Argon-Argon Dating Pins Vesuvius Eruption Within 13 Years

Researchers at the Berkeley Geochronology Center used argon-argon dating on pumice from Mount Vesuvius, comparing the result with the historical date of August 24, 79 CE recorded by Pliny the Younger. The method yielded 87 CE ±13 years, refining the calibration of argon-argon dating for recent geological events.

• Method yielded 87 CE ±13 years versus the historical 79 CE date
• Eight samples of volcanic material from Vesuvius were analyzed
• The decay rate of potassium-40 to argon-40 was refined
• The technique now works for geologically recent eruptions