A Bayesian framework for age modeling of radiocarbon-dated peat deposits: Case studies from the Netherlands

Abstract

Recently, Bayesian statistical software has been developed for age-depth modeling ("wiggle-match dating") of sequences of densely spaced radiocarbon dates from peat cores. The method is described in non-statistical terms, and is compared with an alternative method of chronological ordering of 14C dates. Case studies include the dating of the start of agriculture in the northeastern part of the Netherlands, and of a possible Hekla-3 tephra layer in the same country. We discuss future enhancements in Bayesian age modeling. © 2007 by the Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of the University of Arizona.