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The ownership of time: approved 14C calibration or freedom of choice?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 March 2015

Tjeerd H. van Andel
Tjeerd H. van Andel*
Affiliation:
Department of Earth Sciences, Cambridge University, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EQ, UK (Email: vanandel@esc.cam.ac.uk)
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Abstract

Rapid extension of 14C-age dating into the Last Glaciation due to a rising interest in high-resolution climate events is demanding ever greater emphasis on accurate stratigraphic placement of samples relative to events or objects to be dated. This shifts the primary responsibility for date quality from the producer of dates, who is responsible for their precision, to geological and archaeological consumers, who are responsible for their stratigraphic and calibrated accuracy. It is essential that both sides accept the partial switch of mutual roles and collaborate constructively and respect the traditional freedom of choice that marks basic research.

Keywords

14C dating14C calibrationsample stratigraphy
Type
Debate
Information
Antiquity , Volume 79 , Issue 306 , December 2005 , pp. 944 - 948
Copyright
Copyright © Antiquity Publications Ltd. 2005

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