Abstract
Since 1960 the potential of obsidian as a chronometer in archaeology has been subjected to several drawbacks and studies. While economical, simple and fast, obsidian hydration dating today is generally unreliable. A novel approach towards obsidian hydration dating, named SIMS-SS, has recently been initiated based on modelling the hydrogen profile acquired by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), following Fick’s diffusion law, and the rationale of surface saturation (SS) with water molecules. The new nuclear method is presented with significant refinement regarding numerical calculation of age parameters, the suitability criteria of the sampling area and the spectral shape of the concentration dependant H + profile. A reappraisal is applied to thirteen obsidian specimens from all over the world ranging some 100’s to 30,000 years old. The results reinforce the precision and reliability of the SIMS-SS method, enhancing its wide applicability.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
