Can fossil bones and teeth be dated using fission track analysis?

• Published in: Chemical geology Vol. 247; no. 1; pp. 81 - 99
• Main Authors: Jolivet, M., Lebatard, A.-E., Reyss, J.-L., Bourlès, D., Mackaye, H.T., Lihoreau, F., Vignaud, P., Brunet, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.01.2008; Elsevier
• Subjects: Diagenesis; Earth Sciences; Environmental Sciences; Fission track analysis; Fossils; Geochemistry; Global Changes; Paleontology; Sciences of the Universe; Uranium series; Uranium series; Diagenesis; Fission track analysis; Fossils; U-series; hydroxyapatite; geochronology; Uranium; Diffusion-adsorption model; fossilization; Lazaret cave; uranium series; partial annealing zone; fission track analysis

The high proportion of crystallized apatite forming the bones and teeth should theoretically allow the use of fission track analysis to date vertebrate fossils when burying of the fossiliferous series did not subject them to temperatures exceeding 60 °C. However several major obstacles arise such as...