MICRO TOPIC 1.3.4

Scientific dating methods

Huge advancements in 50 years

Relative and Absolute

There are two main categories of dating methods in archaeology: relative dating and absolute dating.

Relative dating includes methods that rely on the analysis of comparative data or the context (eg, geological, regional,cultural) in which the object one wishes to date is found. This approach helps to order events chronologically but it does not provide the absolute age of an object expressed in years. Relative dating uses many techniques, but the most common are soil stratigraphy analysis and typology.

Absolute dating includes all methods that provide figures about the real estimated age of archaeological objects or occupations. These methods usually analyze physicochemical transformation phenomena whose rate are known or can be estimated relatively well. This is the only type that can clarifying the actual age of an object. Absolute dating methods mainly include radiocarbon dating, dendrochronology and thermoluminescence.

Dating methods

Typology

Soil stratigraphy

Radiocarbon Dating

Dendrochronology

Thermoluminescence

DNA / RNA

Argon dating

Amino acid dating

Uranium-lead dating

Archaeomagnetic dating

Samarium-neodymium dating

Rubidium–strontium dating

Uranium-thorium dating

Fission track dating

Iodine-129 dating

Lead dating

K-Ar dating

Wiggle matching

Rehydroxylation

Cementochronology

Meticulous science

Archaeologists don't just look at objects and give opinions of age. Dating is done carefully with scientific instruments, computer analysis, professional standards and peer review.

Big advancements

As in all fields of science, in archaeology there have been amazing advancements in knowledge, databases, chemistry, imaging, instrumentation and analysis over the past 30 years. The quantity and quality of data collection and artifacts is exploding. Clear pictures of the past are rapidly emerging.

Cross-test verification

It is now possible to have greater accuracy and confidence in scientific dating because there are so many testing methods and so much data. Testing can be done on the same object with different methods, and accuracy is assured when all reveal approximately the same age.

Arial radar imaging

Arial imaging is not a way of determining age but is a way of identifying high potential excavation sites which have an abundance of structures, fossils and artifacts. The result is more and better sites and objects to study, in less time and at less cost.

CT Scans

CT scans are used to X-ray blocks of sandstone and limestone to see if what's inside is worth chipping out and to help avoid damage in the process. This improves efficiency and quality.