Calibration Introduction

Abstract

There are 2 fundamental assumptions in radiocarbon dating, which were known early in the method development to be approximations, and which lead directly to the need to calibrate 14C dates: 1.The rate of formation of 14C in the upper atmosphere has been constant over the entire applied 14C dating timescale (approximately the last 65,000 yr).2.The 14C activity of the atmosphere has been in equilibrium with the biosphere and ocean over the applied timescale.