Articles | Volume 3, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-229-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-229-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
28 Apr 2021
Research article |
| 28 Apr 2021
| 28 Apr 2021
Towards an improvement of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) age uncertainties: modelling OSL ages with systematic errors, stratigraphic constraints and radiocarbon ages using the R package BayLum
Guillaume Guérin
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
UMR 5060 CNRS – Université Bordeaux Montaigne, IRAMAT-CRP2A, Maison de l'archéologie, Esplanade des Antilles, 33607 Pessac CEDEX, France
Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Géosciences Rennes, UMR 6118, 35000 Rennes, France
Christelle Lahaye
UMR 5060 CNRS – Université Bordeaux Montaigne, IRAMAT-CRP2A, Maison de l'archéologie, Esplanade des Antilles, 33607 Pessac CEDEX, France
Maryam Heydari
UMR 5060 CNRS – Université Bordeaux Montaigne, IRAMAT-CRP2A, Maison de l'archéologie, Esplanade des Antilles, 33607 Pessac CEDEX, France
Martin Autzen
Center for Nuclear Technologies, Technical University of Denmark, DTU Risø Campus, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
Nordic Laboratory for Luminescence Dating, Department of Geoscience, Aarhus University, DTU Risø Campus, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
Jan-Pieter Buylaert
Center for Nuclear Technologies, Technical University of Denmark, DTU Risø Campus, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
Nordic Laboratory for Luminescence Dating, Department of Geoscience, Aarhus University, DTU Risø Campus, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
Pierre Guibert
UMR 5060 CNRS – Université Bordeaux Montaigne, IRAMAT-CRP2A, Maison de l'archéologie, Esplanade des Antilles, 33607 Pessac CEDEX, France
Mayank Jain
Center for Nuclear Technologies, Technical University of Denmark, DTU Risø Campus, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
Sebastian Kreutzer
Geography & Earth Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, UK
UMR 5060 CNRS – Université Bordeaux Montaigne, IRAMAT-CRP2A, Maison de l'archéologie, Esplanade des Antilles, 33607 Pessac CEDEX, France
Brice Lebrun
UMR 5060 CNRS – Université Bordeaux Montaigne, IRAMAT-CRP2A, Maison de l'archéologie, Esplanade des Antilles, 33607 Pessac CEDEX, France
Andrew S. Murray
Nordic Laboratory for Luminescence Dating, Department of Geoscience, Aarhus University, DTU Risø Campus, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
Kristina J. Thomsen
Center for Nuclear Technologies, Technical University of Denmark, DTU Risø Campus, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
Petra Urbanova
UMR 5060 CNRS – Université Bordeaux Montaigne, IRAMAT-CRP2A, Maison de l'archéologie, Esplanade des Antilles, 33607 Pessac CEDEX, France
Anne Philippe
Jean Leray Laboratory of Mathematics (LMJL), UMR6629 CNRS – Université de Nantes, France
Related authors
Svenja Riedesel, Guillaume Guérin, Kristina J. Thomsen, Mariana Sontag-González, Matthias Blessing, Greg A. Botha, Max Hellers, Gunther Möller, Andreas Peffeköver, Christian Sommer, Anja Zander, and Manuel Will
Geochronology, 7, 59–81, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-7-59-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-7-59-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We apply luminescence dating of feldspars to establish a geochronological framework for the sequence of accretionary hillslope deposition at Jojosi, which contains important archaeological artefacts. We test and evaluate four different dose models and their applicability to single-grain and multi-grain data sets containing up to 67 % saturated grains. Our results constrain erosional and depositional processes from 100–700 ka and human occupation of the area in early MIS 5 and late MIS 6.
Mariana Sontag-González, Madhav K. Murari, Mayank Jain, Marine Frouin, and Markus Fuchs
Geochronology, 7, 289–308, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-7-289-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-7-289-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We tested the reliability of infrared radiofluorescence (IR-RF) dating of K-feldspar on samples of known age. We compare several measurement protocols and analysis variants and determine the most appropriate version. Additionally, we compare these results with those obtained using infrared photoluminescence (IRPL), an alternative dating method for K-feldspar, for the same samples. Our results confirm the dating potential of IR-RF and highlight similarities and differences to other methods.
Sebastian Kreutzer, Loïc Martin, Didier Miallier, and Norbert Mercier
Geochronology, 7, 229–246, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-7-229-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-7-229-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Accurate readings on the environmental gamma dose rate are important. Portable gamma-ray detectors, such as those that are NaI- or LaBr3-based, are easy to handle and affordable. Limited information on alternatives, like CZT (cadmium zinc telluride) detectors, is available. We tested CZT detectors and found them suitable for in-field deployment. We used simulations and field tests to evaluate the optimal energy threshold for direct dose rate readings, making the CZT system a reliable alternative.
Guillaume Guérin, Pierre Guitton-Boussion, Imène Bouafia, and Anne Philippe
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-890, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-890, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Bayesian modelling is often used to refine numerically dated chronological sequences, e.g., by making use of stratigraphic constraints. First, a high-resolution dataset based on luminescence dating is modelled with the dedicated R package BayLum. Then, three Bayesian modelling tools – namely BayLum, Chronomodel and OxCal – are compared using a high-resolution, radiocarbon dataset. Modelling artefacts are identified; the strengths and weaknesses of the models are discussed.
Svenja Riedesel, Guillaume Guérin, Kristina J. Thomsen, Mariana Sontag-González, Matthias Blessing, Greg A. Botha, Max Hellers, Gunther Möller, Andreas Peffeköver, Christian Sommer, Anja Zander, and Manuel Will
Geochronology, 7, 59–81, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-7-59-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-7-59-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We apply luminescence dating of feldspars to establish a geochronological framework for the sequence of accretionary hillslope deposition at Jojosi, which contains important archaeological artefacts. We test and evaluate four different dose models and their applicability to single-grain and multi-grain data sets containing up to 67 % saturated grains. Our results constrain erosional and depositional processes from 100–700 ka and human occupation of the area in early MIS 5 and late MIS 6.
Christoph Schmidt, Théo Halter, Paul R. Hanson, Alexey Ulianov, Benita Putlitz, Georgina E. King, and Sebastian Kreutzer
Geochronology, 6, 665–682, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-665-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-665-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We study the use of zircons as dosimeters using modern techniques, highlighting their advantages such as time-invariant dose rates. We explore the correlation between zircon geochemistry and luminescence properties, observe fast zircon optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) bleaching rates, and assess the potential of auto-regeneration. Low OSL sensitivities require combining natural OSL and auto-regenerated thermoluminescence (TL), with the potential to enhance age accuracy and precision.
Mariana Sontag-González, Raju Kumar, Jean-Luc Schwenninger, Juergen Thieme, Sebastian Kreutzer, and Marine Frouin
Geochronology, 6, 77–88, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-77-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-77-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This is a preliminary study using a synchrotron light source to generate elemental maps, incorporating oxidation states, with a spatial resolution of <1 µm for individual grains within the K-feldspar density fraction. The elemental fingerprint characterizing grains with a signal suitable for infrared radiofluorescence dating reveals high levels of K, Pb, and Ba coupled with low levels of Fe and Ca. In contrast, grains exhibiting higher proportions of Fe and Ca produce an odd signal shape.
Nora Pfaffner, Annette Kadereit, Volker Karius, Thomas Kolb, Sebastian Kreutzer, and Daniela Sauer
E&G Quaternary Sci. J., 73, 1–22, https://doi.org/10.5194/egqsj-73-1-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/egqsj-73-1-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We present results of the Baix loess–palaeosol sequence, SE France. Reconstructed intense soil formation under warm, moist conditions before and into the last ice age and less intense soil formations in warm (temporarily moist) phases during the generally cold, dry ice age were validated with laboratory and dating techniques. This is particularly relevant as Baix is located in the temperate–Mediterranean climate transition zone, a sensitive zone that is susceptible to future climate changes.
Mathieu Bosq, Sebastian Kreutzer, Pascal Bertran, Philippe Lanos, Philippe Dufresne, and Christoph Schmidt
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 15, 4689–4711, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-15-4689-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-15-4689-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
During the last glacial period, cold conditions associated with changes in atmospheric circulation resulted in the deposition of widespread loess. It seems that the phases of loess accumulation were not strictly synchronous. To test this hypothesis, the chronology of loess deposition in different regions of Europe was studied by recalculating 1423 luminescence ages in a database. Our study discusses the link between the main loess sedimentation phases and the maximal advance of glaciers.
Sebastian Kreutzer, Steve Grehl, Michael Höhne, Oliver Simmank, Kay Dornich, Grzegorz Adamiec, Christoph Burow, Helen M. Roberts, and Geoff A. T. Duller
Geochronology, 5, 271–284, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-271-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-271-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The concept of open data has become the modern science meme. Funding bodies and publishers support open data. However, the open data mandate frequently encounters technical obstacles, such as a lack of a suitable data format for data sharing and long-term data preservation. Such issues are often community-specific and demand community-tailored solutions. We propose a new human-readable data format for data exchange and long-term preservation of luminescence data called XLUM.
Alastair C. Cunningham, Jan-Pieter Buylaert, and Andrew S. Murray
Geochronology, 4, 517–531, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-517-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-517-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Mineral grains within sediment or rock absorb a radiation dose from the decay of radionuclides in the host matrix. For the beta dose component, the estimated dose rate must be adjusted for the attenuation of beta particles within the mineral grains. We show here that the mean dose rate to dosimeter grains in a granular matrix is dependent on the grain-size distributions of the source grains, the bulk sediment, and the grain size of the dosimeters.
Michael Dietze, Sebastian Kreutzer, Margret C. Fuchs, and Sascha Meszner
Geochronology, 4, 323–338, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-323-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-323-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The R package sandbox is a collection of functions that allow the creation, sampling and analysis of fully virtual sediment sections, like having a virtual twin of real-world deposits. This article introduces the concept, features, and workflows required to use sandbox. It shows how a real-world sediment section can be mapped into the model and subsequently addresses a series of theoretical and practical questions, exploiting the flexibility of the model framework.
Norbert Mercier, Jean-Michel Galharret, Chantal Tribolo, Sebastian Kreutzer, and Anne Philippe
Geochronology, 4, 297–310, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-297-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-297-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Dosimetric dating methods based on the analysis of luminescence signals emitted by granular minerals extracted from sedimentary deposits now play an important role in the study of the Quaternary. Here we propose a new approach in which the age of the deposit is calculated by combining the equivalent dose and dose-rate distributions. The underlying Bayesian mathematical model and its implementation via an R code are provided, together with the results obtained for a finite set of configurations.
Barbara Mauz, Loïc Martin, Michael Discher, Chantal Tribolo, Sebastian Kreutzer, Chiara Bahl, Andreas Lang, and Nobert Mercier
Geochronology, 3, 371–381, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-371-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-371-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Luminescence dating requires irradiating the sample in the laboratory. Here, we address some concerns about the reliability of the calibration procedure that have been published recently. We found that the interplay between geometrical parameters such as grain size and aliquot size impacts the calibration value more than previously thought. The results of our study are robust and allow us to recommend an improved calibration procedure in order to enhance the reliability of the calibration value.
Dirk Mittelstraß and Sebastian Kreutzer
Geochronology, 3, 299–319, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-299-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-299-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Our contribution enhances the infrared radiofluorescence dating technique, used to determine the last sunlight exposure of potassium feldspars in a range of about 600 to 600 000 years backwards. We recorded radiofluorescence images of fine sands and processed them with tailored open-source software to obtain ages from single grains. Finally, we tested our new method successfully on two natural sediment samples. Studies in Earth science will benefit from improved age accuracy and new insights.
Dominik Faust, Sebastian Kreutzer, Yesmine Trigui, Maximilian Pachtmann, Georg Mettig, Moncef Bouaziz, Jose Manuel Recio Espejo, Fernando Diaz del Olmo, Christoph Schmidt, Tobias Lauer, Zeljko Rezek, Alexander Fülling, and Sascha Meszner
E&G Quaternary Sci. J., 69, 55–58, https://doi.org/10.5194/egqsj-69-55-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/egqsj-69-55-2020, 2020
Annette Kadereit, Sebastian Kreutzer, Christoph Schmidt, and Regina DeWitt
Geochronology Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2020-3, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2020-3, 2020
Preprint withdrawn
Liviu Giosan, Thet Naing, Myo Min Tun, Peter D. Clift, Florin Filip, Stefan Constantinescu, Nitesh Khonde, Jerzy Blusztajn, Jan-Pieter Buylaert, Thomas Stevens, and Swe Thwin
Earth Surf. Dynam., 6, 451–466, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-6-451-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-6-451-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Here we provide the first results on the evolution of the Ayeyarwady delta, the last unstudied megadelta of Asia. In addition to its intrinsic value as a founding study on the Holocene development of this region, we advance new ideas on the climate control of monsoonal deltas as well as describe for the first time a feedback mechanism between tectonics and tidal hydrodynamics that can explain the peculiarities of the Ayeyarwady delta.
Related subject area
Luminescence dating
Further investigations into the accuracy of infrared radiofluorescence (IR-RF) and its inter-comparison with infrared photoluminescence (IRPL) dating
Environmental gamma dose rate measurements using cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) detectors
A direct comparison of single-grain and multi-grain aliquot luminescence dating of feldspars from colluvial deposits in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Zircon luminescence dating revisited
Short communication: Synchrotron-based elemental mapping of single grains to investigate variable infrared-radiofluorescence emissions for luminescence dating
Insight into the dynamics of a long-runout mass movement using single-grain feldspar luminescence in the Pokhara Valley, Nepal
Technical note: Darkroom lighting for luminescence dating laboratory
Differential bleaching of quartz and feldspar luminescence signals under high-turbidity conditions
XLUM: an open data format for exchange and long-term preservation of luminescence data
Potential impacts of chemical weathering on feldspar luminescence dating properties
Attenuation of beta radiation in granular matrices: implications for trapped-charge dating
Luminescence age calculation through Bayesian convolution of equivalent dose and dose-rate distributions: the De_Dr model
Technical note: Quantifying uranium-series disequilibrium in natural samples for dosimetric dating – Part 1: gamma spectrometry
The μDose system: determination of environmental dose rates by combined alpha and beta counting – performance tests and practical experiences
Erosion rates in a wet, temperate climate derived from rock luminescence techniques
Technical note: On the reliability of laboratory beta-source calibration for luminescence dating
Spatially resolved infrared radiofluorescence: single-grain K-feldspar dating using CCD imaging
Luminescence properties and dating of glacial to periglacial sediments from northern Switzerland
Extended-range luminescence dating of quartz and alkali feldspar from aeolian sediments in the eastern Mediterranean
Mariana Sontag-González, Madhav K. Murari, Mayank Jain, Marine Frouin, and Markus Fuchs
Geochronology, 7, 289–308, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-7-289-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-7-289-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We tested the reliability of infrared radiofluorescence (IR-RF) dating of K-feldspar on samples of known age. We compare several measurement protocols and analysis variants and determine the most appropriate version. Additionally, we compare these results with those obtained using infrared photoluminescence (IRPL), an alternative dating method for K-feldspar, for the same samples. Our results confirm the dating potential of IR-RF and highlight similarities and differences to other methods.
Sebastian Kreutzer, Loïc Martin, Didier Miallier, and Norbert Mercier
Geochronology, 7, 229–246, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-7-229-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-7-229-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Accurate readings on the environmental gamma dose rate are important. Portable gamma-ray detectors, such as those that are NaI- or LaBr3-based, are easy to handle and affordable. Limited information on alternatives, like CZT (cadmium zinc telluride) detectors, is available. We tested CZT detectors and found them suitable for in-field deployment. We used simulations and field tests to evaluate the optimal energy threshold for direct dose rate readings, making the CZT system a reliable alternative.
Svenja Riedesel, Guillaume Guérin, Kristina J. Thomsen, Mariana Sontag-González, Matthias Blessing, Greg A. Botha, Max Hellers, Gunther Möller, Andreas Peffeköver, Christian Sommer, Anja Zander, and Manuel Will
Geochronology, 7, 59–81, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-7-59-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-7-59-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We apply luminescence dating of feldspars to establish a geochronological framework for the sequence of accretionary hillslope deposition at Jojosi, which contains important archaeological artefacts. We test and evaluate four different dose models and their applicability to single-grain and multi-grain data sets containing up to 67 % saturated grains. Our results constrain erosional and depositional processes from 100–700 ka and human occupation of the area in early MIS 5 and late MIS 6.
Christoph Schmidt, Théo Halter, Paul R. Hanson, Alexey Ulianov, Benita Putlitz, Georgina E. King, and Sebastian Kreutzer
Geochronology, 6, 665–682, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-665-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-665-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We study the use of zircons as dosimeters using modern techniques, highlighting their advantages such as time-invariant dose rates. We explore the correlation between zircon geochemistry and luminescence properties, observe fast zircon optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) bleaching rates, and assess the potential of auto-regeneration. Low OSL sensitivities require combining natural OSL and auto-regenerated thermoluminescence (TL), with the potential to enhance age accuracy and precision.
Mariana Sontag-González, Raju Kumar, Jean-Luc Schwenninger, Juergen Thieme, Sebastian Kreutzer, and Marine Frouin
Geochronology, 6, 77–88, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-77-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-77-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This is a preliminary study using a synchrotron light source to generate elemental maps, incorporating oxidation states, with a spatial resolution of <1 µm for individual grains within the K-feldspar density fraction. The elemental fingerprint characterizing grains with a signal suitable for infrared radiofluorescence dating reveals high levels of K, Pb, and Ba coupled with low levels of Fe and Ca. In contrast, grains exhibiting higher proportions of Fe and Ca produce an odd signal shape.
Anna-Maartje de Boer, Wolfgang Schwanghart, Jürgen Mey, Basanta Raj Adhikari, and Tony Reimann
Geochronology, 6, 53–70, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-53-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-53-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study tested the application of single-grain feldspar luminescence for dating and reconstructing sediment dynamics of an extreme mass movement event in the Himalayan mountain range. Our analysis revealed that feldspar signals can be used to estimate the age range of the deposits if the youngest subpopulation from a sample is retrieved. The absence of clear spatial relationships with our bleaching proxies suggests that sediments were transported under extremely limited light exposure.
Marine Frouin, Taylor Grandfield, William Huebsch, and Owen Evans
Geochronology, 5, 405–412, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-405-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-405-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Here, we present the lighting setting implemented in the new Luminescence Dating Research Laboratory at Stony Brook University, USA. First, we performed spectral measurements on different light sources and filters. Then, we measured the loss of dose in quartz and feldspar samples when exposed to various light sources and durations. Finally, we conclude that our lighting setting is suitable for a luminescence darkroom laboratory; it is simple, inexpensive to build, and durable.
Jürgen Mey, Wolfgang Schwanghart, Anna-Maartje de Boer, and Tony Reimann
Geochronology, 5, 377–389, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-377-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-377-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
This study presents the results of an outdoor flume experiment to evaluate the effect of turbidity on the bleaching of fluvially transported sediment. Our main conclusions are that even small amounts of sediment lead to a substantial change in the intensity and frequency distribution of light within the suspension and that flow turbulence is an important prerequisite for bleaching grains during transport.
Sebastian Kreutzer, Steve Grehl, Michael Höhne, Oliver Simmank, Kay Dornich, Grzegorz Adamiec, Christoph Burow, Helen M. Roberts, and Geoff A. T. Duller
Geochronology, 5, 271–284, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-271-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-271-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The concept of open data has become the modern science meme. Funding bodies and publishers support open data. However, the open data mandate frequently encounters technical obstacles, such as a lack of a suitable data format for data sharing and long-term data preservation. Such issues are often community-specific and demand community-tailored solutions. We propose a new human-readable data format for data exchange and long-term preservation of luminescence data called XLUM.
Melanie Bartz, Jasquelin Peña, Stéphanie Grand, and Georgina E. King
Geochronology, 5, 51–64, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-51-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-51-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Chemical weathering alters the chemical composition of mineral grains, and it follows that luminescence dating signals may also be progressively modified. We artificially weathered feldspar samples under different chemical conditions to understand the effect of feldspar partial dissolution on their luminescence properties. Only minor changes were observed on luminescence dating properties, implying that chemical alteration of feldspar surfaces may not affect luminescence dating signals.
Alastair C. Cunningham, Jan-Pieter Buylaert, and Andrew S. Murray
Geochronology, 4, 517–531, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-517-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-517-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Mineral grains within sediment or rock absorb a radiation dose from the decay of radionuclides in the host matrix. For the beta dose component, the estimated dose rate must be adjusted for the attenuation of beta particles within the mineral grains. We show here that the mean dose rate to dosimeter grains in a granular matrix is dependent on the grain-size distributions of the source grains, the bulk sediment, and the grain size of the dosimeters.
Norbert Mercier, Jean-Michel Galharret, Chantal Tribolo, Sebastian Kreutzer, and Anne Philippe
Geochronology, 4, 297–310, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-297-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-297-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Dosimetric dating methods based on the analysis of luminescence signals emitted by granular minerals extracted from sedimentary deposits now play an important role in the study of the Quaternary. Here we propose a new approach in which the age of the deposit is calculated by combining the equivalent dose and dose-rate distributions. The underlying Bayesian mathematical model and its implementation via an R code are provided, together with the results obtained for a finite set of configurations.
Barbara Mauz, Paul J. Nolan, and Peter G. Appleby
Geochronology, 4, 213–225, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-213-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-213-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
It is of critical importance to dosimetric dating techniques that the quantity of the radiation dose is estimated accurately. Here we describe gamma spectrometry in terms of instrument, measurement procedures, and data analyses required for estimating parent nuclide activities. The description includes analytical procedures required to generate data with sufficient accuracy and precision for samples in secular equilibrium. We also outline procedures required to quantify disequilibrium.
Thomas Kolb, Konrad Tudyka, Annette Kadereit, Johanna Lomax, Grzegorz Poręba, Anja Zander, Lars Zipf, and Markus Fuchs
Geochronology, 4, 1–31, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-1-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-1-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The µDose system is an innovative analytical instrument developed for the cost- and time-efficient determination of environmental radionuclide concentrations required for the calculation of sedimentation ages in palaeo-environmental and geo-archaeological research. The results of our study suggest that accuracy and precision of µDose measurements are comparable to those of well-established methods and that the new approach shows the potential to become a standard tool in environmental dosimetry.
Rachel K. Smedley, David Small, Richard S. Jones, Stephen Brough, Jennifer Bradley, and Geraint T. H. Jenkins
Geochronology, 3, 525–543, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-525-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-525-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We apply new rock luminescence techniques to a well-constrained scenario of the Beinn Alligin rock avalanche, NW Scotland. We measure accurate erosion rates consistent with independently derived rates and reveal a transient state of erosion over the last ~4000 years in the wet, temperate climate of NW Scotland. This study shows that the new luminescence erosion-meter has huge potential for inferring erosion rates on sub-millennial scales, which is currently impossible with existing techniques.
Barbara Mauz, Loïc Martin, Michael Discher, Chantal Tribolo, Sebastian Kreutzer, Chiara Bahl, Andreas Lang, and Nobert Mercier
Geochronology, 3, 371–381, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-371-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-371-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Luminescence dating requires irradiating the sample in the laboratory. Here, we address some concerns about the reliability of the calibration procedure that have been published recently. We found that the interplay between geometrical parameters such as grain size and aliquot size impacts the calibration value more than previously thought. The results of our study are robust and allow us to recommend an improved calibration procedure in order to enhance the reliability of the calibration value.
Dirk Mittelstraß and Sebastian Kreutzer
Geochronology, 3, 299–319, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-299-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-299-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Our contribution enhances the infrared radiofluorescence dating technique, used to determine the last sunlight exposure of potassium feldspars in a range of about 600 to 600 000 years backwards. We recorded radiofluorescence images of fine sands and processed them with tailored open-source software to obtain ages from single grains. Finally, we tested our new method successfully on two natural sediment samples. Studies in Earth science will benefit from improved age accuracy and new insights.
Daniela Mueller, Frank Preusser, Marius W. Buechi, Lukas Gegg, and Gaudenz Deplazes
Geochronology, 2, 305–323, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2-305-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2-305-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Luminescence properties of samples from the Rinikerfeld, northern Switzerland, are assessed. Reader-specific low preheat temperatures are invesigated to ensure suitable measurement conditions. While quartz is found to be dominated by stable fast components, signal loss is observed for feldspar and polymineral. In general, the ages of the fading corrected feldspar and the fine-grained polymineral fractions are in agreement with coarse-grained quartz, and ages indicate sedimentation during MIS6.
Galina Faershtein, Naomi Porat, and Ari Matmon
Geochronology, 2, 101–118, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2-101-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2-101-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Optically stimulated luminescence dates the last exposure of quartz and feldspar minerals to sunlight. We investigated its sub-methods (TT-OSL, VSL, and pIRIR) to date middle and early Pleistocene sediments. Inspection of natural signals of samples can reveal saturated samples that produce only minimum ages. Using these sub-methods, minimum ages of up to the early Pleistocene can be obtained for eastern Mediterranean aeolian sediments of Nilotic origin.
Cited articles
Aitken, M. J.: Thermoluminescence dating, Academic Press, London, 359 pp.,
1985.
Aitken, M. J.: An introduction to optical dating, Oxford University press,
Oxford, 267 pp., 1998.
Aitken, M. J. and Xie, J.: Moisture correction for annual gamma dose, Ancient
TL, 8, 6–9, 1990.
Ankjærgaard, C. and Murray, A. S.: Total beta and gamma dose rates in
trapped charge dating based on beta counting, Radiat. Meas., 42,
352–359, 2007.
Bøtter-Jensen, L., Bulur, E., Duller, G. A. T., and Murray, A. S.: Advances in
luminescence instrument systems, Radiat. Meas., 32, 523–528, 2000.
Bronk Ramsey, C. and Lee, S.: Recent and Planned Developments of the Program
OxCal, Radiocarbon, 55, 720–730, 2013.
Carter, T., Contreras, D. A., Holcomb, J., Mihailović, D. D., Karkanas,
P., Guérin, G., Taffin, N., Athanasoulis, D., and Lahaye, C.: Earliest
occupation of the Central Aegean (Naxos), Greece: Implications for hominin
and Homo sapiens' behavior and dispersals, Sci. Adv., 5,
eaax0997, https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aax0997, 2019.
Chevrier, B., Lespez, L., Lebrun B., Garnier, A., Tribolo, C., Rasse, M.,
Guérin, G., Mercier, N., Camara, A., Ndiaye, M., and Huysecom, E.: New data
on settlement and environment at the 2 Pleistocene/Holocene boundary in
Sudano-Sahelian West Africa: 3 interdisciplinary investigation at Fatandi V,
Eastern Senegal, PlosOne, 15, e0243129, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0243129, 2020.
Christophe, C., Philippe, A., Guérin, G., Mercier, N., and Guibert, P.:
Bayesian approach to OSL dating of poorly bleached sediment samples:
Mixture Distribution Models for Dose (MD2), Radiat.
Meas., 108, 59–73, 2018.
Christophe, C., Philippe, A., Kreutzer, S., and Guérin, G.: “BayLum”:
Chronological Bayesian Models Integrating Optically Stimulated Luminescence
and Radiocarbon Age Dating, R package, version 0.2.0, available at: https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=BayLum, last access: 26 November 2020.
Combès, B. and Philippe, A.: Bayesian analysis of individual and
systematic multiplicative errors for estimating ages with stratigraphic
constraints in optically stimulated luminescence dating, Quat. Geochronol., 39, 24–34, 2017.
Combès, B., Lanos, P., Philippe, A., Mercier, N., Tribolo, C.,
Guérin, G., Guibert, P., and Lahaye, C.: A Bayesian central equivalent dose
model for optically stimulated luminescence dating, Quat. Geochronol.,
28, 62–70, 2015.
Cunningham, A. C., Murray, A. S., Armitage, S. J., and Autzen, M.: High-precision
natural dose rate estimates through beta counting, Radiat. Meas.,
120, 209–214, 2018.
Duller, G. A. T.: Single-grain optical dating of Quaternary sediments: why aliquot size matters in luminescence dating, Boreas, 37, 589–612, 2008.
Duller, G. A. T.: The Analyst software package for luminescence data: overview
and recent improvements, Ancient TL, 33, 35–42, 2015.
Duller, G. A. T., Bøtter-Jensen, L., Murray, A. S., and Truscott, A. J.: Single
grain laser luminescence (SGLL) measurements using a novel automated reader,
Nuclear Instruments and Methods B, 155, 506–514, 1999.
Galbraith, R. F. and Roberts, R. G.: Statistical aspects of equivalent dose and
error calculation and display in OSL dating: An overview and some
recommendations, Quat. Geochronol., 11, 1–27, 2012.
Galbraith, R. F., Roberts, R. G., Laslett, G. M., Yoshida, H., and Olley, J. M.:
Optical dating of single and multiple grains of quartz from Jinmium rock
shelter, northern Australia: Part I, experimental design and statistical
models, Archaeometry, 41, 339–364, 1999.
Gelman, A. and Rubin, D.: Inference from Iterative Simulation using Multiple
Sequences, Statist. Sci., 7, 457–511, 1992.
Guérin, G. and Mercier, N.: Determining gamma dose rates by field gamma
spectroscopy in sedimentary media: results of Monte Carlo simulations,
Radiat. Meas., 46, 190–195, 2011.
Guérin, G. and Mercier, N.: Preliminary insight into dose deposition
processes in sedimentary media on a grain scale: Monte Carlo modelling of
the effect of water on gamma dose-rates, Radiat. Meas., 47,
541–547, 2012.
Guérin, G., Mercier, N., and Adamiec, G.: Dose-rate conversion factors:
update, Ancient TL, 29, 5–8, 2011.
Guérin, G., Discamps, E., Lahaye, C., Mercier, N., Guibert, P., Turq,
A., Dibble, H., McPherron, S., Sandgathe, D., Goldberg, P., Jain, M.,
Thomsen, K., Patou-Mathis, M., Castel, J.-C., and Soulier, M.-C.: Multi-method
(TL and OSL), multi-material (quartz and flint) dating of the Mousterian
site of the Roc de Marsal (Dordogne, France): correlating Neanderthals
occupations with the climatic variability of MIS 5–3, J.
Archaeol. Sci., 39, 3071–3084, 2012a.
Guérin, G., Mercier, N., Nathan R., Adamiec, G., and Lefrais, Y.: On the use
of the infinite matrix assumption and associated concepts: a critical
review, Radiat. Meas., 47, 778–785, 2012b.
Guérin, G., Murray, A. S., Jain, M., Thomsen, K. J., and Mercier, N.: How confident are we in the chronology of the transition between Howieson's Poort and Still Bay, J. Hum. Evol., 64, 314–317, 2013.
Guérin, G., Combès, B., Lahaye, C., Thomsen, K. J., Tribolo, C.,
Urbanova, P., Guibert, P., Mercier, N., and Valladas, H.: Testing the accuracy
of a single grain OSL Bayesian central dose model with known-age samples,
Radiat. Meas., 81, 62–70, 2015a.
Guérin, G., Frouin, M., Talamo, S., Aldeias, V., Bruxelles, L., Chiotti,
L., Dibble, H. L., Goldberg, P., Hublin, J.-J., Jain, M., Lahaye, C.,
Madelaine, S., Maureille, B, McPherron, S. P., Mercier, N., Murray, A. S.,
Sandgathe, D., Steele, T. E., Thomsen, K. J., and Turq, A.: A Multi-method
Luminescence Dating of the Palaeolithic Sequence of La Ferrassie Based on
New Excavations Adjacent to the La Ferrassie 1 and 2 Skeletons, J. Archaeol. Sci., 58, 147–166, 2015b.
Guérin, G., Jain, M., Thomsen, K. J., Murray, A. S., and Mercier, N.: Modelling
dose rate to single grains of quartz in well-sorted sand samples: the
dispersion arising from the presence of potassium feldspars and implications
for single grain OSL dating, Quat. Geochronol., 27, 52–65, 2015c.
Guérin, G., Christophe, C., Philippe, A., Murray, A. S., Thomsen, K. J.,
Tribolo, C., Urbanova, P., Jain, M., Guibert, P., Mercier, N., Kreutzer, S.,
and Lahaye, C.: Absorbed dose, equivalent dose, measured dose rates, and
implications for OSL age estimates: Introducing the Average Dose Model,
Quat. Geochronol., 41, 163–173, 2017.
Guibert, P.: Progrès récents et perspectives. Habilitation à
diriger des recherches, 10 juillet 2002. Datation par thermoluminescence des
archéomatériaux: recherches méthodologiques et appliquées
en archéologie médiévale et en archéologie
préhistorique, 3, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, 27–50, 2002.
Guibert, P. and Schvoerer, M.: TL dating : Low background gamma spectrometry as
a tool for the determination of the annual dose, Nucl. Tracks Rad. Meas., 18, 231–238, 1991.
Guibert, P., Schvoerer, M., Etcheverry, M. P., Szepertyski, B., and Ney, C.: IXth
millenium B.C. ceramics from Niger: detection of a U-series disequilibrium
and TL dating, Quaternary Sci. Rev., 13, 555–561, 1994.
Guibert, P., Lahaye, C., and Bechtel, F.: The importance of U-series disequilibrium
of sediments in luminescence dating: A case study at the Roc de Marsal Cave
(Dordogne, France), Radiat. Meas., 44, 223–231, 2009.
Hansen, V., Murray, A., Buylaert, J. P., Yeo, E. Y., and Thomsen, K.: A new
irradiated quartz for beta source calibration, Radiat. Meas., 81,
123–127, 2015.
Heydari, M. and Guérin, G.: OSL signal saturation and dose rate
variability: investigating the behaviour of different statistical models,
Radiat. Meas., 120, 96–10, 2018..
Heydari, M., Guérin, G., Kreutzer, S., Jamet, G., Kharazian, M. A.,
Hashemi, M., Nasab, H. V., and Berillon, G.: Do Bayesian methods lead to more
precise chronologies? “BayLum” and a first OSL-based chronology for the
Palaeolithic open-air site of Mirak (Iran), Quat. Geochronol., 59,
101082, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quageo.2020.101082, 2020.
Heydari, M., Guérin, G., Zeidi, M., and Conard, N. J.: Bayesian luminescence
dating at Ghār-e Boof, Iran, provides a new chronology for Middle and
Upper Paleolithic in the southern Zagros, J. Hum. Evol., 151,
1–15, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhevol.2020.102926, 2021.
Huntley, D. J., Godfrey-Smith, D. I., and Thewalt, M. L. W.: Optical dating of
sediments, Nature, 313, 105–107, 1985.
Jacobs, Z., Roberts, R. G., Galbraith, R. F., Deacon, H. J., Grün, R.,
Mackay, A., Mitchell, P., Vogelsang, R., and Wadley, L.: Ages for the Middle
Stone Age of southern Africa: implications for human behavior and dispersal,
Science, 322, 733–735, 2008.
Kreutzer, S., Schmidt, C., Fuchs, M. C., Dietze, M., Fischer, M., and Fuchs, M.:
Introducing an R package for luminescence dating analysis, Ancient TL, 30,
1–8, 2012.
Kreutzer, S., Martin, L., Guérin, G., Tribolo, C., Selva, P., and Mercier,
N.: Environmental Dose Rate Determination Using a Passive Dosimeter:
Techniques and Workflow for alpha-Al2O3:C Chips, Geochronometria, 45, 56–67,
2018.
Kreutzer, S., Dietze, M., Burow, C., Fuchs, M. C., Schmidt, C., Fischer, M.,
Friedrich, J., Mercier, N., Smedley, R. K., Christophe, C., Zink, A.,
Durcan, J., King, G.E.,Phlippe, A., Guérin, G., Riedesel, S., Autzen,
M., and Guibert, P.: Luminescence: Comprehensive Luminescence Dating Data
Analysis. R package, version 0.9.7, available at:
https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=Luminescence, last access: 10 November 2020.
Lahaye, C., Guibert, P., and Bechtel, F.: Uranium series disequilibrium
detection and annual dose determination: A case study on Magdalenian
ferruginous heated sandstones (La Honteyre, France), Radiat. Meas.,
47, 786–789, 2012.
Lahaye, C., Guérin, G., Gluchy, M., Hatté, C., Fontugne, M.,
Clemente-Conte, I., Santos, J. C., Villagran, X., Da Costa, A., Borges, C.,
Guidon, N., and Boëda, E.: Another site, same old song: the
Pleistocene-Holocene archaeological sequence of Toca da Janela da Barra do
Antonião-North, Piauí, Brazil, Quat. Geochronol., 49, 223–229, 2018.
Lanos, P. and Philippe, A.: Event date model: a robust Bayesian tool for
chronology building, Communications for Statistical Applications and
Methods, 25, 1–28, 2018.
Lebrun, B., Frerebeau, N., Paradol, G., Guérin, G., Mercier, N.,
Tribolo, C., Lahaye, C., and Rizza, M.: gamma: An R Package for Dose Rate
Estimation from In-Situ Gamma-Ray Spectrometry Measurements, Ancient TL, 18,
1–5, 2020.
Liritzis, I., Stamoulis, K., Papachristodoulou, C., and Ioannides, K.: A
re-evaluation of radiation dose-rate conversion factors, Mediterranean
Archaeology and Archaeometry, 13, 1–15, 2013.
Løvborg, L. and Kirkegaard, P.: Response of
Martin, L., Mercier, N., Incerti, S., Lefrais, Y., Pecheyran, C., Guérin, G., Jarry, M., Bruxelles, L., Bon, F., and Pallier, C.: Dosimetric study of sediments at the beta dose rate scale: Characterization and modelization with the DosiVox software, Radiat. Meas., 81, 134–141, 2015.
Mauz, B., Packman, S., and Lang, A.: The alpha effectiveness in
silt-sized quartz: New data obtained by single and multiple aliquot
protocols, Ancient TL, 24, 47–52, 2006.
Mejdahl, V.: Internal radioactivity in quartz and feldspar grains, Ancient
TL, 5, 10–17, 1987.
Mercier, N., Kreutzer, S., Christophe, C., Guérin, G., Guibert, P.,
Lahaye, C., Lanos, P., Philippe, A., and Tribolo, C.: Bayesian statistics in
luminescence dating: The “baSAR”-model and its implementation in the R
package “Luminescence”, Ancient TL, 34, 14–21, 2016.
Miallier, D., Guérin, G., Mercier, N., Pilleyre, T., and Sanzelle, S.: The
Clermont radiometric reference rocks: a convenient tool for dosimetric
purposes, Ancient TL, 27, 37–42, 2009.
Millard, A.: Bayesian analysis of ESR dates, with application to border
cave, Quat. Geochronol., 1, 159–166, 2006a.
Millard, A.: Bayesian analysis of Pleistocene chronometric methods,
Archaeometry, 48, 359–375, 2006b.
Murray, A. S. and Olley, J. M.: Precision and Accuracy in the Optically
Stimulated Luminescence Dating of Sedimentary Quartz: A Status Review,
Geochronometria, 21, 1–16, 2002.
Murray, A. S. and Wintle, A. G.: Luminescence dating of quartz using an
improved single-aliquot regenerative-dose protocol, Radiat. Meas.,
32, 57–73, 2000.
Murray, A. S. and Wintle, A. G.: The single aliquot regenerative dose protocol:
potential for improvements in reliability., Radiat. Meas., 37,
377–381, 2003.
Murray, A. S., Buylaert, J.-P., and Thiel, C.: A luminescence dating
intercomparison based on a Danish Beach-ridge sand, Radiat. Meas.,
81, 32–38, 2015.
Nathan, R. P. and Mauz, B.: On the dose-rate estimate of carbonate-rich sediments
for trapped charge dating, Radiat. Meas., 43, 14–25, 2008.
Nelson, M. S. and Rittenour, T. M.: Using grain-size characteristics to model
soil water content: Application to dose-rate calculation for luminescence
dating, Radiat. Meas., 81, 142–149, 2015.
Philippe, A. and Vibet, M.: “Analysis of Archaeological Phases Using the R
Package ArchaeoPhases, J. Statist. Softw.,
93, 1–25, 2020.
Philippe, A., Guérin, G., and Kreutzer, S.: “BayLum” an R package for
Bayesian Analysis of OSL Ages & Chronological Modelling, Quat. Geochronol., 49, 16–24, 2019.
Prescott, J. R. and Hutton, J. T.: Cosmic ray contributions to dose rates for luminescence and ESR dating: large depths and long-term time variations, Radiat. Meas., 23, 497–500, 1994.
Prescott, J. R. and Hutton, J. T.: Cosmic ray and gamma ray dosimetry for TL and
ESR, Nucl. Tracks Rad. Meas., 14, 223–227, 1994.
R Core Team: R: A Language and Environment for Statistical Computing. R
Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria, available at: https://r-project.org, last access: 6 November 2020.
Reimer, P. J., Austin, W. E. N., Bard, E., Bayliss, A., Blackwell, P. G., Bronk Ramsey, C., Butzin, M., Cheng, H., Edwards, R. L., Friedrich, M., Grootes, P. M., Guilderson, T. P., Hajdas, I., Heaton, T. J., Hogg, A. G., Hughen, K. A., Kromer, B.; Manning, S. W., Muscheler, R., Palmer, J. G., Pearson, C., van der Plicht, J., Reimer, R. W., Richards, D. A., Scott, E. M., Southon, J. R., Turney, C. S. M., Wacker, L., Adolphi, F., Büntgen, U., Capano, M., Fahrni, S. M., Fogtmann-Schulz, A., Friedrich, R., Köhler, P., Kudsk, S., Miyake, F., Olsen, J., Reinig, F., Sakamoto, M., Sookdeo, A., and Talamo, S.: The IntCal20 northern hemisphere
radiocarbon age calibration curve (0–55 cal kBP), Radiocarbon, 62,
725–757, 2020.
Rhodes, E. J., Ramsey, C. B., Outram, Z., Batt, C., Willis, L., Dockrill,
S., and Bond, J.: Bayesian methods applied to the interpretation of
multiple OSL dates: high precision sediment ages from Old Scatness Broch
excavations, Shetland Isles, Quaternary Sci. Rev., 22,
1231–1244, 2003.
Richter, D., Dombrowski, H., Neumaier, S., Guibert, P., and Zink, A.:
Environmental gamma dosimetry for in-situ sediment measurements by OSL of
a-Al2O3:C, Radiat. Prot. Dosim., 141, 27–35, 2010.
Thomsen, K. J., Murray, A. S., and Bøtter-Jensen, L.: Sources of variability in
OSL dose measurements using single grains of quartz, Radiat. Meas.,
39, 47–61, 2005.
Thomsen, K. J., Murray, A. S., Buylaert, J.-P., Jain, M., Helt-Hansen, J.,
and Aubry, T.: Testing single-grain quartz OSL methods using known age samples
from the Bordes-Fitte rockshelter (Roches d'Abilly site, Central France),
Quat. Geochronol., 31, 77–96, 2016.
Tribolo, C., Mercier, N., and Valladas, H.: Alpha sensitivity determination in
quartzite using an OSL single aliquot procedure, Ancient TL, 19, 47–50,
2001.
Wintle, A. G. and Murray, A. S.: A review of quartz optical stimulated
luminescence characteristics and their relevance in single-aliquot
regeneration dating protocols, Radiat. Meas., 41, 369–391, 2006.
Zimmerman, D. W.: Thermoluminescence dating using fine grains from pottery,
Archaeometry, 13, 29–52, 1971.
Short summary
This paper demonstrates how to model optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and radiocarbon ages in a Bayesian framework, using a dedicated software tool called BayLum. We show the effect of stratigraphic constraints, of modelling the covariance of ages when the same equipment is used for a series of OSL samples, and of including independent ages on a chronological inference. The improvement in chronological resolution is significant.
This paper demonstrates how to model optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and radiocarbon...
