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Suggested Terminology for Quaternary Dating Methods

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Steven M. Colman ,
Kenneth L. Pierce  and
Peter W. Birkeland
Steven M. Colman
Affiliation:
U.S. Geological Survey, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543 USA
Kenneth L. Pierce
Affiliation:
U.S. Geological Survey, MS 913, P.O. Box 25046, Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225 USA
Peter W. Birkeland
Affiliation:
Department of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309 USA
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Abstract

Classification of Quaternary dating methods should be based on the level of quantitative information and the degree of confidence contained in the age estimates produced by the dating methods. We recommend the use of the terms numerical-age, calibrated-age, relative-age, and correlated-age to describe these levels. We also classify dating methods by type into sideral, isotopic, radiogenic, chemical and biological, geomorphic, and correlation methods. The use of “absolute” is inappropriate for most dating methods, and should be replaced by “numerical.” The use of “date” should be minimized in favor of “age” or “age estimate.” We recommend use of the abbreviations ka and Ma for most ages; calender dates can be used where appropriate and yr B.P. can be used for radiocarbon ages.

Type
Research Article
Information
Quaternary Research , Volume 28 , Issue 2 , September 1987 , pp. 314 - 319
Copyright
University of Washington

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