Automated, High Sensitivity ESR Spectrometer for Quaternary Dating

The ANU ESR dating laboratory has developed methods for the virtually non destructive ESR age assessment of important human fossils. The results will greatly enhance our understanding of the timing and pathways of modern human evolution as well as the timing of the extinction of the Australian Megafauna. Additionally, global climatic changes will be investigated through dating of marine shells and corals. This will provide a vital link between the marine and terrestrial environments. To improve the reliability of ESR and luminescence dating, the physical properties of the materials to be dated will be further analysed.