Using calibrated surface roughness dating to estimate coastal dune ages at K'gari (Fraser Island) and the Cooloola Sand Mass, Australia

Researchers have developed a novel method to estimate the ages of coastal dunes at K’gari (Fraser Island) and the Cooloola Sand Mass, Australia, using calibrated surface roughness dating. By analyzing topographic curvature and its relationship with age, they identified four major phases of dune emplacement, peaking at approximately 0.5, 1.5, 4, and 8.5 thousand years ago. This approach, validated with optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages, demonstrates that surface roughness can serve as a reliable relative or absolute dating tool for large dune fields globally. The study leverages high-resolution elevation data and a limited set of known dune ages to systematically fill chronological gaps, offering a scalable solution for understanding complex dune systems.

Patton, N. R., Shulmeister, J., Rittenour, T. M., Almond, P., Ellerton, D., & Santini, T. (2022). Using calibrated surface roughness dating to estimate coastal dune ages at K’gari (Fraser Island) and the Cooloola Sand Mass, Australia. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 47(10), 2455–2470. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.5387