Comparison of TL multiple aliquot, single grain GLSL SAR and C-14 ages for the Puritjarra, Australia, rock shelter

We report single-grain quartz luminescence ages for the Puritjarra rock shelter, with the aim of resolving an apparent discrepancy between ages obtained by ¹⁴C and a variety of luminescence methods, previously reported. Ages now found at all depths to 75 cm (ages to 30 ka) can be interpreted as largely resolving the differences. This implied caveat arises because single-grain methods are statistically inefficient. As a consequence, a degree of interpretation is inevitable in analysing the data. The emphasis in the present paper is an analysis making use of weighted histograms. The measurements by single grain OSL and ¹⁴C, including ABOX–SC, taken together, can be regarded as compatible. They indicate human occupation of the Puritjarra rock shelter at least as early as 30 ka BP.