| dc.description.abstract | The Schmidt hammer has been used for relative dating for several decades. In the recent years scientists have approached the study field from a different angle, trying to set up a calibrated dating curve by using the relationship between the age of rock surfaces and R-values. The specific aim of this Master thesis is to find out more about the alleged linear relationship between hardness and the age of a rock surface, and if there can be established a dating curve. This is being done by comparing 5500 Schmidt hammer readings taken in Hardanger, Western Norway to previous studies. By measuring weathering rates from an exposed rock sequence of Holocene age, there have been found a clear difference in hardness between young (1 ka) and older exposed surfaces (11 ka). In this Master study, alternative calculations are set up to original results for comparison, in order to see how the Schmidthammer method can be utilized to its potential. The alternative results include exclusion of lower R-values that most likely can be considered as false, and therefore unnecessary for further statistical analysis. The study reinforces the theory that a relationship between R-values and the age of a rock surface can be described as linear. It concludes that lower R-values preferably can be excluded for improvement of mean values and standard deviations. Regarding the establishment of a reliable calibrated dating curve, it is found that conditions such as selection of study area, the lithology of the rock and sources of error must be taken into close consideration before carrying out Schmidt hammer readings. | en_US |
