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651-4901-00L 3 Credits MSC D-USYS , D-ERDW

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Quaternary Dating Methods

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Susan Ivy Ochs, Dr. Irka Hajdas, Dr. Marcus Christl

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:01:02

Abstract

Reconstruction of time scales is critical for all Quaternary studies in both 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. be able to calculate an age based on data of the six methods studied. 3. choose which dating method (or combination of methods) is suitable for a certain field problem. 4. critically read and evaluate the application of dating methods in scientific publications.

Content

1. Introduction: Time scales for the Quaternary, Isotopes and decay 2. Radiocarbon dating: principles and applications 3. Cosmogenic nuclides: 3He,10Be, 14C, 21Ne, 26Cl, 36Cl 4. U-series disequilibrium dating 5. Luminescence dating 6. Introduction to incremental: varve counting, dendrochronology and ice cores chronologies 7. Cs-137 and Pb-210 (soil, sediments, ice core) 8. Summary and comparison of results from several dating methods at specific sites

Resources

Learning Materials (Links)

Main link
QDM material

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	Tue 08:15-10:00 (NO E 11)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Earth Sciences Master
- Major in Geology
  - Restricted Choice Modules Geology (A minimum of two restricted choice modules must be completed for the major Geology.)
    - Sedimentology
      - Sedimentology: Courses of Choice
  - Open Choice Modules Geology
    - Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology
    - Geomagnetics
      - Geomagnetics: Compulsory Courses (Courses are only offered in spring semester.)
Environmental Sciences Master
- Major in Atmosphere and Climate
  - Electives
    - Climate History and Palaeoclimatology
Atmospheric and Climate Science Master
- Electives (The students are free to choose individually from the entire course offer of ETH Zürich and the universities of Zürich and Bern.)
  - Climate History and Paleoclimatology (Two courses are offered in Autumn Semester at University of Berne. ETH courses are only offered in Spring Semester.)