NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE ON HUMAN EVOLUTION

The technique is based on two naturally occurring uranium isotopes U-238 and U-235, both of which decay to stable forms of lead through complex chains which involve intermediate daughters such as Th. Due to the advancement of mass spectrometry, and particularly in multi-collector mass spectrometers (MC-ICPMS), U-Series is typically the most adequate method for dating carbonate materials (flowstones, calcite concretions, etc.). It has great applicability in cave sites, paleosoils and moluscs. From an instrumental point of view is rather complex and intricate.

(C) National Research Centre on Human Evolution, 2006-2012