Comparison of TL, ESR and ¹⁴C dates of speleothems

A series of speleothems from the Magurska, Miȩtusia and Kasprowa Niżnia Caves (Tatra Mts, S. Poland) have been dated using the ¹⁴C, TL and ESR methods. A method proposed by T. Goslar and H. Hercman was used to consider radioactive disequilibrium in the uranium series for dose rate calculation. A total of 17 samples were dated; a direct comparison of ¹⁴C dates with corresponding TL and ESR dates was possible for 8 samples, while simultaneous TL and ESR dates were available for 6 samples. There was general agreement in both groups. The results obtained were used to set up time boundaries on the last glaciation of the Tatra Mts and to reconstruct climatic changes in this area during the last 100 ka.