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Establishing the absolute age of palaeoearthquakes is of great significance for the assessment of the seismicity and seismic hazards of a region. As such, several different geochronological techniques to date earthquake-related material have been developed to provide answers on the time of past earthquakes. The present study is part of a wider palaeoseismic research project conducted in the Nojima Fault Zone (NFZ), where the 1995 Mw 6.9 Kobe (Japan) earthquake was triggered, to assess the suitability of the isothermal thermoluminescence (ITL) dating technique on fine-grained quartz and medium-grained feldspar and to provide a sequence of ages for fault-rock samples separated from a drilled core that was retrieved from a depth of ~506 m. Our analysis reveals that ITL can produce consistent dating results and can be considered a reliable luminescence technique for the absolute dating of fault-gouge material. The produced ITL ages signified the existence of repeated seismic events within the NFZ that took place through the late Pleistocene period, with gouge ages spanning from 78.6 ± 4.2 to 13.4 ± 1.4 ka; however, overestimation of the produced ITL dating results may be apparent. Nonetheless, even though some degree of overestimation is considered, ITL dating results denote the oldest possible age boundary of formation (or luminescence signal resetting) of the collected fault-gouge layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zephyrus is the property of Ediciones Universidad de Salamanca and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article deals with the latest overview of the Early Neolithic site Cherkasskaya-5, located in the Middle Don, southern part of the forest-steppe zone, Voronezh Oblast. The site is characterized by particular preservation of organic remains and a range of materials available for dating, which is rare for sites of the Don forest-steppe area. The first radiocarbon dates, along with particular early Neolithic flint assemblage, allowed attributing the complex to the early Neolithic. First archaeozoological analysis suggested the presence of bones of domesticated species. However recent re-examination of the faunal collection did not allow identifying any domesticated species. New AMS-radiocarbon dates made on organic crust and animal bones confirmed the Early Neolithic age of the site. Direct dating of the organic wrapping of a Cretaceous sinker allowed refining the age of the early Neolithic period to the first quarter of the 6th mill BC. Excavations conducted in 2014–2015 allowed obtaining a ceramic collection, which does not have any analogies within the surrounding Neolithic sites of the Middle and Upper Don region, and finds more similarities with Lower Volga ceramic tradition. It allows us to put a new glance at the process of Neolithisation of the region.

Quaternary glaciations in western China have been investigated over the last century with the emphasis on the Tibetan Plateau and its adjacent regions. Earlier studies were mainly based on field observation and interpretation of geomorphic landforms and processes to identify and define past glacial sequences. The advent of absolute dating techniques, such as optically stimulated luminescence dating and cosmogenic radionuclide exposure dating, has revolutionized glacial chronological research in recent decades. Glacial chronologies have been established across various mountains, providing evidence to reject the Tibetan ice sheet hypothesis. Glacial advances generally occurred synchronously in this region, but the detailed timing, extent, and form of past glaciers vary at different locations. This review presents recent progress and challenges on reconstructing the timing and extent of Quaternary glaciations in western China, seeking to promote further studies and a broader interest from the physical geography community in this critical region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Issues in Ethnology Anthropology is the property of Issues in Ethnology Anthropology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Establishing the absolute age of palaeoearthquakes is of great significance for the assessment of the seismicity and seismic hazards of a region. As such, several different geochronological techniques to date earthquake-related material have been developed to provide answers on the time of past earthquakes. The present study is part of a wider palaeoseismic research project conducted in the Nojima Fault Zone (NFZ), where the 1995 Mw 6.9 Kobe (Japan) earthquake was triggered, to assess the suitability of the isothermal thermoluminescence (ITL) dating technique on fine-grained quartz and medium-grained feldspar and to provide a sequence of ages for fault-rock samples separated from a drilled core that was retrieved from a depth of ~506 m. Our analysis reveals that ITL can produce consistent dating results and can be considered a reliable luminescence technique for the absolute dating of fault-gouge material. The produced ITL ages signified the existence of repeated seismic events within the NFZ that took place through the late Pleistocene period, with gouge ages spanning from 78.6 ± 4.2 to 13.4 ± 1.4 ka; however, overestimation of the produced ITL dating results may be apparent. Nonetheless, even though some degree of overestimation is considered, ITL dating results denote the oldest possible age boundary of formation (or luminescence signal resetting) of the collected fault-gouge layers.

Since the beginning of archaeology as a discipline, the control of time, or in other words the placement of specific phenomena in a certain time frame has represented the basis of all research. Despite criticism of the concept of time in archaeology as limitedand linear, it is still prevalent. Absolute dating methods, as they are becoming more precise and available, are being widely used to thepoint that, no matter the subject matter, there are practically no scholarly articles that do not present in detail the results of dating multiplesets of samples. Simultaneously, methods of relative dating are not losing significance, so typology still represent the mainmethodological procedure with which archaeological finds are culturally and chronologically identified. On the other hand, however,scientific questions of the past are becoming more complicated. Numerous processes (which can either be long-lasting or relatively short episodes) are inextricably linked with dating, but it is not always clear how it contributes to the complete understanding of saidprocesses. This is where processes of technological innovation and of cultural transmission, which, in addition to temporally, can be spatially limited, come to light. This is why it is important to question the nearlyuniversally received stance, according to which dating methods have interpretative potential and, relating to that, whether they are always crucial for understanding the mechanisms of cul- tural processes. In other words, do the results of dating represent an illusion of scientificity as a substitute for weakness in interpretation.

Skeletal graves from the Region north of the Middle Danube are quite rare, because the cremation burials significantly predominated. In Zohor, beside richly equipped princely skeletal graves, also one isolated female skeletal grave of a 50 – 60 years old woman was excavated. It was found in the settlement area from the 1st c. AD, the equipment of the grave was rather poor than rich: two brooches Almgren 68, a small iron knife, a bronze needle und two small ceramic vessels. The median of the absolute ¹4C dating was about 40 AD [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lichenometry, a method for dating rock surface exposure mainly in high latitudes and mountain environments, is based on estimates of lichen growth rates, but over the last 70 years it has been severely criticised. Its chief limitation is its questionable reliability due to three main problems: the species belonging to the Rhizocarpon subgenus, most often used by lichenometrists, are hard to identify; growth studies have highlighted the intrinsic variability of growth both seasonally and annually, with species sensitively responding to a wide range of environmental factors; and the same sensitive dependence also applies to the time taken for colonization on fresh rock surfaces. These problems cast doubt on many absolute dating studies and critics have suggested that, at best, the technique should only be used for relative dating. This paper provides guidance on identification procedures and suggests alternative dating methods based on lichen size-frequency distributions and cross-dating with other lichen species, thus avoiding reliance on a single species or support from other methods. With appropriate development, it is hoped that these approaches can provide a way forward that allows the technique to contribute more reliably to the dating of rock surfaces in regions where there are few other dating options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archaeology & Science / Arheologija i Prirodne Nauke is the property of Institute of Archaeology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archaeology & Science / Arheologija i Prirodne Nauke is the property of Institute of Archaeology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Lichenometry, a method for dating rock surface exposure mainly in high latitudes and mountain environments, is based on estimates of lichen growth rates, but over the last 70 years it has been severely criticised. Its chief limitation is its questionable reliability due to three main problems: the species belonging to the Rhizocarpon subgenus, most often used by lichenometrists, are hard to identify; growth studies have highlighted the intrinsic variability of growth both seasonally and annually, with species sensitively responding to a wide range of environmental factors; and the same sensitive dependence also applies to the time taken for colonization on fresh rock surfaces. These problems cast doubt on many absolute dating studies and critics have suggested that, at best, the technique should only be used for relative dating. This paper provides guidance on identification procedures and suggests alternative dating methods based on lichen size-frequency distributions and cross-dating with other lichen species, thus avoiding reliance on a single species or support from other methods. With appropriate development, it is hoped that these approaches can provide a way forward that allows the technique to contribute more reliably to the dating of rock surfaces in regions where there are few other dating options.

Skeletal graves from the Region north of the Middle Danube are quite rare, because the cremation burials significantly predominated. In Zohor, beside richly equipped princely skeletal graves, also one isolated female skeletal grave of a 50 - 60 years old woman was excavated. It was found in the settlement area from the 1st c. AD, the equipment of the grave was rather poor than rich: two brooches Almgren 68, a small iron knife, a bronze needle und two small ceramic vessels. The median of the absolute 14C dating was about 40 AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sedimentary sequences of the Yangtze River delta comprise important Quaternary records of tectonics, sea-level oscillation, and climatic change; however, analysis is hampered by a lack of a reliable chronological framework. In this paper, we present an integrated chronology for two sedimentary sequences (core ZKW2 and ZKW4) on the southern side of the Yangtze River delta, based on magnetostratigraphy and absolute methods (OSL, 14C, and ESR dating). The basal ages of the core ZKW2 and ZKW4 are ca. 2.25 Ma and 2.96 Ma, respectively. The integrated chronology indicates significant increases in the sedimentary accumulation rate at ∼0.15 Ma, rather than the Matuyama-Brunhes boundary as indicated by magnetostratigraphy alone. The observed sedimentary transition is possibly controlled by regional subsidence of the Zhe-Min Uplift, and climate evolution during the last interglacial period. • High-quality magnetostratigraphy is obtained for the Quaternary sediments in the YRD. • The SARs of the YRD sediments significantly enhanced since ∼0.15 Ma. • Tectonics and climate factors jointly control the sedimentary evolution in the YRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chronological system established by Paul Reinecke played a significant role in developing a chronological classification of the Hungarian Bronze Age. However, the relative chronology which is currently being used for the Early and Middle Bronze Age by the majority of Hungarian scholars is based on István Bóna’s tempo ral sequence. Although Bóna’s relative chronology is still regarded as the ‘lingua franca’ in Hungary, several attempts have been made to synchronise Bóna’s relative chronological system of the Hungarian Bronze Age with the Reinecke scheme in the last two decades. The present paper compares the two relative chronological systems and highlights some common cornerstones, supported by the most recent AMS 14C dates from the Carpathian Basin.

This paper details the application of a statistical method for the chronological discrimination of silver coins using counts per second trace elemental, inter‐elemental ratios. The statistical method described is based on a method that has been applied to similar archaeological materials to determine their provenance. The method makes use of the inter‐element association patterns of multi‐element analytical data determined using laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS). The majority of the 266 coins analysed for this study have already been successfully identified by their mint markings. The data from LA‐ICP‐MS analyses, together with what is known about the coins through visual identification, were used to discriminate the reigning sovereign, and in the case of Mexico, the year of minting, of individual coins within the elemental fingerprint of different mints. Subsequently, unidentified coins can be placed in the confusion matrix, and their trace element information used to identify their year of minting when compared with other, identified coins from the same mint. The interpretational statistical technique linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was used to explore an identification of year of minting of coins that have previously not been identified by other means based on a statistical comparison against a database of compositional analysis of silver coins of known year of minting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant progress in archeomagnetic studies over the past decade suggests that magnetic dating may be a valuable tool for reconstructing chronologies of firing structures. Despite important works with numerous findings of great regional impact, the absolute chronology of archaeological sites in the state of Guanajuato is supported by few reliable data. The archaeological rescue intervention carried out in the city of Irapuato, offered a unique opportunity to analyze a perfectly preserved stove and oven, considered to be excellent means of recording the Earth's Magnetic Field at the time of its last use. The magnetic experiments carried out included: determination of hysteresis cycles, acquisition of the isothermal remanent magnetization, continuous thermomagnetic curves, demagnetization by alternating fields and determination of the absolute geomagnetic intensities. Titanium-poor titanomagnetite emerges as the main magnetic carrier while its domain state corresponds to pseudo-single structure. Characteristic directions were obtained for both structures analyzed with reasonable precision. However, the absolute archaeointensity was obtained only for the furnace samples (Structure 2). The result of archeomagnetic dating for the stove showed an interval of time between AD 973 and 1204. Instead, the dating of the presumably limekiln provided an age interval between 36 B.C. and AD 40. These data open a new panorama in the study of the earliest occupations that occurred in this sector of the Bajío. Despite the existence of reports of Chupícuaro-style ceramics near the area, there are no supported absolute dates that corroborate these new dates of occupation. When comparing the obtained results with the chronologies, it seems that the Lo de Juárez site is contemporaneous to the Mixtlán and so-called Interphase phases. At the same time, the stove is located in the early post-classic period. These new absolute chronological contributions open new questions regarding the occupation phases of the regional pre-Hispanic population, specifically, the Guanajuato River Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Studia Archaeologica Brunensia is the property of Masaryk University, Faculty of Arts and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the context of the long discussion on the (non-)existence of permanent Corded Ware culture (CWC) settlements and the semi-nomadic way of life of their inhabitants, ongoing excavations of common settlements have newly gained immense significance, as in almost all other regions, also in Moravia (Olomouc-Slavonín, Horní lán; Vřesovice; Seloutky; Hulín-Pravčice 1; Prostějov, Za tržištěm). Earlier sporadic indications have been joined by a series of records of settlements with sunken features and typical local ceramics identical with burial grounds, together with which they formed complete settlement areas in a number of sites. Light wattle structures, wells(?), textile production, animal husbandry, etc., have been identified, as were some very unconventional inhumation burials in pits (Olomouc-Slavonín, two cases). The cord element clearly formed a part of the mixed horizon of Strachotín-Držovice with elements of Makó/Kosihy-Čaka culture, Globular Amphora culture and Moravian Group of CWC. Absolute dating indicated the 26th-23rd century cal. BC. Absence of foundations of (residential) structures could be explained by the lower level of recognisability of CWC settlements. In other aspects, it showed no particular difference from other prehistoric farmers and cattle breeders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we analyze the geomorphological evolution and chronology of the eruptive phases of the Columba and Cuevas volcanoes (Campo de Calatrava Volcanic Field, Central Spain). These are two cinder cones located at the margins of the Jabalón River valley, between the localities of Granátula de Calatrava and Aldea del Rey (Ciudad Real). In order to generate geomorphological map, we conducted fieldwork and photointerpretation of aerial images, in addition to morphometric and volcanostratigraphic analyses aimed at correlating the volcanic deposits and fluvial terraces of the Jabalón River. Finally, we applied OSL (optically stimulated luminescence) dating to obtain the age of fluvial deposits affected by both volcanoes, plus radiocarbon dating to the organic matter of a paleosoil located between the Columba volcano deposits. The results provide a maximum age of 75.16 ± 4.9 ka for the formation of the Cuevas volcano. Moreover, the Columba volcano began its activity with a Strombolian phase around 33.9 ± 2.36 ka BP, followed by a long period of inactivity between 24.9 and 23.2 ka and 14–13.5 ka BP in which the aforementioned paleosoil formed. Subsequently, the eruptive activity resumed with a phreatomagmatic phase followed by another Strombolian phase, in which a lava flow was emplaced crossing and damming the Jabalón River, thus forcing the deposition of a 9 m thick fluvial terrace above it, at about 6.27 ± 4.28 ka. The Columba volcano is a good example of polycyclic eruptive behavior in a monogenetic volcanic field, whose last eruption occurred between 14 and 6.2 ka ago. The interaction between volcanic and fluvial processes was responsible for the morphological evolution of the area, the study of which has been crucial to determine the evolution of the eruptive activity, its morphological results, and the relative chronologies. • The volcanism of Calatrava is more recent than previously thought. • Columba is a clear example of polycyclic volcano in a monogenetic volcanic field. • The second eruption of the Columba volcano occurred between 14 and 6.2 ka ago. • The Jabalón River was dammed several times with the emplacement of lava flows. • The damming of the river caused the chronological inversion of the terraces upstream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chronological system established by Paul Reinecke played a significant role in developing a chronological classification of the Hungarian Bronze Age. However, the relative chronology which is currently being used for the Early and Middle Bronze Age by the majority of Hungarian scholars is based on István Bóna's temporal sequence. Although Bóna's relative chronology is still regarded as the 'lingua franca' in Hungary, several attempts have been made to synchronise Bóna's relative chronological system of the Hungarian Bronze Age with the Reinecke scheme in the last two decades. The present paper compares the two relative chronological systems and highlights some common cornerstones, supported by the most recent AMS 14C dates from the Carpathian Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The archaeological investigations carried out in the Valley of Colima in recent years have, as one of its main limitations, the lack of a chronological sequence, based on absolute dating. Based on a review of the chronology proposed by Isabel Kelly, the present work describes the efforts focused on beginning the construction of the sequence, through the archaeological-magnetic study of materials from primary contexts excavated in three sites, whose shared characteristic is the presence of circular plazas. The study of ceramic sherds and burnt bajareque fragments has allowed to obtain the first absolute dates for this type of sites, placing them within what is known as the Mesoamerican Classic period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The important question of absolute dating of seismic phenomena has been the study of several researchers over the past few decades. The relevant research has concentrated on "energy traps" of minerals, such as quartz or feldspar, which may accumulate chronological information associated with tectonic deformations. However, the produced knowledge so far, is not sufficient to allow the absolute dating of faults. Today, Luminescence and Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) dating methods could be seen as offering high potential for dating past seismic deformed features on timescales ranging from some years to even several million years. This preliminary study attempts to establish the potential of three different carbonate fault zones hosting fault mirror-like structures, to be used in luminescence and ESR dating, based on their microstructural, mineralogical and palaeo-maximum temperatures analysis. The results indicated that the collected samples can be considered datable fault-rock materials, since they contain suitable minerals (quartz) for luminescence and ESR dating, have experienced repeated cataclastic deformation and have been subject to various physical and chemical processes as well as pressure and temperature conditions. Highlights • This study indicated that calcareous fault-rocks can be considered datable materials. • Fault slickensides have experienced repeated cataclastic deformation. • Fault slickensides have been subject to various physical and chemical processes. • Fault slickensides have experience high pressure and temperature conditions. • There is evidence of luminescence/ESR signal resetting of minerals in fault slickensides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Geomagnetic field variation may precisely date red color mural paintings. • Comprehensive magnetic survey on two major murals of Great Teotihuacan. • The Pictorial Remanent Magnetization carried by both hematite and magnetite grains. • Mural paintings may be considered as an invaluable source of magnetic information. Abstract Teotihuacan, the most important city of the Americas during the Classic period, developed a deep and complex civilization without any written histories. This millennial culture mostly used pictorial forms of visual communication expressed in numerous mural paintings. Thus, the knowledge of the absolute chronology of some of the most important mural arts is of great importance. Here, we report a comprehensive magnetic survey on two major murals of Palace of Quetzalcoatl, which represent an initial stage of the Teotihuacan archaeology. The magnetic mineralogy of sampled murals is dominated by both magnetite and hematite grains. The contribution of hematite, however, seems to be minor in the Pictorial Remanent Magnetization. Characteristic remanence was successfully isolated for 11 out of 16 analyzed samples belonging to both paintings. Archaeomagnetic dating was achieved using magnetic inclination and declination, yielding an interval between 312 CE and 409 CE as the best estimate of the time of painting of the murals. This study reinforces the early hypothesis that, red color mural paintings may be considered a complementary source of information about the secular variation of the Earth's Magnetic Field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The qanāt, as a traditional, low-cost, sustainable, water distribution system, was fundamental for the settlement of arid environments. This brief introduction to the special issue “The Qanāt: Archaeology and Environment” presents an overview of a workshop of the same name, held at Durham University in October 2014, and introduces the key themes that are explored through the papers in this volume. It also lays out the basis of an interdisciplinary research agenda for qanāt studies in archaeology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]