Applying ED-XRF and LA-ICP-MS to geochemically characterize chert. The case of the Central-Eastern Pre-Pyrenean lacustrine cherts and their presence in the Magdalenian of NE Iberia

The geochemical characterization of several lacustrine chert formations outcropping in the Central-Eastern Pre-Pyrenean area is presented. Four geological formations were considered: one Upper Cretaceous (Tremp formation), two Oligocene (Castelltallat and Tartareu-Alberola formations) and one Miocene (Aragonian limestones formation). Furthermore, lacustrine cherts appearing in the Magdalenian levels of Forcas I and Cova Alonse (Huesca, Spain) were also considered. Analyses were done using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Results show different geochemical features between formations, in some cases also between outcrops, concerning major, minor and trace elements. Archaeological samples from Cova Alonse and Forcas I fit in some of the established groups, being the dispersion area slightly different between sites. Consequently, results determine the presence of diversified lithic procurement strategies. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.