The age of the Pleistocene raised beach near Fethard, County Wexford, using infra red stimulated luminescence (IRSL)

Authors

  • Colman Gallagher National University of Ireland, Dublin
  • Martin Thorp National University of Ireland, Dublin

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55650/igj.1997.384

Abstract

Stratified sediments, interpreted to be part of the Courtmacsherry Formation Pleistocene raised beach that overlies a marine rock platform near Fethard. south Wexford, were sampled and dated using the technique of Infra Red Stimulated Luminescence (IRSL). The technique yielded ages for the formation of most of the raised beach of between c. 162 ka BP and c. 129 ka BP. These arc the first age determinations for the Courtmacsherry Formation itself and. as such, represent an important advance in the development of a chronostratigraphy of the Pleistocene in Ireland. These dates are consistent with results obtained by others using UTD dating of sediments overlying the Courtmacsherry Formation in County Kerry and, therefore, suggest that IRSL holds great promise for the dating of hitherto updateable sediments.

Author Biographies

Colman Gallagher, National University of Ireland, Dublin

Department of Geography

Martin Thorp, National University of Ireland, Dublin

Department of Geography

Published

2015-01-13

How to Cite

Gallagher, C., & Thorp, M. (2015). The age of the Pleistocene raised beach near Fethard, County Wexford, using infra red stimulated luminescence (IRSL). Irish Geography, 30(2), 68–89. https://doi.org/10.55650/igj.1997.384

Issue

Section

Original Articles

URN