The Optical Dating of Sediments Using Quartz

Abstract

Abstract The technique of optical dating has been applied to quartz extracts from geological and archaeological sediments. The method involves measurement of the luminescence emitted when the quartz is optically stimulated, and yields the time which has elapsed since the sediments were last deposited. The luminescence originates from charge in traps associated with the 325 oC TL peak, and the kinetics of charge movement have been carefully considered in the formulation of the dating procedure. A cross-comparison of the optical dates with alternative dating evidence is presented, giving strong indication that the technique is reliable and can be applied to both wind- and water-borne sediments in the age range one thousand to one hundred thousand years. In some circumstances younger dates can be obtained.