What does this research mean for the field?

A newly developed numerical sampling strategy optimizes the selection of tree rings for radiocarbon wiggle-match dating, enabling researchers to achieve annual precision with fewer radiocarbon dates. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.METHODOLOGICAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To develop a numerical adaptive sampling framework that identifies the minimum number of tree rings required to achieve annual precision in radiocarbon wiggle-match dating.

September 12, 2026Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering SciencesOpen Access

‘Ats us nai’—adaptive sampling strategies for the radiocarbon wiggle-match dating of trees

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Authors

MBMaarten Blaauw MAMarco A. Aquino‐López JCJ. Andrés Christen

Discussion

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Overview

Computational modeling reveals an adaptive sampling strategy for radiocarbon dating of tree rings, highlighting optimal ring selection to achieve annual precision with minimal measurements.

Key Points

To develop a numerical adaptive sampling framework that identifies the minimum number of tree rings required to achieve annual precision in radiocarbon wiggle-match dating.
Designed a numerical sampling algorithm to score and prioritize individual tree rings for radiocarbon measurement.
Evaluated algorithm performance across simulated tree chronologies varying in timespan, felling age, and dating scatter, as well as an empirical real-world case study.
The adaptive sampling strategy successfully achieved annual precision for tree felling dates while minimizing the total number of radiocarbon determinations required.
Simulations quantified how measurement scatter, total chronology timespan, and specific felling ages systematically influence the precision and accuracy of calendar age placements.

Cite This Study

Blaauw et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6aa51f2b327956e4761f9515 https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2025.0258

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September 12, 2026Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering SciencesOpen Access

‘Ats us nai’—adaptive sampling strategies for the radiocarbon wiggle-match dating of trees

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

MBMaarten Blaauw MAMarco A. Aquino‐López JCJ. Andrés Christen

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Computational modeling reveals an adaptive sampling strategy for radiocarbon dating of tree rings, highlighting optimal ring selection to achieve annual precision with minimal measurements.

Key Points

To develop a numerical adaptive sampling framework that identifies the minimum number of tree rings required to achieve annual precision in radiocarbon wiggle-match dating.
Designed a numerical sampling algorithm to score and prioritize individual tree rings for radiocarbon measurement.
Evaluated algorithm performance across simulated tree chronologies varying in timespan, felling age, and dating scatter, as well as an empirical real-world case study.
The adaptive sampling strategy successfully achieved annual precision for tree felling dates while minimizing the total number of radiocarbon determinations required.
Simulations quantified how measurement scatter, total chronology timespan, and specific felling ages systematically influence the precision and accuracy of calendar age placements.

Cite This Study

Blaauw et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6aa51f2b327956e4761f9515 https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2025.0258

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark