A combined OSL and 14C dating study of charcoal production in the sandy environment of Zoersel forest (N Belgium)

We investigate the potential of quartz-based OSL-dating for application to heated sandy sediments that are closely associated with remains charcoal production (charcoal kilns). This is particularly relevant post-1650 CE features, where 14C-dating lacks resolution. first document general OSL characteristics using large aliquots sand-sized quartz. Results from procedural tests indicate laboratory measurement procedure should allow reliable equivalent dose estimation. The scale analysis then reduced smaller all samples, each composed 100–200 grains, as well single grains eight samples. For one sample, both small and single-grain ages consistent 14C-ages obtained fragments in same sedimentary unit. Also three other single-grains yield 14C-dating; OSL-ages older although, these results not significantly different. discuss sources inaccuracy OSL-dates, such rate determination homogeneous incomplete resetting. latter most difficult assess requires additional empirical data.