Amino Acid Racemization Analysis : Lyndford Quarry, Mundford, Norfolk

Author(s): M Collins, K Penkman

This report documents the attempts to conduct amino acid racemization analysis for age estimation. It is concluded that it is not possible to age the site, as the shells were badly corroded. Four major problems were encountered. Firstly we have had no previous experience of dating Planorbis - which were the main species available. Also, most of the shells were corroded, which is believed to reduce the potential for dating. Most of our dating effort was placed on unbleached material (to retain consistency with earlier studies). Bleaching clearly improved the analysis, however too few samples were obtained to permit extensive bleaching. Finally, it is difficult to provide dates in a cold stage, when there is only a small amount of racemization over long periods of time.

Report Number:
33/2004
Series:
CfA Reports
Pages:
20
Keywords:
Amino-acid Racemisation Mollusca

Accessibility

If you require an alternative, accessible version of this document (for instance in audio, Braille or large print) please contact us:

Customer Service Department

Telephone: 0370 333 0607
Email: [email protected]

Research