Analysis of dating methods used in paleoclimatological studies

This study has analyzed dating methods used in paleoclimatological studies. The method was review, document, and library. The statistical complex under study was among 2579 valid scientific works, between 1974-2023 in a period of 49 years, of which 108 scientific sources related to age measurement methods in Iran and internationally have been identified and analyzed. The articles have been received from domestic databases (Irandoc, Noormags, Elmnet, Magiran, Ensani, SID) and international databases (Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar). The keywords searched in these databases included climatic reconstruction, dating, and Quaternary. The results of this research showed that the most dating methods in paleoclimatology studies are carbon-14, oxygen isotope, tree chronology, and luminescence, respectively, and most dating studies have been done with the carbon-14 method. In terms of the spatial distribution of the conducted studies; In Iran, most of the studies have focused on the level fluctuations of Lake Urmia, and at the international level in China (Tibetan Plateau). Based on the review of sources, the first study area of paleoclimate in Iran was Zaribar Lake and it was done in 1961. Focusing more thematic studies on the topics of climate change, droughts, and droughts; in terms of time scale, it is Holocene and Quaternary. Based on the studies reviewed in this research, Iran's climate has changed from a hot and humid climate to a temperate climate since the Cretaceous period and experienced dry periods in the Central Plateau during the Pleistocene. Since the climate change caused by global warming has intensified since the Quaternary period, therefore, the use of dating methods for paleoclimate studies can be somewhat appropriate in terms of planning and risk management with regard to the new and advancing climate of the world.