volcanic glasses used for stone tool making in South America from ca. 13 ka until recently, yet the geologic source of this material has never been studied comprehensively. Our work establishes Alca as one of the largest obsidian sources in South America and the only Peruvian source known to have patterned intrasource geochemical variability. There are six geochemically distinct Alca subsources exposed from 2710 to 5165 m elevation over >330 km2 of the highlands, an area nearly seven times larger than previously known. Our results now permit provenance determination of artifacts to specific outcrops. We analyzed 252 geologic samples using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence, neutron activation analysis, wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence, and nondestructive, portable energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence. All techniques distinguish the same six Alca subsources, establishing analytical comparability between geochemical methods. Discrimination of Alca obsidian to the subsource level using portable X-ray fluorescence represents a major advance in nondestructive provenance analysis. Further nondestructive analysis of robust sets of obsidian artifacts within Peru will allow high-resolution study of the evolution of central Andean exchange systems. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.