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Absolute radiocarbon dating using a low altitude European tree-ring calibration

Nature volume 270, pages 25–28 (1977)Cite this article

Abstract

Attempts to produce a calibration curve for the radiocarbon timescale by analysis of known age materials have highlighted the inaccuracies of conventional radiocarbon dating methods. The resulting ambiguities have caused a loss of confidence in radiocarbon dating particularly among European pre-historians. We describe here an absolute radiometric dating technique involving the investigation of all probable sources of error. Accurate measurements were made with an overall precision of less than 25 yr standard deviation, on a floating North of Ireland tree-ring chronology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Palaeoecology Laboratory, Queen's University, Belfast, UK

    G. W. Pearson, J. R. Pilcher, M. G. L. Baillie & J. Hillam

Authors
  1. G. W. Pearson
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  2. J. R. Pilcher
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  3. M. G. L. Baillie
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  4. J. Hillam
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Pearson, G., Pilcher, J., Baillie, M. et al. Absolute radiocarbon dating using a low altitude European tree-ring calibration. Nature 270, 25–28 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1038/270025a0

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