Evidence of tephra reworking in loess based on 2D magnetic susceptibility mapping: A case study from Rocourt, Belgium

In this article, a new and original approach to characterize tephra layers based on high resolution magnetic susceptibility (MS) mapping is applied to the tephra deposits of Rocourt (Belgium). A series of MS maps of selected sections show the 3D morphology of tephra horizons, including local dip and reworked structures of the Rocourt and Eltville tephras, proven by chemical analyses of phenocrysts. At Rocourt, tephras are observed in loess which is an excellent material for testing the efficiency of the magnetic susceptibility mapping of tephra deposits. We also attempted to locate the volcanic source of the Eltville tephra based on the spatial analysis of the thickness of deposits in the region. Our results confirm the previous hypothesis of a volcano source located close to Plaidt (Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany).