An international team of scientists have recalculated the curves used for radiocarbon dating – a key method for archaeology and environmental science – for the first time in seven years.
Radiocarbon dating is set to become more accurate after an international team of scientists improved the technique for assessing the age of historical events and objects. The new curves will help scientists build up a more accurate picture of the past.
Three researchers at UNSW Sydney, in collaboration with international colleagues, measured 15,000 samples from objects dating back as far as 55,000 years ago, as part of a seven-year project.
They used the measurements to create new international radiocarbon calibration (IntCal) curves, which are fundamental across the scientific spectrum for accurately dating artefacts and making projections about the future.
“Radiocarbon dating has revolutionised the field of archaeology and environmental science. As we improve the calibration curve, we
