Luminescence Dating: Reconstructing Earth's Recent History

Luminescence dating is a geochronological tool used to determine the timing of sediment burial, pottery firing, mountain evolution, mineral formation and the exertion of pressure. The luminescence dating technique covers a large age range from modern-day to millions of years. The technique is inherently holistic, drawing upon understanding from disciplines such as physics (quantum mechanics), mineralogy (grain structure and composition), geochemistry (natural radioactivity), archaeology and Earth sciences. This issue brings together contributions on new and innovative luminescence dating methods and the latest findings related to Earth-surface processes and human existence.