Monday, April 21, 2008

Stations 5 and 6

Station 5 continues a discussion of dating with explaining how Carbon 14 is used for absolute dating. A cut log tells the avatar about Dendrochronology.

Preserved Log: If archaeologists are lucky enough to find preserved wood, they may be able to count and measure tree rings. Since rings are made each year by the original tree, and environmental factors determine the thickness and shape of the rings, scientists can compare the preserved wood with known samples from the region. This can give the archaeologists an exact (i.e. 'absolute') calendar date for when the wood was harvested, and possibly a date for the archaeological layer it came from.
Station 6 is dedicated to recording. A standing camera allows the avatar to take a picture of the section, which they then receive in their inventory.

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