Radiocarbon measures

radiocarbon_measures

This table captures data specific to radiocarbon (14C) dating analyses. It includes fields for recording uncalibrated radiocarbon dates, measurement uncertainties, and calibration data. These measurements provide chronological information for organic materials, enabling researchers to establish precise timelines for archaeological contexts.

Sample identifier

sample_id

Sample identifier is a unique identifier assigned first by the compiler and then by the IsoArcH database to each collected sample. In each dataset, these numbers will span from 1 to n, with n representing the maximum number of samples compiled. Once in the IsoArcH database, this identifier will include the dataset number as a prefix. GRIST may automatically populate this field. Example: 1

Type	Required	Table
identifier	yes	samples, organic_measures, mineral_measures, radiocarbon_measures, amino_acid_measures

Dataset DOI

dataset_doi

This field contains the Digital Object Identifier (DOI) assigned to the dataset. It provides a unique and permanent identifier for the dataset, ensuring it can be accurately cited and easily retrieved in digital repositories associated with IsoArcH. In the case of compilations, the IsoArcH DOI also references the original source works included in the dataset, providing proper attribution and a direct link to the foundational research.

Type	Required	Table
string	no	datasets, organic_measures, mineral_measures, radiocarbon_measures, amino_acid_measures

Database name

database_name

This field contains the official name of the source database. It is used specifically to identify and refer to the external database that provided the data, ensuring proper attribution.

Type	Required	Table
string	no	databases, organic_measures, mineral_measures, radiocarbon_measures, amino_acid_measures

Sampled zone identifier

sampled_zone_id

Serial order enables the numbering of sequential samplings taken from a specific sample, typically from dentine, enamel, or hair.

Type	Required	Table
string	no	organic_measures, mineral_measures, radiocarbon_measures, amino_acid_measures

Tooth fraction

tooth_fraction

Tooth fraction refers to the particular portion of the tooth that has been sampled.

Type	Required	Validations	Table
string	no	Lowercase: yes	organic_measures, mineral_measures, radiocarbon_measures, amino_acid_measures

Allowed Values:

• dentine
• enamel
• pulp

Analytical parameters identifier

analytical_parameters_id

This field contains the unique identifier for the set of analytical parameters associated with a specific analysis.

Type	Required	Table
identifier	no	organic_measures, mineral_measures, radiocarbon_measures, amino_acid_measures, analytical_parameters

Instrumentation

instrumentation

This field specifies the type of instrument or equipment used to conduct the analysis and obtain the measured values.

Type	Required	Table
string	no	organic_measures, mineral_measures, radiocarbon_measures, amino_acid_measures

Run identifier

run_id

This field contains a unique identifier for a specific analytical run or session in which data were collected.

Type	Required	Table
identifier	no	organic_measures, mineral_measures, radiocarbon_measures, amino_acid_measures

Run date

run_date

This field records the date when a specific analytical run or session was performed, documenting when the data were collected to ensure traceability. The date should be entered in the format YYYY-MM-DD (e.g., 2024-11-07).

Type	Required	Table
string	no	organic_measures, mineral_measures, radiocarbon_measures, amino_acid_measures

14C measure type

c14_measure_type

Measure type indicates whether the isotope and elemental measurements were conducted on a mineral or an organic compound within the sample.

Type	Required	Validations	Table
string	no	Lowercase: yes	radiocarbon_measures

Allowed Values:

• mineral
• organic

Result type

result_type

Result type is a field that enables specification of the type of measured value being reported. When multiple values, such as a range, are applicable to a specific sample, this field should be completed multiple times, each on a separate line.

Type	Required	Validations	Table
string	no	Lowercase: yes	organic_measures, mineral_measures, radiocarbon_measures

Allowed Values:

• min
• max
• mean
• exact

14C lab code

c14_lab_code

14C lab code refers to the unique identifier assigned by a radiocarbon laboratory to a radiocarbon date.

Type	Required	Table
string	no	radiocarbon_measures

14C uncalibrated date

c14_uncalibrated_date

Uncalibrated 14C date refers to the raw date directly measured from the sample by a radiocarbon laboratory.

Type	Required	Unit/Norm	Table
integer	no	years BP	radiocarbon_measures

14C uncalibrated date uncertainty

c14_uncalibrated_date_uncertainty

This field refers to the uncertainty associated with the raw radiocarbon date measured directly from the sample by a radiocarbon laboratory. It reflects the range within which the actual date is expected to fall, providing an estimate of the confidence in the accuracy of the radiocarbon dating process.

Type	Required	Unit/Norm	Table
decimal	no	years BP	radiocarbon_measures

14C uncertainty type

c14_uncertainty_type

This field specifies the type of statistical uncertainty applied to the radiocarbon date. Examples include "sd", "2sd", "se", "2se".

Type	Required	Validations	Table
string	no	Lowercase: yes	radiocarbon_measures

Allowed Values:

• sd
• 2sd
• se
• 2se