Trapped charge dating is a commonly used chronological tool in Earth Sciences and Archaeology. The two principle methods are luminescence dating and electron spin resonance. Both are based on stored energy produced by the absorption of natural radioactivity in common minerals such as quartz and feldspars, and in some biological materials such as tooth enamel. Methodological developments in the last 20 years have substantially increased the accuracy and precision of these methods. This compilation offers a taste of the recent research into both method and applications.

Luminescence dating is now widely applied by scientists working in Quaternary geology and archaeology to obtain ages for events as diverse as past earthquakes, desertification and cave occupation sites. Using quartz or feldspar minerals found in almost ubiquitous sand and finer sediments, luminescence can provide ages from over 500,000 years ago to modern.Written by some of the foremost experts in luminescence dating from around the world, this book takes a new approach. It explains what luminescence can and can't do, what and where to sample, types of measurements available and how to interpret and analyse ages once they are measured. It is accordingly for scientists who require luminescence ages for their research rather than those scientists developing the luminescence technique or making their own luminescence measurements. The background to the technique is explained in simple terms so that the range of potential applications, limits and issues can be understood. The book helps scientists plan where and what to sample to optimise the successful application of luminescence and stemming from that the chronologies that can be constructed. The Handbook sets out the challenges and limitations when applying luminescence dating in different environmental and archaeological settings and gives practical advice on how issues might be avoided in sampling, or mitigated by requesting different laboratory measurement approaches or analysis. Guidance is provided on how luminescence ages can be interpreted and published as well as how they can be used within chronological frameworks. With luminescence dating continuing to develop, information on more experimental approaches is given which may help expand the range of chronological challenges to which luminescence dating can be routinely applied.

This introductory textbook introduces the basics of dating, the range of techniques available and the strengths and limitations of each of the principal methods. Coverage includes: the concept of time in Quaternary Science and related fields the history of dating from lithostratigraphy and biostratigraphy the development and application of radiometric methods different methods in dating: radiometric dating, incremental dating, relative dating and age equivalence Presented in a clear and straightforward manner with the minimum of technical detail, this text is a great introduction for both students and practitioners in the Earth, Environmental and Archaeological Sciences. Praise from the reviews: "This book is a must for any Quaternary scientist." SOUTH AFRICAN GEOGRAPHICAL JOURNAL, September 2006 “...very well organized, clearly and straightforwardly written and provides a good overview on the wide field of Quaternary dating methods...” JOURNAL OF QUATERNARY SCIENCE, January 2007

Since World War II, there has been tremendous success in the development of new methods for dating artifacts; the so-called `radiocarbon revolution' was only the first such discovery. The increasing accuracy of the various new techniques has brought about major changes in archaeological research strategies. This important new text compiles the work of some of today's most innovative archaeologists who summarize progress in their respective techniques over the last 30 years - with an emphasis on developments of the last five - and the status of current research.

This volume provides an overview of (1) the physical and chemical foundations of dating methods and (2) the applications of dating methods in the geological sciences, biology, and archaeology, in almost 200 articles from over 200 international authors. It will serve as the most comprehensive treatise on widely accepted dating methods in the earth sciences and related fields. No other volume has a similar scope, in terms of methods and applications and particularly time range. Dating methods are used to determine the timing and rate of various processes, such as sedimentation (terrestrial and marine), tectonics, volcanism, geomorphological change, cooling rates, crystallization, fluid flow, glaciation, climate change and evolution. The volume includes applications in terrestrial and extraterrestrial settings, the burgeoning field of molecular-clock dating and topics in the intersection of earth sciences with forensics. The content covers a broad range of techniques and applications. All major accepted dating techniques are included, as well as all major datable materials.

Optical dating is a rapidly developing technique, used primarily in the dating of sediments deposited in the last 500,000 or more years. As such increasing numbers of Quaternary geologists, physical geographers, archaeologists, and anthropologists are now relying on the results produced. Written by one of the foremost experts on optical dating, this book aims to bring together in a coherent whole the various strands of research that are ongoing in the area. It gives beginners an introduction to the technique as well as acting as a valuable source of up to date references. The text is divided into three parts; main text, technical notes and appendices. In this way the main text is accessible by those researchers with a limited knowledge of physics, with the technical notes providing depth of understanding for those who require it. The first part of the book is concerned with basic notions and an introduction to the standard techniques, as well as several illustrative case histories. It goes on to then discuss the limitations of the technique and factors affecting reliability.

The dangers and drawbacks inherent in radioactivity-based methods along with a demonstrated and dramatic increase in sensitivity have precipitated a major shift towards luminescence measurements and visualization techniques. Their use has now spread even to traditional clinical environments, and their applications have grown from clinical assays to