Details of Award
NERC Reference : NER/B/S/2003/00227
How useful is amino acid racemization as a tool for geochronology? A test of natural variability in Quaternary sediments.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor M Collins, University of York, Archaeology
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor D Maddy, Newcastle University, Sch of Geog, Politics and Sociology
- Grant held at:
- University of York, Archaeology
- Science Area:
- Terrestrial
- Earth
- Overall Classification:
- Earth
- ENRIs:
- Global Change
- Science Topics:
- Science-Based Archaeology
- Quaternary Science
- Climate & Climate Change
- Abstract:
- Amino acid racemization (AAR) 'is potentially one of the most useful techniques available in Quaternary geochronology... [but] . . .needs to applied with due regard to the natural variability of amino-acid ratios' (McCarroll, 2002). A novel approach - DMK analysis of the 'intra-crystalline' fraction (GR9/01656) - improves analytical precision of AAR. We propose to examine natural variability using the DMK approach and establish the statistical optimal sample size (P crit 0.05) required for AAR to discriminate between oxygen isotope stages (OIS). Specifically the (i) absolute and relative yields of each D and L amino acid and (ii) DMK values, of both (iii) free and (iv) total (acid hydrolyzed) fractions will be compared both (v) within and (vi) between 50 individuals of each of (vii) two species of freshwater prosobranch gastropods from (viii) OIS 5e and 7. To control for mineral diagenesis selected samples will be subject to post-hoc SEM and XRD analysis.
- NERC Reference:
- NER/B/S/2003/00227
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Small Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Small Grants
This grant award has a total value of £30,149
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Staff | Total - T&S | Total - Other Costs | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| £13,876 | £1,000 | £8,890 | £6,383 |
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