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Chapter 38: Problem 3

Why might future archaeologists have problems dating samples from the second half of the 20th century?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Future archaeologists might have problems dating samples from the second half of the 20th century due to the after-effects of nuclear bomb testing. These tests led to an abnormal spike in atmospheric isotopes leading to 'bomb curves', which would affect reliably accurately dating samples using traditional methods.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the key events during the second half of the 20th century

Identify significant activities during the period in question. During the second half of the 20th century, human activities had a significant impact on the global environment. Notably, nuclear bomb testing was prevalent during this period, which released isotopes like Carbon-14 into the atmosphere. These activities have a potential to skew future archaeologists' analyses of samples from this era.
02

Identify how these activities influenced the environment

These isotopes could infiltrate various biological, geological, and chemical systems impacting the Carbon Levels. This creates what is known as 'bomb curves'. This spike in radioactivity could potentially lead to erroneous dating of samples collected from this era.
03

Summarise the effects on future dating

Future archaeologists trying to date samples from this period would have to account for these abnormalities. These bomb curves would create confusion on dating samples from the second half of the 20th century, as traditional dating methods like radiocarbon dating rely on consistent isotope levels throughout history. Hence, it would be harder to accurately date samples from this specific period in history.

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