Geochronology Laboratory

Geochronology is the science of determining the age of rocks, fossils, and sediments using signatures inherent in the rocks themselves. Absolute geochronology can be accomplished through radioactive isotopes, whereas relative geochronology is provided by tools such as palaeomagnetism and stable isotope ratios. Combining multiple geochronological (and biostratigraphic) indicators the precision of the recovered age can be improved. CENIEH has the expertise and the facilities to combine different methods in the same place to improve the precision and to standardize methods with different techniques. In the CENIEH, equipment and laboratories are available to carry out the entire dating process. This includes equipment and capacity to: - specialists for the collection of samples in the field, field reports - preparation of sample - measurement of samples - analysis and interpretation of data. In total ten laboratory spaces are dedicated to carry out all processes, including sample preparation for Uranium Series in a certified Clean Laboratory. The dating methods include in this FIXLAB are: Electron Spin Resonance (ESR), Luminiscence (OSL), Uranium Series and Paleomagnetism. At CENIEH it is possible to do a multidisciplinary approach for dating in archaeological sites, geological, paleosismic studies, etc. and these techniques can provide important information about fluvial networks and landscapes evolution, palaeoseismic, sedimentary basin analysis but also about human evolution.