Uranium series dating

Abstract

Uranium series ages are numerical values which have stated uncertainties and they have proved particularly important in validating newer and more experimental techniques and providing calibration points for other methods. The general principles and assumptions involved are first described and then specific dating techniques most commonly used are covered including methods for dating volcanic rocks, deep sea sediments, speleothems, etc. The 230Th/234U and 231Pa/235U methods are undoubtedly the most useful and are considered to yield reliable ages in good quality material such as speleothems. -K.Clayton