ESR dating in quaternary geology

Abstract

Electron spin resonance (ESR), a relatively new dating technique, was first suggested by Zeller et al. (1967) Zeller (1968) and Levy (1968). It has made substantial progress in frequent applications in the last few years. ESR-dating is based on the direct measurement of the amount of radiation-induced paramagnetic electrons trapped in crystal defects. These 'free' electrons were generated by alpha-, beta- and gamma-radiation of natural radioelements (e.g. U, Th, K) and have accumulated in the minerals over geologic time. The ESR-age is obtained by dividing the total amount of accumulated radiation dose ('archaeological dose', AD) by the dose per year (annual dose). This review comprises four major parts: The principles of the method, the determination of the archaeological dose (AD), the determination of the annual dose, and a compilation of datable materials. Several questions remain: the evaluation of the AD; the determination of the annual dose; and particularly with respect to the nature and stability of the electron traps used for dating. Show more