Water: Dating & Isotopic Analyses
Water’s continuous movement and flow of water across landscapes contribute
to and provide important clues into the intricacies of biogeochemical cycles
at various spatial and temporal scales.
Limestone: Dating & Isotopic Analyses
Limestone is a granular sedimentary rock predominantly composed of
calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which commonly forms along shallow ocean
water beds from fossilized shells and exoskeletons of marine organisms.
Isobar Science 2024 Holiday / Lab Closure Schedule
Please be informed the Miami lab will be closed on the following dates:
- December 23, 2024 – January 1, 2025 (all dates inclusive) – Christmas and New Year
Strontium dating of foraminifera, shells & corals
Strontium dating (as enabled by the 87Sr/86Sr ratio of marine carbonates) can be used to date various marine samples based on the premise that the mixing of oceanic strontium occurs relatively rapidly through time compared to the residence time of oceanic strontium.
Best Practices When Selecting Bone Samples
Bones and teeth can be used for a variety of different isotopic analyses, including Oxygen, Strontium, Lead, Neodymium, Carbon, Nitrogen and dating (radiocarbon and in some cases Uranium-Thorium). There are important requirements for bone samples to ensure they produce accurate results.
Identifying Origin and Trade of Textiles using Strontium Isotopes
Archaeological textiles can provide important evidence of social traditions and status, the economics of textile exchange, and evolving weaving technologies.
Discovering the source of Metal Artifacts using Lead Isotopes
Lead (Pb) has four stable isotopes (204Pb, 206Pb, 207Pb and 208Pb) which are commonly used in archaeological studies, particularly in the case of connecting metal artifacts to their relevant geological or mine sources.
Cave Deposits: Chronology Development & Environmental Reconstruction
Caves are natural intact cavities found in many different landscapes which have been accessible to humans and animals for millions of years.
The Altitude Effect of Biogenic Apatite
Biogenic apatite is a molecule made up of calcium, phosphorus and oxygen. Importantly, the phosphorus is found primarily in the form of phosphate (PO4) – which is present in both soft and hard tissues in organisms.
Archaeological investigations of caves
Caves – or rock shelters – have been studied by archaeologists for the past two centuries, with specific focus on the investigation of prehistoric cave paintings, ceremonial use and other evidence of occupation.