Mathematical reasoning of age determination of Quaternary sediments

Abstract

The possibilities of applying the thermoluminescence method (TL-method) to investigate Quaternary sediments have been considered. The TL-method is used for dating in archaeology and geology. It was noted that this method covers larger age intervals than carbon dating. The TL-method is based on the measurement of the decay energy of natural radionuclides that are present in the rock. Therefore, the TL-method can be applied to the development of methodical and methodological issues of geochronology. Geochronological methods make it possible to date Quaternary sediments with a laboratory error of about five percent. Thus, it can be considered that the practical application of the thermoluminescence method for Quaternary sediments is highly important. This method provides a more detailed and accurate display of geochronological events. A new mathematical approach of age determination of Quaternary sediments applying the TL-method has been proposed. This new method can be applied for determination of the age of sediments and for conducting correlations between Neopleistocene sediments of remote regions. It has been noted that the TL-method of determination of the ‘absolute’ and relative age of Quaternary sediments is based on the properties of quartz crystals to accumulate energy of decay and to emit it during heating. It also was noted that quartz crystals as paleodosimeters can accumulate and preserve the age-related information for a long period of time. Quartz is the most common natural paleodosimeter. A mathematical formula for the age parameter has been proposed, using the energy that was accumulated by the investigated sample over time, the velocity of the formation of radiation defects, and the velocity of annihilation. The mathematical derivation of the formula for the age parameter is presented. The solution of the differential equation is described in detail. The proposed approach shows which sediments of an area are younger and which are older. It is emphasized that the proposed mathematical approach to the TL-method is effective for age determination of rocks, determining the sequence of the rock accumulation and for conducting correlation of different Quaternary sediments from different sections.

Keywords

• luminescence methods
• thermoluminescence method
• quaternary sediments
• mathematical reasoning
• paleodosimeters