Relative-age dating of inorganic deposits
The need for a more critical approach
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12267165 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Danny McCarroll (0000-0002-5992-5070, University of Southampton, corresponding author) |
| Year | 1991 |
| Volume | 1 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 174-180 |
| Publication date | 1991-06-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | The Holocene (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0959-6836 • E-ISSN: 1477-0911 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/095968369100100211 |
| OpenAlex | W2019200796 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 4 |
| References cited | 69 |
Relative-age dating (RD) techniques rely on indices of post-depositional change; principally degree of rock surface weathering or soil development. In the chronosequence approach, where a measured parameter displays a trend in values that parallels a trend in surface age, the parameter is commonly assumed to be age-dependent. Such an assumption may be invalid. This is demonstrated with particular reference to glacier forelands, where environmental and sedimentological factors, that can influence commonly used RD parameters, may exhibit systematic variations in parallel with, but independent of, surface age. Where some independent dating control is available, regression analysis may be used to define chronofunctions, providing numerical ages based on RD parameters. However, the error limits of such 'ages' are often underestimated. The use of modal rather than mean values is particularly problematic. A more critical approach is suggested, involving deductive experiments to examine the influence of non-temporal controls and to test the assumptions and predictions implicit in a given interpretation. A procedure for standardizing error limits associated with chronofunctions is proposed. It is stressed that the influence of systematic errors can only be assessed by adopting a critical, deductive methodology and that attaching spurious accuracy to dates will only lead to confusion
Chronosequence · Econometrics · Regression · Schmidt hammer · Spurious relationship · Statistics · Geological formations and processes · Geology and Paleoclimatology Research · Landslides and related hazards · Mathematics · Geology · Soil Science
Reevaluation of Multiparameter Relative Dating Techniques and their Application to the Glacial Sequence Along the Eastern Escarpment of the Sierra Nevada, California
Rock-Weathering Rates as Functions of Time
Relative Dating of Quaternary Deposits Based on P -Wave Velocities in Weathered Granitic Clasts
Etching of Hornblende Grains in Arctic Soils
Glacial Sequence Near McCall, Idaho
Chronology of Cirque Glaciation, Colorado Front Range
Sorted circles, relative-age dating and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction in an alpine periglacial environment, eastern Jotunheimen, Norway
Late Holocene erosion in upland Britain
Weathering evidence for an additional glacial stage in Tasmania
Some Observations on Boulder-Cored Frost Boils
| Citations per year | 0.13 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 1994 - 2011 (18) |
| Highly cited | No |