Arch14CZ

Example Use:

Let's say we want to know the expected dating resolution for samples with an actual age around 1000 BC. Here's how we can do it:

1. Enter Age Range: In the "Enter sample age" section, input -1050 as the minimum value and -950 as the maximum value. These correspond to 1050 BC and 950 BC.
2. Plot the Data: Click the "Plot" button.

Understanding the Results:

• The resulting graph will show the resolution of radiocarbon dating for this age range.
• The grey shaded area represents the 90% confidence interval, indicating the range within which we can expect most of our dates to fall.
• The black line represents the mean resolution.

Interpreting the Data:

For the given age range (1050-950 BC), the graph shows that the dating uncertainty ranges (2-sigma or 95.45% confidence interval) vary between approximately 100 and 190 years.

Statistically (according to a binomial probability model), if we were to date 20 samples from this period, we can expect 18 of them to have a dating uncertainty range of 190 years or less. To have a 90% chance of obtaining at least one sample with a range of 100 years or less, we need to date at least 22 samples.

In general, 18 out of 20 dated samples will have a dating uncertainty range at the upper bound of the 90% confidence interval, and to have a 90% chance of obtaining at least one sample with a range at the lower bound, we would need to date at least 22 samples.