lichenometry

Definitions

A geomorphic method of geochronologic dating that uses lichen growth to determine the age of exposed rock.

uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“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.”

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

“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).”

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

CEFR level