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Dating stalagmite from Caverna do Diabo (Devil´S Cave) by TL and EPR techniques
Shigueo Watanabe1, Nilo F Cano2, T K Gundu Rao1
1Instituto de Física, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, Travessa R, 187, Cidade Universitária, 05508-090 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Anais Da Academia Brasileira De Ciencias
|December 20, 2016
Summary
Thermoluminescence and electron paramagnetic resonance dating of a stalagmite from Brazil reveal ages up to 86,410 years B.P. This study provides new chronological data for the Caverna do Diabo region.
Area of Science:
- Geochronology
- Paleoclimatology
- Speleology
Background:
- Stalagmites are valuable archives for reconstructing past environmental conditions.
- Dating speleothems provides crucial chronological control for geological and climatic records.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the age of a stalagmite fragment from Caverna do Diabo, Brazil.
- To apply thermoluminescence (TL) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) dating techniques.
Main Methods:
- Thermoluminescence (TL) dating using glow curves and gamma irradiation.
- Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to identify paramagnetic centers.
- Additive dose method to calculate accumulated dose using TL peak at 265 °C and EPR signal of CO-2 radical.
Main Results:
- Identified three TL peaks at 135, 180, and 265 °C.
- Detected three paramagnetic centers (I, II, III) in EPR spectra.
- Dated stalagmite slices ranging from 31,490 to 86,410 years B.P.
Conclusions:
- Successfully applied TL and EPR dating to a Brazilian stalagmite.
- Established a chronological framework for the stalagmite, extending into the late Pleistocene.
- The findings contribute to understanding the paleoclimatic history of the region.
