Definition: The potassium-argon method of dating artifacts and sites, like radiocarbon dating, relies on measuring radioactive emissions. Basically, Potassium-40 decays to Argon-40 at a known rate. The Potassium-Argon method is useful for sites dated between 50,000 and 2 billion years ago. It's just about the best method to date for very very old sites, and was first used in an archaeological context at Olduvai Gorge.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
Also Known As: K-Ar dating
