Abstract
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The extent of racemization of the amino acids leucine and valine, and degree of isoleucine epimerization, in molluscan fossils of Late Quaternary age from southern Australia may be described using an apparent parabolic kinetic model. Linear regression of the extent of racemization (epimerization) against the square root of fossil age indicates a high level of correlation for each amino acid (i.e. r ��� 0.98) for samples up to about 225 ka old. Results from this study indicate that the apparent parabolic kinetics previously reported for planktonic foraminifera also apply to marine molluscs. The kinetic model evaluated, avoids some of the uncertainties inherent in previously developed racemization kinetic models, offers the opportunity for numeric dating and improved age resolution, and represents a useful approach for describing a complex and difficult to define kinetic pathway. �� 1993 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.