The full programme book (PDF) - Royal Geographical Society

THEME 2: MEASURING TIME
Measuring Quaternary time: a 50-year perspective
John Lowe 1 and Mike Walker 2
1 Centre for Quaternary Research, Geography Department, Royal Holloway, University of London
2 University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Lampeter, Wales & Aberystwyth University, Wales
In the 50 years since the inception of the QRA, there has been considerable development
in the range and sophistication of the chronological tools that are now available to
underpin the research of its members. Notable milestones over this period include the
introduction of new methods (e.g. OSL, CRN, ice-layer counting, molecular ‘clocks’), and
refinement of established techniques (e.g. AMS, 14 C calibration, high-precision U-series,
Ar-Ar, cryptotephra analysis). Indeed, the QRA and its members have played important
roles in pioneering some of the key advances from which we presently benefit. Developing
new techniques and methodologies for measuring Quaternary time is not an end in itself,
however: it is stimulated by a parallel need, which is a deeper understanding of the mode,
pattern and rates of environmental processes, and how different processes inter-connect.
We will reflect on the symbiotic relationship between environmental reconstruction on the
one hand, and geochronological capability on the other, and how a breakthrough in one or
the other serves to illuminate limitations in stratigraphic practice. We conclude by
suggesting that Quaternary science is currently experiencing a new paradigm shift, one
that is likely to gather momentum in the early stages of the next 50 years of the
Association’s history.