This is a review of U-series dating methods as applicable to terrestrial sedimentary materials. Alpha-counting techniques allow the dating of carbonates and phosphates with a precision of ± 5 to 10% over the time range from 1 ka to 350 ka. Atom counting methods (mass spectrometry and AMS) substantially increase precision and may increase the range. Problems of contamination and open-system behavior are discussed. Correction for detrital contaminant is demonstrated in the dating of speleothem from a cave in Italy.