[NPS Arrowhead] U.S. Dept. of Interior National Park Service Archeology Program
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Relative dating

Cross-dating

(image) Cross dating chart

(Heather Hembrey, University of Maryland)
 

Cross-dating is a technique used to relatively date objects based on consistencies in stratigraphy between parts of a site or different sites, and objects or strata with a known relative chronology. A stratum containing artifacts that were originally deposited across the area at the same level may, over time, end up at different levels below the ground surface due to disturbances. Cross-dating allows archeologists to compare soil characteristics and artifacts within each stratum to determine their relationship relative to each other.

 

 

 

 



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Cross-dating

This on-screen movie demonstrates how archeologists use cross-dating. (4/30/01)

Quick Time Playerİ required.

 

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