TIQS: A New Quaternary Research Association (QRA) Research Group

Tephrochronology is currently recognised as a key correlation tool that has considerable potential for addressing a number of chronological issues in Quaternary research. In particular, recent developments in the application of this technique have heralded a new wave of research initiatives that utilise tephrochronology to tackle significant scientific issues which, hitherto, have been unachievable with the traditional dating techniques. Tephrochronology is one of the few dating techniques that can traverse a wide range of palaeoarchives from the deep sea to polar ice sheets and as such has multi-disciplinary applications. Yet, despite this promise, a number of critical methodological issues remain that hamper the optimal application of this technique. 

TIQS is a new Quaternary Research Association (QRA) Research Group that will bring together individuals and groups with wide-ranging expertise in order to promote cross-group collaborations for optimising and advancing this technique. The aims and objectives of TIQS are as follows:

We propose to hold annual workshops that will provide a dissemination and integration platform for UK tephra researchers, particularly for those at the outset of their research career. A specific theme will be identified for each workshop e.g. (i) analytical procedures for geochemical characterisation, (ii) statistical analysis of geochemical data and (iii) age modelling using tephra isochrons. Not only will these meetings provide an opportunity for general and break-out discussion of the key tephrochronological issues, but these occasions will also offer an occasion for hands-on training in specific techniques such as Bayesian age-modelling and statistical treatment of geochemical data. 

For further information, please contact the organizers: