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Amino Acid Racemization Dating

  • Reference work entry
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Encyclopedia of Scientific Dating Methods

Part of the book series: Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series ((EESS))

Synonyms

AAR, Protein diagenesis geochronology

Definition

A method for estimating the relative age since death by assessing the extent of postmortem conversion of biological chiral forms of amino acids (l-enantiomers) to their nonbiological counterparts (d-enantiomers).

Introduction

Amino acid racemization (AAR) dating is a geochronological technique with a very long history. Over the past 60 years, many researchers and laboratories around the world have been involved with the development of the method and its application to diverse environments. Its time depth and applicability to a wide range of substrates are the main strengths of this method. Its main weakness is the fact that it is a molecular- rather than an atomic-scale reaction (cf. radionuclide decay), and as a consequence the rate is sensitive to temperature. Useful review articles for understanding the principles of AAR dating are those of Miller and Brigham-Grette (1989), Mitterer (1993), Rutter and Blackwell (1995),...

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Acknowledgments

We are truly indebted to two anonymous reviewers for their comments on this manuscript. Their insight in the earlier phases of development of the technique, which they were willing to share with us, has been of invaluable help in compiling this review. The responsibility for any errors or inaccuracies still present is entirely ours.

Kirsty Penkman and the AAR group in York are thanked for their help, support, and discussion over the years.

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  1. BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, University of York, BioArCh, Biology S Block, Wentworth Way, York, YO10 5DD, UK

    Beatrice Demarchi & Matthew Collins

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  1. Beatrice Demarchi
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  2. Matthew Collins
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Correspondence to Beatrice Demarchi .

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  1. McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada

    W. Jack Rink  & Jeroen W. Thompson  & 

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Demarchi, B., Collins, M. (2015). Amino Acid Racemization Dating. In: Jack Rink, W., Thompson, J.W. (eds) Encyclopedia of Scientific Dating Methods. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6304-3_73

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