SR-XFA as a method of choice in the search of signals of changing palaeoclimates in the sediments of Lake Baikal, compared to INAA and ICP-MS

Sediments of Lake Baikal obtained on top of the underwater Akademichesky Ri dge for reconstruction of the palaeoclimates of Holocene and Upper Pleistoc ene were subjected to elemental analysis with three methods: (i) synchrotro n radiation X-ray fluorescent analysis (SR-XFA); (ii) instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA); (iii) induction-coupled plasma mass-spectrometr y (ICP-MS). Comparison of the results obtained is accompanied by statistica l tests and shows that, due to its high sensitivity, simplicity, and non-de structive nature, SR-XFA can be recommended as a method of choice in the se arch of geochemical signals of changing palaeoclimates. (C) 2000 Elsevier S cience B.V. All rights reserved.