Tephra geochemistry: a comment on Hunt and Hill

Abstract

Hunt and Hill's (1993) discussion of tephra geochemistry restates earlier INQUA recommendations, makes unrealistic sugges tions for data presentation, and includes severe criticism of the earlier results of other researchers by judging data retrospectively against a set of guidelines that are not universally agreed. Other deficiencies within the area of British and Irish tephra analysis are identified, including a lack of electron probe centres, and a poor publication record for the location and age of tephras in the British Isles and for features of tephras that enable discrimination between different layers. It is suggested that a more positive approach for tephrochro nologists would lie in remedying these deficiencies, and setting standards by example rather than by negative criticism.