Abstract
An additional method of coupled ESR/U-series dating is developed for teeth showing post-depositional U-loss. The fundamental parameter for the dose rate calculation is the present-day Th-230-activity because of the geochemical immobility of thorium. Uranium and thorium concentrations are measured by thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS). Due to the unknown uranium history an average saturation uptake of uranium is assumed leading to an average development of U-series activities. Therewith an internal dose rate and the age T can be calculated on condition that the modelled Th-230-activity at time T corresponds with the measured value. Using this new method, teeth, found in archaeological sites in France (Gramat, Bramefond), could be dated even though they show U-loss after U-uptake. Two teeth from Gramat could be dated to 128.3 +/- 8.6 and 130.5 +/- 10 ka. Two teeth from Bramefond have ages of 104.4 +/- 8.4 and 115.1 +/- 10.2 ka. Both sites can be ascribed to oxygen isotope stage 5.
| Translated title of the contribution | A method for coupled ESR/U-series dating of teeth showing post-depositional U-loss |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Pages (from-to) | 1367 - 1372 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Quaternary Science Reviews |
| Volume | 22 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - May 2003 |