Optically Stimulated Luminescence Osl Dating In The Amazonian Wetlands

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating has proven to be extremely useful for establishing the Late Quaternary chronological framework in many areas of the Brazilian territory. In this region dominated by tropical climate, OSL dating can be more extensively applied than radiocarbon dating due to the generally low potential for the preservation of organic matter in sedimentary samples. This problem is especially critical in areas of the Amazonian lowlands, because of the hot climate and high precipitation rates. The abundance of quartz grains deposited in fluvial and aeolian environments over this region favours OSL dating. More than 20 years of continuous and collaborative work has resulted in the creation of an extensive OSL age database for Late Quaternary sedimentary deposits in the Amazonian lowlands. This effort has contributed to improving the paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic reconstructions of this region within this period. This book discusses the state of art of OSL dating of Late Quaternary deposits in the Amazonian lowlands, focusing on providing an introduction to dating principles using OSL, and defining the application of OSL techniques as a dating method. It also offers a statistical study and calculation of equivalent dose and annual dose rates, details the sampling and experimental apparatus, and considers the difficulties and adaptation techniques in dating Late Quaternary strata in the Amazonian lowlands.

Currently, thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) are the main techniques for studying the luminescence properties of several materials, mainly insulators called phosphors. Frequently, however, students and experts alike need to clarify some concepts related to the effects and defects present in the radiation interaction with solids generated by these phenomena. In this book, a series of questions and corresponding answers give a clearer explanation about the concepts, theory and models related to TL and OSL, including applications in important related areas.Students, researchers and teachers will find this book a good guide for understanding TL and OSL as methods for studying the nature of luminescent solids. It provides a quick way for clearing doubts in the concepts and terminology concerning OSL and TL, as it is intended to answer many questions which can be encountered in practical applications.

Trapped charge dating is a commonly used chronological tool in Earth Sciences and Archaeology. The two principle methods are luminescence dating and electron spin resonance. Both are based on stored energy produced by the absorption of natural radioactivity in common minerals such as quartz and feldspars, and in some biological materials such as tooth enamel. Methodological developments in the last 20 years have substantially increased the accuracy and precision of these methods. This compilation offers a taste of the recent research into both method and applications.