Resolution and reliability of the α-spectrometric 230Th/234U method for age determination

Abstract

In this study, the following criteria were used to evaluate the suitability of a given coral sample for reliable age determination. 1. The sample shows no evidence of recrystallization of the original aragonitic skeleton or cementation with the secondary calcite or aragonite. 2. Skeletal textures have not changed in the form of decalcification and/or dissolution. 3. The sample should be free of the initial 230Th, as indicated by the presence of 232Th. 4. The uranium concentration should be same as in the present-day counterpart grown in the same area. In the case of Pleistocene corals on Yongauni Island, for instance, fewer than 0.44% of those that occurred were estimated to be useful for dating. -from English summary