Radiocarbon dating of pictographs using low-temperature O-plasma chemistry /
We report here progress on our technique for 14C dating pictographs. We use low-temperature oxygen plasmas coupled with high-vacuum technology to selectively remove C-containing material in the paints without contamination from inorganic carbon from rock substrates or accretions. Our focus has bee...
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
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[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
1995.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=742536171&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | We report here progress on our technique for 14C dating pictographs. We use low-temperature oxygen plasmas coupled with high-vacuum technology to selectively remove C-containing material in the paints without contamination from inorganic carbon from rock substrates or accretions. Our focus has been to construct a new plasma system, improve gas and plasma manipulation, investigate the relationship between added binder/vehicle and naturally occurring organic C in pictograph paint and accretion, and date several pictographs. Pictograph samples dated generally agree with ages expected on the basis of archaeological inference and on samples of known 14C activity. In each case our results agree with previously determined ages, supporting our conclusion that the technique has the potential to produce accurate and reliable ages. Four 14C dates on a quartered Pecos River style pictograph sample (41VV75-37A-D) indicate that background organic material in the basal rocks and accretions can be a serious problem. We were able to set a lower limit of 4320 years bp for the age of the pictograph 41 VV75-37. This is the oldest date yet on a Pecos River style pictograph. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Chemistry". |
| Physical Description: | xiii, 128 leaves : illustrations, maps ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilms Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |