Studies in Radiocarbon Geochemistry

Drndarski, Nina D (1977) Studies in Radiocarbon Geochemistry. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This study relates to two discrete areas of radiocarbon geochemistry: (1) Recent work has questioned the assumed constancy of natural radiocarbon concentrations over short time intervals of 11 years and has thus implied the reduced effectiveness of present calibration curves in the age-correction of short-lived dating samples. Annual atmospheric C-14 concentrations have therefore been studied through analysis of single tree rings. Natural radiocarbon fluctuations over the 11-year sunspot cycle cannot be unambiguously identified but statistical treatment of all available data suggests that cycles of variable period and amplitude may occur. (2) In the Clyde sea area a large excess of fossil carbon from fuels and industrial wastes has been deposited, thus diluting natural C-14 concentrations and producing abnormally old ages near surface sediments. Radiocarbon analysis of sediments enables fossil carbon pollution indices to be estimated for the Clyde sea area. In addition, points of radiocarbon inversion in sediment profiles are consistent with commencement of large-scale industrial pollution of the area around 200 years ago. A source of natural fossil carbon in the area is also evident. In Loch Lomond the natural sedimentation rate is estimated to be 0.40+/-0.12 mm y-1. A marine incursion into Loch Lomond is dated at 6500 y B. P.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Geochemistry
• Date of Award: 1977
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1977-78756
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 30 Jan 2020 14:56
• Last Modified: 30 Jan 2020 14:56
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/78756