Radiocarbon Dating : an Archaeological Perspective
Radiocarbon Dating: An Archaeological Perspective provides a review of some of the major advances and accomplishments of the 14C method from an archaeological perspective. The text also provides an introduction to some of the problems and issues involved in the use of 14C data in archaeological studies. The book covers topics in radiocarbon dating, including the elements of the radiocarbon method; definition of major anomalies and the different effects of the 14C method; and sample, sample pretreatment, and measurement techniques. The evaluation of radiocarbon data and the historical devel
1 online resource (225 pages)
9780323159791, 0323159796
1044727984
Front Cover; Radiocarbon Dating: An Archaeological Perspective; Copyright Page; Table of Contents; Dedication; Preface; Acknowledgments; Chapter 1. Elements of the Radiocarbon Method; 1.1 Basic Principles; 1.2 General Assumptions; 1.3 Conventions; 1.4 Production and Distribution of Natural Radiocarbon; 1.5 Decay of Radiocarbon; 1.6 Major Bibliographic Sources; Chapter 2. Definition of Major Anomalies; 2.1 General Considerations; 2.2 Secular Variation Effects; 2.3 Reservoir Effects; 2.4 Contamination and Fractionation Effects; 2.5 Recent 14C Variations. Chapter 3. Samples and Sample Pretreatment3.1 General Perspective; 3.2 Sample Pretreatment Strategies; 3.3 Sample Materials; 3.4 Sample Size, Sample Collection, and Data Considerations; Chapter 4. Measurement Techniques; 4.1 Nature of Radioactivity; 4.2 Methods of Measurement; 4.3 Measurement of Natural Radiocarbon; 4.4 Decay Counting Systems; 4.5 Direct Counting Systems; 4.6 Radiocarbon Age Calculations; 4.7 Statistical Constraints; Chapter 5. Evaluation of Radiocarbon Data; 5.1 General Principles; 5.2 Sample Provenance Factors; 5.3 Sample Composition Factors. 5.4 Statistical and Experimental Factors5.5 Systemic Factors; 5.6 Evaluating Radiocarbon Age Estimates; 5.7 Implications of Radiocarbon Dating in Archaeological Studies; Chapter 6. Radiocarbon Dating in Historical Perspective; 6.1 Discovery of Radiocarbon; 6.2 Libby at Chicago; 6.3 Libby among the Archaeologists; 6.4 The Critical Period; 6.5 Knowns and Unknowns; 6.6 Radiocarbon Dating Comes of Age; References; Illustration Credits; Index