Luminescence dating is now widely applied by scientists working in Quaternary geology and archaeology to obtain ages for events as diverse as past earthquakes, desertification and cave occupation sites. Using quartz or feldspar minerals found in almost ubiquitous sand and finer sediments, luminescence can provide ages from over 500,000 years ago to modern.

Written by some of the foremost experts in luminescence dating from around the world, this book takes a new approach. It explains what luminescence can and can’t do, what and where to sample, types of measurements available and how to interpret and analyse ages once they are measured. It is accordingly for scientists who require luminescence ages for their research rather than those scientists developing the luminescence technique or making their own luminescence measurements. The background to the technique is explained in simple terms so that the range of potential applications, limits and issues can be understood. The book helps scientists plan where and what to sample to optimise the successful application of luminescence and stemming from that the chronologies that can be constructed. The Handbook sets out the challenges and limitations when applying luminescence dating in different environmental and archaeological settings and gives practical advice on how issues might be avoided in sampling, or mitigated by requesting different laboratory measurement approaches or analysis.

Guidance is provided on how luminescence ages can be interpreted and published as well as how they can be used within chronological frameworks. With luminescence dating continuing to develop, information on more experimental approaches is given which may help expand the range of chronological challenges to which luminescence dating can be routinely applied

Principles and history of luminescence dating
From sampling to reporting
Incorporating luminescence ages into chronometric frameworks
Applications in aeolian environments
Applications in loessic environments
Applications in glacial and periglacial environments
Applications in fluvial and hillslope environments
Applications in coastal and marine environments
Applications of luminescence dating to active tectonic contexts
Applications in archaeological contexts
Rock surface burial and exposure dating
Future developments in luminescence dating

This will be of great value to archaeologists, Quaternary scientists and geologists.

‘…the twelve chapters in this volume provide a succinct summary of the techniques, applications, limitations, and future of luminescence analysis. This volume is recommended as a useful acquisition for senior undergraduate and graduate Quaternary programs’. Geoscience Canada

‘…a welcome introduction to the method for scientists working in all kinds of environments… …it does not only provide the theoretical background of the technique but also systematically supplies readers with helpful practical suggestions and instructions… …a rich and up to date reference list that includes both classical work and the latest developments. …the book covers the entire spectrum of environmental settings commonly used in Quaternary research.  …is a guideline that accompanies researchers during the entire process of establishing a luminescence chronology, starting with sample collection and ending with reporting of luminescence ages’. Geologica Belgica

‘…this work presents an open and honest insight into the world of luminescence dating… It is well-written, supplemented with useful figures and referenced with appropriate and up-to-date literature… is a welcome addition to the literature, where up until now, there has not been a luminescence dating book with a focus on the practical application of the technique in a variety of settings… is to be welcomed for  its open approach to shedding light on luminescence dating and its broad-ranging uses as a chronometric tool for the reconstruction of late Quaternary palaeoclimatic and palaeoenvironmental change’. The Holocene

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