The Methods Employed
A novel method for precise (single year) dating of annual archives using radiocarbon analysis
Radiocarbon Spike Dating
14C spike dating represents the forefront of contemporary archaeological and environmental chronology. This technique leverages distinct, annual features in the atmospheric 14C record, in the pursuit of exact-year dating. Such features tend to be sudden spikes in 14C production, resulting from bursts of cosmic radiation, that appear synchronously in dendrochronological records worldwide, and thus serve as unique time markers. Well-attested spikes, such as the one in 993 CE, may allow for the determination of the exact felling year of a tree, and hence possible land clearing or building construction activity.
Bayesian modelling is a powerful chronological approach, and provides a means by which dating precision may be enhanced in archaeological and environmental research. The method refines probability densities for chronological events by the incorporation of independent (or prior) probabilistic information. For example, researchers can combine 14C data with archaeological and historical sequences, resulting in more refined timelines. Its adaptability and ability to handle diverse datasets make Bayesian modelling an invaluable tool for refining our understanding of chronology in the broader context of historical and archaeological investigations.
Bayesian Modelling
Delving into the complexities of past climates falls under the purview of paleoclimatology, a field pivotal to decoding shifts in ecosystems, human demographics, and even contemporary climate dynamics. The foundation of paleoclimatic reconstructions rests on evidence gleaned from diverse environmental archives, such as ice and sediment cores, and tree rings. Among these, tree rings stand out due to their abundance and distinctive seasonal growth patterns. Widely harnessed in paleoclimatology, tree rings offer a treasure trove of paleoenvironmental information crucial for reconstructing bygone environmental and climatic conditions. In addition, the study of tree rings is an invaluable technique for dating, which is usually based on a time series of ring-width measurements.
Subsequent advancements in tree-ring science, including the introduction of isotope measurements, have expanded the scope of this resource. Stable oxygen and carbon isotopes, obtained from wood samples, furnish invaluable insights into past climatic variables such as temperature, precipitation, and solar irradiation. By analysing stable isotopes within tree rings, researchers may also discern the geographical origin of the trees, since time series of isotopes may act as region-specific fingerprints.
Paleoclimatology
Historiographical Research
The Sagas, comprising a rich body of literature from medieval Scandinavia, present a compelling blend of myth, legend, and possibly authentic historical accounts. Historiographical scrutiny involves critical examination of these records, unravelling the complexities of how they were crafted, transmitted, and received over time. To reveal their true value, scholars must decipher the cultural, social, and political contexts that have shaped their composition. In this manner, historiographical research contributes to a more nuanced comprehension of the Viking Age and medieval Scandinavia.
