The Geochronology of White Sands Locality 2 is Resolved

Authors: Pigati, J.S., Springer, K.B., Gray, H.J., Bennett, M.R. and Bustos, D.

Journal: PaleoAmerica

eISSN: 2055-5571

ISSN: 2055-5563

DOI: 10.1080/20555563.2024.2376298

Abstract:

Rhode et al. [2024. “Unresolved: Persistent problems with the White Sands Locality 2 Geochronology.” PaleoAmerica] contend there are many “unresolved issues” with the geochronology of White Sands National Park (WHSA) Locality 2. They suggest there are substantial age offsets due to hard-water effects in the aquatic plants that were dated and that radiocarbon ages of pollen may be anomalously old due to reworking. In their view, the luminescence ages are likely to be maximum ages because of the probable presence of partially bleached quartz grains, overestimation of water content, and stratigraphic position of the samples. They also assert the ages of the footprint trackways are not as internally consistent as suggested and can be interpreted in various ways. We review each of their objections, show they are without merit, and conclude that the geochronology at WHSA Locality 2 is resolved.

Source: Scopus