Abstract
The ionium-thorium method for age determination in deep-sea sediments is critically reviewed, and its shortcomings are discussed. A method that allows an estimate of the rate of sedimentation in the superficial layer of the sediment is presented. A formula for calculating the error in age determination by the method is given for the case when the rate of sedimentation is changing and, with it, the rate of thorium-232 sedimentation.
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