Details of Award
NERC Reference : NER/B/S/2000/01417
The human colonisation of Australia: Breaking the 40ka BP radiocarbon barrier.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor C Turney, Queen's University of Belfast, Geography Archaeology and Palaeoecology
- Science Area:
- Earth
- Overall Classification:
- Earth
- ENRIs:
- None
- Science Topics:
- None
- Abstract:
- Chronologies based largely on optical dating favour the arrival of humans in Australia at 50-60ka or earlier. However, conventional radiocarbon chronologies suggest arrival-40ka BP, in agreement with the movement of modern hominids 'out of Africa'. A newly developed acid-base-wet oxidation pretreatment with stepped combustion (ABOX-SC) system has been developed, with backgrounds of 60ka BP. Such a system has enormous potential for UK archaeological and environmental scientists working at the conventional limit of radiocarbon dating. It is proposed to build an ultra-clean 14C line in the UK ( the first of its kind in the Northern Hemisphere) to undertake systematic measurements of 14C, in combination with alternative dating techniques, to develop a comprehensive test of the timing of colonisation and distribution of modern hominids in Australia.
- NERC Reference:
- NER/B/S/2000/01417
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Small Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Small Grants
This grant award has a total value of £19,627
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - T&S | Total - Other Costs | Total - Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| £3,145 | £1,683 | £14,800 |
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