Luminescence Dating in Archaeology, Anthropology, and Geoarchaeology: An Overview

by Ioannis Liritzis, Ashok Kumar Singhvi, James K. Feathers, Gunther A. Wagner, Annette Kadereit

Overview

The field of Luminescence Dating has reached a level of maturity. Both research and applications from all fields of archaeological science, from archaeological materials to anthropology and geoarchaeology, now routinely employ luminescence dating. The advent of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) techniques and the potential for exploring a spectrum of grain aliquots enhanced the applicability, accuracy and the precision of luminescence dating. The present contribution reviews the physical basis, mechanisms and methodological aspects of luminescence dating; discusses advances in instrumentations and facilities, improvements in analytical procedures, and statistical treatment of data along with some examples of applications across continents, covering all periods (Middle Palaeolithic to Medieval) and both Old and New World archaeology. They also include interdisciplinary applications that contribute to palaeo-landscape reconstruction.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783319001692
Publisher:	Springer International Publishing
Publication date:	07/05/2013
Series:	SpringerBriefs in Earth System Sciences
Edition description:	2013
Pages:	70
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.01(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction.- Luminescence Dating Prools and Dating Range.- Dose Rate.- Luminescence Dating of Archaeological Materials.- Luminescence-Based Authenticity Testing.- Luminescence Dating in Geomorphological and Geoarchaeological Research in Europe: Application Examples.- Meteoritic Impacts, Tsunamis.- Conclusions.