High-precision U-series dating of Holocene corals from South China Sea by thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS)

Using the isotopic diluting and thermal ionization mass spectrometric (TIMS ) technique, the U-series dating procedure was established on the basis of measurement of national standard GBW04412. With this highly precise techniq ue the Holocene corals from the South China Sea were dated. Comparison betw een this method and cx-spectrometry was made. The results show that a thriv ing period of corals in the South China Sea appeared at 6 800-5 800 a BP, d uring which the paleosea level was the higher than at present in the Holoce ne.