title: Obsidian hydration profiles measured by sputter-induced optical emission.
abstract: The variation of concentrations of hydrogen, sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, silicon, and aluminum as a function of depth in the hydration layer of obsidian artifacts has been determined by sputter-induced optical emission. The surface hydration is accompanied by dealkalization, and there is a buildup of alkaline earths, calcium and magnesium in the outermost layers. These results have clarified the phenomena underlying the obsidian hydration dating technique.
authors.forename: I S
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Tsong
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Houser
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Yusef
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Messier
authors.forename: W B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Michels