Electron Spin Resonance dating of Quaternary materials

Abstract

This paper intends to provide an overview of the basic principles, potential and current limitations of the Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) dating method. Like Luminescence dating, ESR is a palaeodosimetric method based on the evaluation and quantification of the radiation dose absorbed by a sample resulting from its prolonged exposure to natural radioactivity. Despite a lower precision compared to other more established methods like14 C, U-series or Ar/Ar, ESR offers an unbeatable versatility. It can date a wide range of materials (e.g., carbonates, phosphates, silicates or sulfates), although ESR dating of fossil teeth and quartz grains are by far the most popular applications. Finally, beyond geochronology, ESR is also of special interest in other kinds of Quaternary studies rather focused on thermochronometry, palaeotemperature evaluation or sediment provenance, among others.