Dating technique of prehistoric age :- Exploring the Prehistoric Period and Human Origins 102 by Santhosh kumar Athaluri

In the study of prehistoric ages, archaeologists and scientists use various dating techniques to determine the age of artifacts, fossils, and geological events. Some of the commonly used dating techniques for the prehistoric period include:

Also REad :- 

From Stone Tools to Civilization: Exploring the Prehistoric Period and Human Origins 101 by Santhosh kumar Athaluri

Radiocarbon Dating (Carbon-14 Dating): This method is widely used for organic materials up to around 50,000 years old. It relies on measuring the decay of radioactive carbon isotopes (carbon-14) in the sample. As living organisms absorb carbon-14 during their lifetimes, the ratio of carbon-14 to stable carbon-12 changes after death, allowing scientists to estimate the time since the organism died.

Potassium-Argon Dating: This technique is used for dating volcanic rocks and minerals, especially in the early hominid fossil sites. Potassium-40 decays into argon-40 over time, so the ratio of these isotopes can be used to determine the age of volcanic rocks that have solidified from molten lava.

Thermoluminescence Dating: This method is used for dating ceramics and burnt stones. When these materials are exposed to heat or sunlight, they accumulate trapped electrons. Heating the sample releases these trapped electrons, and the emitted light is measured to estimate the time since the material was last exposed to heat or sunlight.

Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) Dating: Similar to thermoluminescence dating, OSL dating is used for dating sediments and geological materials. It measures the trapped electrons in minerals such as quartz and feldspar, which were exposed to sunlight or natural radiation. The age is estimated based on the accumulated dose of radiation in the minerals.

Uranium-Series Dating: This method is suitable for dating materials such as calcium carbonate deposits, speleothems (cave formations), and corals. It relies on the radioactive decay of uranium isotopes and their daughter isotopes, which accumulate in these materials over time. Dendrochronology: Also known as tree-ring dating, dendrochronology involves analyzing tree-ring patterns to establish precise calendar dates for wooden artifacts and archaeological remains. By comparing patterns in living trees with patterns in older wood, scientists can create a continuous timeline of tree growth and climate changes. These dating techniques, when used in combination with each other, provide valuable insights into the chronology of prehistoric events, helping us better understand the timelines and developments of ancient human societies and the natural world.