Radiocarbon dating — modern state, problem, prospects of development and use in archaeology

Abstract

Basic principles of radiocarbon dating are presented in the article. History of the method development and modern state are shown. Difficulties appeared under the radiocarbon dating and approaches, permitting to present the received results correctly are discussed. The procedure of radiocarbon data calibration is described, references on calibration programs, which can be used, are given. Effect of isotope fractionation and its influence on radiocarbon age of examined sample is described in details. It is shown how the corrections on isotope fractioning are bringing in. Problem of marine and freshwater reservoirs under the archeological objects are described. Examples of the influence of reservoir effect on radiocarbon age received on collagen man bones. Detailed recommendations for sampling for radiocarbon dating are given. Approximate mass of different type of samples as for dating with the help of LSC techniques (Liquid scintillation counting) and for AMS (Accelerator Mass Spectrometry) dating is presented. All stages of radiocarbon dating are described in details, starting from field sampling up to receiving the radioncarbon data. Review of radiocarbon condition in the World practice and in Russia is given. Possibilities of modern Russian radiocarbon dating Laboratories are shown. At present, the first steps are made for using mass spectrometer acceleration in radiocarbon dating in Geochronological Cenozoic Center, RAS Siberian Branch and in the Institute of Geography, RAS. Specific features of dating and interpretations of received data for the main archeological materials, used under the dating of archeological objects is described, such as carbon, wood, man and animal bones, textile, ceramics, soils and sediments, metallic artifacts, carbon inclusions.

Keywords

• radiocarbon dating
• archaeology
• dating fraction
• reservoir effect
• accelerator mass spectrometry