Robust chronologies for landform development

Chiverrell, R.C., Foster, G.C., Thomas, G.S.P., Marshall, P. and Hamilton, D. (2009) Robust chronologies for landform development. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 34(2), pp. 319-328. (doi: 10.1002/esp.1720)

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Abstract

Obtaining chronological control for geomorphological sequences can be problematic due to the fragmentary and non-sequential nature of sediment and landform archives. The robust analysis of 14C ages is often critical for the interpretation of these complicated sequences. This paper demonstrates a robust methodology for the 14C dating of geomorphological sequences using a case study from the lower Ribble valley, northwest England. The approach adopted incorporates using greater numbers of ages, targeting plant macrofossils, obtaining replicate measurements from single horizons to assess the extent of reworking and the use of Bayesian approaches to test models of the relative order of events. The extent of reworking of organic materials and space-time dynamics of fluvial change means that it is critical that chronological control is sufficiently resourced with 14C measurements. As a result Bayesian approaches are increasingly important for the evaluation of large data sets. Assessing the conformability of relative order models informed by interpretation of the geomorphology can identify contexts or materials that are out of sequence, and focuses attention on problem materials (reworking) and errors in interpretation (outlier ages). These relative order models provide a framework for the interrogation of sequences and a means for securing probability-based age estimates for events that occur between dated contexts. This approach has potential value in constraining the sequence of geomorphological development at scales that vary from individual sites to a catchment or region, furthering understanding of forcing and change in geomorphological systems.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Hamilton, Professor Derek
Authors: Chiverrell, R.C., Foster, G.C., Thomas, G.S.P., Marshall, P., and Hamilton, D.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
Journal Name:Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
Publisher:John Wiley and Sons
ISSN:0197-9337
Published Online:10 October 2008

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