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Quaternary Dating Methods
Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:31:08
Abstract
Reconstruction of time scales is critical for all Quaternary studies in Geology and Archeology. Various methods are applied depending on the time range of interest and the archive studied. In this lecture, we focus on the last 50 ka and the methods that are most frequently used for dating Quaternary sediments and landforms in this time range.
Objective
Students will be made familiar with the details of the six dating methods through lectures on basic principles, analysis of case studies, solving of problem sets for age calculation and visits to dating laboratories. At the end of the course, students will: 1. understand the fundamental principles of the most frequently used dating methods for Quaternary studies. 2. choose which dating method (or combination of methods) suits a certain field problem. 3. critically read and evaluate the application of dating methods in scientific publications.
Content
1. Introduction: Isotopes and decay 2. Radiocarbon dating: principles and applications 3. AMS technique and its application in Quaternary geochronology 4. U-series disequilibrium dating 5. Luminescence dating 6. Introduction to incremental: varve counting, dendrochronology, and ice cores chronologies 7. Dating anthropogenic records
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Quaternary Dating Methods |
|
14 h semesterly |
Offered In
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Wahlpflichtmodule Geology (Innerhalb der Majors Geology sind mindestens zwei Wahlpflichtmodule zu absolvieren.)
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