preview

Radiocarbon Dating

Decent Essays

Organic archaeological specimens, matter that was once living, such as bone, shells, skins, fibers, wool, etc., are all dated by use of radiocarbon dating (anything that once lived). The radiocarbon dating process measures the Carbon-14 isotopes within the organic material being examined. This method measures the radioactive emissions from the once living matter, comparing its activity with the equilibrium level of living things, a measurement of the time elapsed can be made. The radioactive isotope within the artifact will help determine the objects age.

2. Geological formations and rock samples- Potassium-argon (d)

The age of rock samples and geological formations can be determined by the method of potassium-argon dating (K-Ar dating). …show more content…

Dendrochronology is the measurement of a trees age based on the amount of rings present in the artifact. Each year trees grow outward; therefore they leave behind the traces of their previous growth in the form of rings. In order to determine the age of the tree, the individual rings are counted. The rings also help determine events that occurred to the tree, such as a period of blight, fire, or even drought. Events, such as these, that are known can be used to help determine the age of the tree as well if it is unknown exactly when the tree was cut …show more content…

This dating method is a geochemical method, which determines the age of obsidian (volcanic glass) by measuring the layer of film present on the rock that has been formed by diffusing water over time onto the surface of the artifact. The obsidian, over time, absorbs water when exposed to air. Therefore differentiating conditions the rock is exposed to will determine the amount of water the sample absorbs. In order to use obsidian hydrations for absolute dating, the conditions that the materials have been exposed to must be understood, (i.e. climate conditions, location of excavation will determine hydration levels within the sample), or comparing the material to samples of a known

Get Access