LUMINESCENCE AND AMS RADIOCARBON DATING OF MIDDLE-LATE HOLOCENE SLACKWATER FLOOD DEPOSITS IN THE DOLORES WATERSHED, CO

Absolute age control in fluvial studies can provide us with critical information about fluvial responses to climate variability. Radiocarbon dating is the most widely used geochronology technique in fluvial studies, but advances in optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating have emerged during the last decade, allowing for accurate and precise dating of fluvial sediments making it a viable alternative. Paleoflood workers are beginning to use OSL more frequently, although the results have been disappointing at times. Several studies have highlighted potential complications associated with this application. Regardless of the current problems, the inherent complications associated with using radiocarbon dating make the the prospect of applying OSL to paleoflood studies quite exciting. This study presents five preliminary and and three final OSL ages and accompanying radiocarbon dates from detrital, in-situ, and artifact charcoal or wood from paleoflood slackwater deposits. Analysis of OSL dates suggest that samples are well bleached and provide accurate ages. Radiocarbon ages derived from charcoal suggest an alternative chronology. This study is a part of larger effort to develop a complete paleoflood chronology of the Dolores watershed, an important tributary to the upper Colorado Watershed.