Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating is one of the most useful techniques in the study of sedimentary and geomorphological records with special potential in the range of historical ages. OSL has been applied on sediments deposited during extreme floods in Rambla de la Viuda (Castellón). The study focuses on four stratigraphic sequences where 30 flood events were identified. Different statistical models have been applied in order to overcome the problem of incomplete bleaching and provide the true burial age. The results provide a good chronological record of recent floods, improving significantly the accuracy of the radiocarbon ages for these units. This newly established record, in agreement with historical data and with the stratigraphy, shows the great potential of OSL in the dating of historical flood deposits despite the complexity of their luminescence response.

Peer reviewed