“How to Date Mother Earth”: Successful First Symposium of the CFEA on Dating Methods in Environmental Sciences

On June 15^th to 16^th, the Core Facility Environmental Analytics (CFEA) proudly hosted a first scientific symposium under the direction of Prof. Dr. Michael Zech (Heisenberg Chair of Physical Geography with focus on paleoenvironmental research), supported by Dr. Diana Burghardt (institute of groundwater management) and Prof. Dr. Karsten Kalbitz (institute of soil science and site ecology). The symposium focused on dating methods in environmental sciences and covered forest, geo and hydro sciences. Attended by 100 participants from nine countries, the symposium provided a vibrant and productive atmosphere for the exchange of knowledge and experiences

The symposium brought together experienced and internationally renowned dating experts and interested colleagues and junior researchers. It served as an attractive  platform for presenting and discussing different dating methods. Apart from analytical and technical aspects, the 16 presentations organized in 3 sessions, also focused on analytical and technical optimizations and typical applications.

From a methodological perspective, a fascinating array of dating methods was explored during the event. Dendrochronology in forest sciences, uranium-lead, radiocarbon, and luminescence dating in geosciences, as well as noble isotope dating in hydro sciences, took the center stage. These techniques opened up an extraordinary spectrum of datable time scales, spanning from a mere year to an astounding 4.6 billion years

The 20 presented posters offered further insight into the applications of various dating methods in environmental research, initiating discussions that fostered dialogue and networking amongst the participants. Discussions involved also tree growth processes under changing climatic conditions, climate reconstruction using proxy data and declining ground water recharge in light of globally increasing water scarcity. 

A compendium was compiled for the symposium, laying out the analytical fundamentals of the presented dating procedures in environmental sciences along with case studies. The compendium will be soon available for download from the website of the CFEA.