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Abstract

Since its development as a dating tool, archaeologists have struggled with the interpretation of radiocarbon data due to its limitations in accuracy and precision. These limitations are presented and reviewed in terms of how archaeologists might resolve some of the problems in using this data. A new procedure, the OCR, is introduced as a means of improving the interpret-ability of radiocarbon data, and as a potential solution to some of the more problematic limits of the radiocarbon procedure. The OCR procedure provides an independent analysis of age for charcoal found in soil. This procedure is based on the chemical analysis of charcoal within definable environmental contexts. As such, it is not restricted by the limits of the nuclear-based radiocarbon procedure. The OCR procedure offers an inexpensive, accurate, and precise dating procedure for archaeologists.

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The Oxidizable Carbon Ratio (OCR): A Proposed Solution to Some of the Problems Encountered with Radiocarbon Data

Abstract

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