Beyond traditional applications in archaeology, geochronology, cultural heritage diagnostics, earth and life sciences, ¹⁴C dating is gaining relevance in forensic sciences. Samples younger than ~70 years can be dated with few-year chronological resolution using bomb peak dating. This is based on the detection of anthropogenic ¹⁴C released into the atmosphere from aboveground nuclear detonation tests carried out after the Second World War. This method offers high precision and low sensitivity to environmental factors such as temperature, light exposure and humidity but requires in-depth interpretation accounting for carbon fixation timing, turnover and local deviations from the global curve. During the seminar basics aspects of the method will be introduced together with examples of applications in forensic anthropology, forgery detection in cultural heritage, combating illicit trafficking of endangered species.

Tea and cookies are offered 30 minutes before the seminar.