Sedimentologyand geochemistry of Khuzestan plain quaternary sediments: implications on the dust storm production

Khuzestan plain is located in southwestern of Iran and is derived about 3.9 percent of the country. This area is mainly covered by quaternary deposits, the thickness of which exceeds 300m in some areas. Therefore sedimentology and geochemistry in addition to the determine Geochemical indices, for the possible origin of the particles, characterization of environmental earth elements in the particles and their role in environmental pollution is also important. In this study, 71 surface sediment samples were taken for sedimentology and sedimentary geochemistry analysis. Sieve for the samples, laser and chemical analyses have been done. Results shows the most important type of sediment is sandy mud with a little gravel and mud with a little bit gravel that almost have river source. The sediments with the size of silt and clay are dominated which are potentially suitably for wide distance and long time transportation. Distribution of clay (particles less than 2 microns) can be Identified areas that has potential of dust production. According to geochemistry of sedimentary, there are 3 sources, debris(As, Be, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Er, Eu, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, La, Li, Lu, Mn, Nb, Nd, Ni, P, Pr, Rb, Sc, Sm, Sn, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, Ti, Tm, U, V, Y, Yb, Zn, Zr), evaporation(Ag, B, Mo, S, Sr) and anthropogenic pollution in the region (Ba, Pb, Se, Dy, Tl, W). Also the results of factor analysis confirms cluster analysis results. Changes in rare elements and their ratio, confirme sedimentary origin for rock or mother sediment in Khuzestan plain samples.