Rock art dating by 230Th/234U analysis: an appraisal of Chinese case studies

A reconsideration of the application of 230Th/234U analysis to thin accretionary skins of re-precipitated carbonate to secure minimum or maximum ages for physically related rock art suggests that the controversy it has created can be resolved. A program to test the method’s results indicates that such calcite skins tend to yield age estimates that are too high, particularly from Pleistocene samples. Although the controversy about such results has escalated in recent years, it had initially become apparent several decades ago. Here, two case studies of Chinese rock art, in Heilongjiang and Yunnan Provinces, are presented. Potential error sources accounting for the discrepancies are proposed. Some cautionary measures are presented to prevent the promotion of sensational but ultimately erroneous rock art age estimates deriving from this method.