Lichenometry

Quick meaning: Lichenometry is a noun meaning (archaeology, paleontology, geomorphology) A geomorphic method of geochronologic dating that uses lichen growth to determine the age of exposed rock.

Meaning

(archaeology, paleontology, geomorphology) A geomorphic method of geochronologic dating that uses lichen growth to determine the age of exposed rock.

Example Sentences

The sophistication of approach to lichenometry has increased markedly in the last decade or two.

Lichenometry is a dating method which is based upon the direct relationship between lichen diameter and age.

In lichenometry, a lichen is presumed to grow radially at a specific, constant rate: this rate is used to estimate the age of the largest lichen on a rock surface, and thus the length of time the rock has been exposed.

Lichenometry is a surface-exposure dating method that uses lichen-growth rates to infer the age of young ([a] few thousand years old or younger) glacial landforms, typically bouldery deposits such as moraines.[…]Several approaches have been employed to measure lichens, and a distinct advantage of lichenometry over other techniques is its simplicity (Bradwell, 2009).

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include biochronology, geomorphometrics, lichenography, morphometry, allometry, skeletochronology.

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