Short abstract with content covered during RTD:

There is an increasing demand for quantifying dates and rates of Earth Surface processes to be able to decipher the evolution of various landscapes and the formation of soils. Conventionally the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) signals of feldspar and especially quartz are most often used for burial dating of mid- to late-Quaternary sediments. In recent year we have also explored what additional information luminescence signals may yield about sediment provenance, transport and mixing processes. For such applications, luminescence measurements are best made on individual grains, because each grain contains a unique luminescence signal that stores its history of transport and mixing in the landscape. This, however, calls for more elaborate statistical treatments and analyses. The goal of this training day is to provide the participants with:

1. an overview on the theoretical principals of luminescence dating methods
2. newest insights and applications of luminescence-based tracing methods
3. training in best practice regarding sample collection and luminescence data interpretation
4. examples for calculations and simulations of luminescence-based dates and rates

Theses goals shall be achieved through the combination of lecture, tour to the Cologne Luminescence Laboratory and hands-on practical exercises.   

Previous experience: 

• Basic understanding of Geomorphology and Geochronology
• Basic statistics

What you need to participate in the course:

• Rstudio 2022 with R4.0 or higher

Maximum number of participants: 10 (first come, first served).
PhD candidates of the CRC have priority to participate. Left spaces can be filled up by interested Postdocs of the CRC (write an email beforehand, if interested).

Registration: Register by e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 17^th Feb 2023.