OSL dating in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions. A discussion from a user's perspective

Abstract

Four studies with series of OSL dated aeolian sediments are outlined and used for a discussion of the reliability of this dating method in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions. The OSL ages form series controlled by interfingering radiocarbon ages, historical records or relative position of the samples. A locality dated by a thermoluminescence method is also included. The examples range from subrecent to more than 200 kyr. It is suggested that in most cases the precision and accuracy of the OSL method are insufficient for the establishment of detailed, late Quaternary stratigraphies and associated palaeoenvironmental reconstructions. It is suggested to start a discussion on the potentials and limitations of luminescence dating.