How old is that? The science of archaeology has developed several ways to tell how long ago a site was occupied or an artifact used. Here's an introduction to several of the dating techniques archaeologists use whether in the field or in the laboratory, including seriation, stratigraphy, radiocarbon dating, AMS, thermoluminescence--just nothing from Match.com.
Timing is Everything: Dating Techniques in Archaeology.
Timing is Everything: Dating Techniques in Archaeology.
Comments
My name is Hal and I am a 45 year old college educated man in Broken Arrow Oklahoma. My 13 year old son and I ride dirt bike (motorcycles) for a hobby. Last weekend we were riding trails in a NE Oklahoma forest when we stopped to take a break. When I looked down I discovered we were standing on a strange looking light colored stone surface. The color of the rock is different from any other rock in the area. Upon closer inspection I noticed small tree stumps protruding from the rock. We then found the tree stumps were rock as well. The rock and small tree trunks are everywhere. I believe my son and I have discovered a petrefied forest. We did bring two fossils home. I am not a scientist nor am I a geologist. I would like to have these dated. I’m certain fossils other than the tree trunks are out there. The light grey stone surronding the petrefied trees is very peculiar looking. It is very smooth and oddly shaped unlike any rock I’ve seen. There is one section that looks as if it were poured. Very strange. Can you tell me how we can get these objects dated?
Well, petrified forests is a little out of my range of knowledge–I’m an archaeologist (studies people) you need a geologist (studies rocks). I suggest you either ask our geology guide (geology@about.com) this same question, or you could go to the Geology department at the closest university. I know there’s one at the University of Oklahoma you might try.
http://geology.about.com
http://geology.ou.edu/