Improved 14C dating of a tephra layer (AT tephra, Japan) using AMS on selected organic fractions
Abstract
Tephra (volcanic ash) layers provide unique chronostratigraphic maker beds in geosciences, allowing ages to be transferred to adjacent units and across regions. Therefore, it is important to establish the application of radiocarbon dating of tephra layers with high levels of reliability. We have examined the reliability of radiocarbon dating by dating three samples of organic material associated with the Aira-Tn (AT) tephra layer. AT tephra, ≈25,000 14C BP, is one of the major widespread tephras in Japan. We demonstrate that by using detailed pre-treatment on samples, closely examined samples, measurements with higher precision are possible. New high precision 14C age for the AT tephra of 25,120 ± 270 BP is presented.
- Publication:
-
Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research B
- Pub Date:
- August 2004
- DOI:
- 10.1016/j.nimb.2004.04.103
- Bibcode:
- 2004NIMPB.223..555M