ASSESSING THE DATABILITY OF YOUNG SEDIMENTS BY IRSL USING AN INTRINSIC LABORATORY PROTOCOL

A series of young sediment samples, for which most of the IRSL dates a re in complete disagreement with available stratigraphic information, are used to develop a laboratory protocol based only on luminescence m easurements to assess their datability. A parameter R-I is introduced, defined as the increase of luminescence upon added dose for individua l grains. The statistical distribution of this parameter for a sedimen t is shown to be an indicator of homogeneity of bleaching at time of d eposition. A second set of measurements is performed on the same group of grains in which the luminescence is monitored over a limited perio d of time. This is in order to assess luminescence stability and, henc e, fading. This protocol should be used for acceptance or rejection of samples in the course of a luminescence dating program. (C) 1997 Else vier Science Ltd.