High-precision U-series dating of Holocene corals from South China Sea by thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS)

Using the isotopic diluting and thermal ionization mass spectrometric (TIMS) technique, the U-series dating procedure was established on the basis of measurement of national standard GBW04412. With this highly precise technique the Holocene corals from the South China Sea were dated. Comparison between this method and α-spectrometry was made. The results show that a thriving period of corals in the South China Sea appeared at 6 800–5 800 a BP, during which the paleosea level was the higher than at present in the Holocene.