bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiocarbon Analysis of Tree Rings from a 15.5-Cal kyr BP Pyroclastically Buried Forest: A Pilot Study
Authors: Horiuchi Kazuho , Sonoda Shinya , Matsuzaki Hiroyuki , Ohyama Motonari
Published: July 2016

We have determined the radiocarbon ages for 40-yr-interval tree rings in 2 fossil trees of the Towada Hachinohe buried forest, northeastern Honshu Island, Japan. The 14C ages range from 13.0 to 13.3 kyr BP (about 15.5 cal kyr BP). The weighted average of the 14C age of the outermost 5 rings is 13,133 ± 33 BP, which can be calibrated to 15,363–15,679 cal BP by using the IntCal04 standard curve (Reimer et al. 2004). The estimated δ14C values range between 265 and 300% and show approximately sinusoidal fluctuation of an indicated ∼200-yr cycle, perhaps reflecting contemporary solar activity change. Comparison between the tree 14C profile and the Cariaco Basin 14C record provides further information on the accurate date of the Towada Hachinohe buried forest and the eruption that produced it. 14C analysis of tree rings from the buried forest may contribute to the construction of a better 14C calibration curve and the elucidation of solar activity change during the last glacial period, as well as possible global and regional impacts of the huge eruption from Towada Volcano.
Pushing the Limits of AMS Radiocarbon Dating with Improved Bayesian Data Analysis
Authors: Palonen V , Tikkanen P
Published: July 2016

We present an improved version of the continuous autoregressive (CAR) model, a Bayesian data analysis model for accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). Measurement error is taken to be Poisson-distributed, improving the analysis for samples with only a few counts. This, in turn, enables pushing the limit of radiocarbon measurements to lower concentrations. On the computational side, machine drift is described with a vector of parameters, and hence the user can examine the probable shape of the trend. The model is compared to the conventional mean-based (MB) method, with simulated measurements representing a typical run of a modern AMS machine and a run with very old samples. In both comparisons, CAR has better precision, gives much more stable uncertainties, and is slightly more accurate. Finally, some results are given from Helsinki AMS measurements of background sample materials, with natural diamonds among them.
Bayesian Refinement of a Stratified Sequence of Radiometric Dates from Punta De Chimino, Guatemala
Authors: Bachand Bruce R
Published: July 2016

Bayesian analysis of 6 radiocarbon and 2 luminescence determinations from Punta de Chimino's acropolis provides subcentury chronometric accuracy for a Protoclassic hiatus and a more decisive, incipient Early Classic abandonment. For the latter event, sensitivity tests and a redundant modal value pattern reduce the period of historical interest from a few centuries to several decades. The findings aid in selecting between 2 historical scenarios and demonstrate that improved chronological accuracy is attainable for sites and contexts lacking calendrical dates.
New 14C Ages on Cellulose from Diprotodon Gut Contents: Explorations in Oxidation Chemistry and Combustion
Authors: Gillespie Richard , Fifield L Keith , Levchenko Vladimir , Wells Rod
Published: July 2016

We report radiocarbon ages on cellulose isolated from the gut contents of a Diprotodon found at Lake Callabonna, South Australia. The maximum age obtained corresponds to a minimum age of >53,400 BP for this extinct giant marsupial. This is older than, and hence consistent with, the generally accepted Australian megafauna extinction window. We argue that dichromate and other strong oxidants are less selective than chlorite for lignin destruction in wood, and our results suggest that ages approaching laboratory background can be obtained using a repeated pretreatment sequence of chlorite-alkali-acid and measurement of the sometimes discarded 330°C combustion fraction.
Antwerp University Radiocarbon Dates IV
Authors: Vanhoorne R , Dubois A D
Published: July 2016

Samples processed since the last list was published (R, 1978, v 20, no. 3, p 192–199) are reported here. The dates were obtained by liquid scintillation counting of benzene, using laboratory procedures outlined in previous articles (R, 1976, v 18, no. 2, p 151–160; R, 1977, v 19, no. 3, p 383–388).
Rudjer Bošković Institute Radiocarbon Measurements X
Authors: Srdoč Dušan , Obelić Bogomil , Sliepčević Adela , Bronić Ines Krajcar , Horvatinčić Nada
Published: July 2016

The following radiocarbon date list contains dates of samples measured since our previous list (R, 1984, v 26, no. 3, p 449–460). As before, age calculations are based on the Libby half-life (5570 ± 30) yr and reported in years before 1950. The modern standard is 0.95 of the NBS oxalic acid activity. Sample pretreatment, combustion and counting technique are essentially the same as described in R, 1971, v 13, no. 1, p 135–140, supplemented by new techniques for groundwater processing (R, 1979, v 21, no. 1, p 131–137).
Climatic Implications of Chenier Dates in Northern Australia
Authors: Lees Brian G , Clements Annemarie
Published: July 2016

The characterization of late Holocene climates in northern Australia has, in the past, been based on local investigations. This examination of the chenier record of northern Australia indicates that there has been a statistically significant regional change in conditions between 1600–2800 years bp, possibly a period of relative aridity. Support for this conclusion may be found in the vegetation record from the Atherton Tableland where numerical comparisons of dryland fossil and modern pollen spectra suggest that rainfall may have been up to 50% higher during the period 7000 to 3000 bp.
14C Traced in Kraków After the Chernobyl Accident
Authors: Kuc Tadeusz
Published: July 2016

Results of the 14C measurements in atmospheric CO2 in the first half of 1986 are presented. CO2 samples were systematically collected in Krakow in two-week cycles and, after conversion to benzene, measured in a liquid scintillation spectrometer. 14C activity and 13C/12C ratio are reported as δ14C and δ13CPDB, respectively. For about three weeks after April 26, 1986 (the Chernobyl accident) an increase of ∼9% above the normal level for Krakow was observed. A rough estimate of the 14C release to the lower atmosphere during the accident gave a value 900 Ci, which is ∼1.8 × 10−5 of the total activity released to the atmosphere.
Radiocarbon Dates from two Coastal Sites in the Manu'a Group, American Samoa
Authors: Hunt T L , Kirch P V
Published: July 2016

Samples of inshore marine shell species (various taxa, see description below) were collected from controlled excavation of ceramic-bearing strata of two archaeologic sites in the Manu'a Island group, American Samoa. Located on the closely adjacent islands of Ta'u and Ofu (14° 14’ 30” S, 169° 30’ 40” E and 14° 10’ 55” S, 169° 39’ 0” E, respectively), these sites represent human occupation along shorelines undergoing a parallel depositional sequence of calcareous sand dune development and concomitant seaward progradation. Our primary objective was to obtain an initial age estimate for prehistoric ceramics from eastern Samoa. On stylistic and technologic criteria, the ceramics recovered from our excavations can be classified as thick-coarse Polynesian Plainware. Based on previous studies in Western Samoa, Polynesian Plainware represents a terminal phase of prehistoric pottery manufacture in the Samoan Islands, believed to date from ca 200 bc to ad 300 (Green & Davidson, 1974).
Harwell Radiocarbon Measurements VI
Authors: Walker A J , Otlet R L
Published: July 2016

This is the first of a series of new lists of English archaeological dates commissioned for measurement by the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission within prescribed contractual periods. This list, containing 121 dates, refers to the measurement period, April 1985 to March 1986, and results are reported irrespective of whether the associated projects are completed or ongoing.
Middle East Technical University (METU) Radiocarbon Dates I
Authors: Özbakan Mustafa
Published: July 2016

The Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory was established at the Middle East Technical University in the Physics Department with the equipment provided by the British Government through former CENTO auspices and financial support by the Ford Foundation. This list reports on 14C dates measured up to July 1987.
Université du Québec a Montréal GEOTOP Radiocarbon Dates I
Authors: Dubois J M M , Occhietti Serge , Pichet Pierre , Page Pierre , Jacob Claude , Bigras Patrice
Published: July 2016

GEOTOP is the geochemistry and geochronology research center of the Université du Quebec à Montréal (UQAM). The Radiocarbon Laboratory was established to meet the growing demand for radiocarbon dating in Québec. The laboratory was founded by Claude Hillaire-Marcel. The first measurements were completed in October 1978. The laboratory was managed by Pierre Pagé until May 1985. Serge Occhietti and Pierre Pichet are presently in charge. Technical maintenance is under the direction of Claude Jacob.
Radiocarbon Dating of Deep-Sea Sediments: A Comparison of Accelerator Mass Spectrometer and Beta-Decay Methods
Authors: Jones G A , Jull A J T , Linick T W , Donahue D J
Published: July 2016

Radiocarbon dating (Libby, 1955) has been an important tool in the marine sciences since the early 1950s (eg, Arrhenius, Kjellberg & Libby, 1951; Ericsonet al, 1956; Broecker, Ewing & Heezen, 1960; Emery & Bray, 1962) and the basic principles and analytic procedures of the method have changed little. In the late 1970s, the Accelerator Mass Spectrometer (AMS) method of14C dating was developed (Bennettet al, 1977, 1978), the major advantages being that samples several thousand times smaller than needed for beta-decay counting can be dated, and analysis time is reduced to ca 1 hr from the 1–6 days needed for beta-decay methods.
Report on a Meeting Held at the Iaea, Vienna 20–21 February, 1989
Authors: Gonfiantini Dr R
Published: July 2016

During the International Radiocarbon Conference in Dubrovnik in June 1988, several laboratories expressed the need for quality assurance. Furthermore, on several occasions 14C laboratories have shown an interest in reference materials of known 14C activity, apart from the recent activity of the NBS oxalic acid.

Groningen, April 3, 1989 W G Mook
Submarines, Quarks, and Radioisotope Dating
Authors: Muller Richard A
Published: July 2016

My path to the invention of accelerator mass spectrometry—now just called AMS—was quirky and extraordinary, and it is a saga worth telling, particularly for young people who may have an oversimplified image of how progress in science is actually made. It was an adventurous journey, and like many adventures, it was often uncomfortable, haphazard, and frequently characterized by a feeling of being lost. In retrospect, the only reason I set out on this journey was my belief that I didn't know much about finding my path in physics, and that the best I could do was to follow the lead of the great physicist Luis Alvarez. He had an incredible ability to create new and ingenious projects that led in new directions, and I wanted to understand how he did that. So I had decided that I would work with him on any new idea he came up with, even if it inconvenienced the rest of my life. And true to my expectations, while working with Luie (that's what he wanted everyone to call him), I often felt like Odysseus, tossed between distant shores by capricious gods.
The Artemidorus Papyrus: Solving An Ancient Puzzle with Radiocarbon and Ion Beam Analysis Measurements
Authors: Fedi M E , Carraresi L , Grassi N , Migliori A , Taccetti F , Terrasi F , Mandò P A
Published: July 2016

Ancient papyrus manuscripts are one of the most fascinating sources for reconstructing not only ancient life habits but also past literature. Recently, an amazing document has come to the fore due to the heated debates it raised: the so-called Artemidorus papyrus. It is a very long scroll (about 2.5 m) composed of several fragments of different sizes, with inscriptions and drawings on both sides. On the recto of the document, a text about geography and some drawings of heads, feet, and hands are present, while on the verso there are many sketches of animals, both real and fantastic. Its importance in classical studies comes from the fact that some scholars claim that it is the first known transcription of a relatively large fragment by the Greek geographer Artemidorus. However, other scholars think that the papyrus is a fake, drawn in the 19th century AD by a well-known forger. In order to overcome all possible ambiguities, the papyrus has been studied not only on the basis of historical and paleographic criteria but also by scientific techniques. We have contributed to the knowledge about the papyrus by radiocarbon dating the document and by analyzing the composition of the ink using ion beam analysis (IBA). Results are compatible with the scroll being an ancient manuscript: accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) 14C measurements have dated the papyrus to a period between the 1st century BC and 1st century AD, while IBA measurements have pointed out the use of an organic (carbon-based) ink, which was typical of ancient Roman and Greek times. Details of the measurements are presented to emphasize the importance of combining AMS and IBA results.
Archaeological Radiocarbon Dates for Studying the Population History in Eastern Fennoscandia
Authors: Oinonen M , Pesonen P , Tallavaara M
Published: July 2016

In this work, archaeological radiocarbon data gathered from eastern Fennoscandia have been scrutinized to discuss their suitability for studies of population history. The temporal distribution of the archaeological 14C dates has been analyzed against possible research priorities and sample material deterioration. An outstanding “Stone Age” maximum has been observed in practically all the displayed temporal date distributions. The pattern remains the same throughout the history of 14C dating in Finland. Due to sample material differences, equal taphonomic corrections based on 14C-dated volcanic deposits cannot account for all the sample degradation effects; therefore, material-dependent correction procedures are suggested.
Radiocarbon and Archaeology in Japan and Korea: What has Changed Because of the Yayoi Dating Controversy?
Authors: Shoda Shin'ya
Published: July 2016

Since the sensational 2003 announcement that pushed the start of the Yayoi period back by 500 yr, archaeologists working on 1st millennium BC material from northeast Asia have had to switch from the older short chronology to a new long chronology. However, this change need not apply to the entire northeast Asian region as China's chronology is tied to written records. The timeline of the Korean peninsula, intermediate between the Chinese and Japanese ones, needs to be reexamined. The chronology of the 1st millennium BC in the Korean peninsula is still in dispute, in part because many of the radiocarbon dates lack clear archaeological contexts. This paper shows that a reliable typological relationship observed in archaeological materials existed at this time linking northeast Asia from China to Japan. This paper includes absolute dates based on the initial AMS 14C measurements of charred crops from South Korean sites.
The Chronology of Pleistocene Modern Humans in China, Korea, and Japan
Authors: Keates S G
Published: July 2016

The chronological status of Pleistocene fossils of early modern humans in the People's Republic of China is based almost exclusively on indirect dating of the stratigraphic context and faunal and radiocarbon dating of associated or supposedly associated archaeological specimens. A similar pattern is observed in Korea and Japan. This paper examines the14C and other dating techniques of early modern humans in East Asia to gain a more complete and up-to-date understanding of their chronology.
AMS Radiocarbon Dating of an Ancient Pottery Workshop in Hepu County, China
Authors: Ruan Xiangdong , Guan Yongjing , Xiong Zhaoming , Wu Weiming , Wang Huijuan , Jiang Shan , He Ming , Liu Kexin , Terrassi Filippo , Capano Manuela
Published: July 2016

An ancient pottery workshop belonging to the Han Dynasty was excavated in Caoxie village, Hepu County. Caoxie village is an important archaeological site in Hepu County, Beihai City, in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is believed that Hepu County was the oldest departure point on the ancient maritime trading route during the Han Dynasty (206 BC to AD 220) due to the ideal natural geographical conditions and the existence of a large number of Han tombs. Radiocarbon measurements on wood and charcoal samples from the Caoxie village site were performed at the Peking University AMS facility (PKU-AMS), Beijing, and the Centre for Isotopic Research for Cultural and Environmental Heritage (CIRCE) at Naples Second University, Italy. Calibrated ages were obtained with code CALIB 5 (Stuiver and Reimer 1993). The results of these measurements are presented and the related chronology is discussed.
Paleoenvironment of Medieval Archaeological Sites in Central Japan: Assemblage Analysis and 14C Dating of Insect Fossils
Authors: Okuno Emi , Mori Yuichi , Nakamura Toshio
Published: July 2016

This study aimed to investigate the paleoenvironment of 2 Medieval archaeological sites, Onigashioya and Ooke, in central Japan, by assemblage analyses of insect fossils preserved in sediments at the sites. In the Onigashioya site located in Mie Prefecture, the sclerites of insect fossils classified as the “village” type were detected, which indicates that human activities, and in particular farming, were taking place there. Rice paddies and fields existed near the site, which explains why many insects harmful to rice plants and crops were detected in the area. The radiocarbon date for sclerite remains of Hydrophilus acuminatus, an aquatic beetle that live in rice paddy fields, was calibrated to be cal AD 1010–1155. Analysis of sclerite remains of Craspedonotus tibialis, a ground beetle that typically inhabits seashore environments, resulted in a date of cal AD 1020–1155. This finding suggests that human settlements existed in the seaside areas of the Onigashioya site in the 11th century AD. In the Ooke site located in Aichi Prefecture, “insect pits” were found, which are structural remains containing a large number of Anomala rufocuprea, an insect that preys on field crops. Farmers would have gathered the insects from the fields and buried the dead remains in the pits. Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) 14C dates on sclerite remains of A. rufocuprea ranged from cal AD 1264 to 1385. It should be noted that fruit trees and vegetable crops were planted widely around the site in the 13th century AD. As the result, A. rufocuprea propagated greatly around the site in that period. It is probable that many insects harmful to field crops multiplied largely in this region due to the development of local woods and plains into farming fields. This type of development occurred throughout Japan during the Medieval period.
Radiocarbon Dating of Kohitsugire Calligraphies Attributed to Asukai Masatsune and the Periods of Origin of Genji Monogatari Emaki and Ban-Dainagon Ekotoba
Authors: Oda Hirotaka , Ikeda Kazuomi
Published: July 2016

Genji monogatari emaki and Ban-dainagon ekotoba are Japanese national treasures. Although the periods in which they were painted have not been accurately determined, radiocarbon dating cannot be applied to these priceless artifacts because of the destructive nature of 14C dating. In this study, the periods of their origin were determined by 14C dating the kohitsugire calligraphy. Kohitsugire are ancient paper sheets containing graceful calligraphy. They originally were part of ancient manuscripts. Two kohitsugire named Imaki-gire and Kingin-kirihaku-wakanroeishu-gire are written in the same style as Genji monogatari emaki and Ban-dainagon ekotoba. Although Imaki-gire and Kingin-kirihaku-wakanroeishu-gire had been attributed to Asukai Masatsune (AD 1170–1221) on the basis of the kiwamefuda certificates, recent calligraphical and paleographical studies suggest that they are genuine handwritings of Fujiwara no Norinaga (AD 1109–1180?). We applied 14C dating by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) to Imaki-gire and Kingin-kirihaku-wakanroeishu-gire. The calibrated 14C ages of both the kohitsugire indicated timing close to the peak of Fujiwara no Norinaga's career as a calligraphist. Based on the associations between the dated texts and the 14C results, it is concluded that the Genji monogatari emaki and Ban-dainagon ekotoba paintings could have been created in the middle of 12th century.
Calibrated 14C Ages of Jomon Sites, NE Japan, and their Significance
Authors: Omoto Kunio , Takeishi Kenji , Nishida Shigeru , Fukui Junichi
Published: July 2016

The traditional archaeological chronology in the Japanese Islands during the Jomon period was essentially based on the relative age given to cord-impressed patterns marked on pottery, as well as the shape of the pottery and the thickness of the cultural layers that were excavated. We aimed to correlate the classical archaeological chronology with calibrated radiocarbon dates, to posit a new chronology for the Jomon period in northeastern Japan. We calibrated 80 accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) 14C dates from NE Japan and reconstructed a chronological timetable for Hokkaido and the Tohoku District. We collected 43 samples from 5 shellmounds and 2 archaeological sites on Hokkaido Island and 4 shellmounds in the Tohoku District in order to determine the calibrated age of their sites. ΔR values used on Hokkaido Island and the Tohoku District were between 282 and –158 yr and between ±0 and –40 yr, respectively. The large ΔR value for the eastern part of Hokkaido Island indicates the influence of the Oyashio Current, while an anomalous ΔR value was obtained from northern Hokkaido Island. These figures show larger apparent ΔR values than those from southwest Japan (Nakamura et al. 2007). The calibrated Jomon period in the investigated area was from 2000 to 200 yr younger than the previous chronology. Calibrated 14C ages of the shellmounds investigated ranged between ∼6000 and 3000 yr, correlating to the Early Jomon and Final Jomon periods as indicated by the former archaeological chronology of Honshu Island.
The Effects of Rainfall on Carbon Isotopes of POC in the Teshio River, Northern Japan
Authors: Aramaki Takafumi , Nagao Seiya , Nakamura Yo-hei , Uchida Masao , Shibata Yasuyuki
Published: July 2016

During a rainfall event in early September 2006, the transport behavior of particulate organic carbon (POC) in a small river (Teshio River, northern Japan) with alluvial plain and forest characteristics was investigated chiefly with carbon isotopes. The radiocarbon (Δ14C value) of POC varied widely from –56%‰ at the beginning of the rain event to –10%‰ at peak rainfall. The Δ14C values have a positive correlation with C/N ratios and a negative correlation with Δ13C values except for the data from when both turbidity and water level were at their maximums due to rainfall. These results indicate that the sources of organic matter in the river come from the surface layer of soil as the water level rises during a rainfall event.
A Report on Phase 2 of the Fifth International Radiocarbon Intercomparison (VIRI)
Authors: Scott E Marian , Cook Gordon T , Naysmith Philip
Published: July 2016

The Fifth International Radiocarbon Intercomparison (VIRI) continues the tradition of the TIRI (third) and FIRI (fourth) (Scott 2003) intercomparisons and operates in addition to any within-laboratory quality assurance measures as an independent check on laboratory procedures. VIRI is a phased intercomparison; results for the first phase, which employed grain samples, were reported in Scott et al. (2007). The second phase, involving bone samples, is reported here. The third and final phase, which includes samples of peat, wood, and shell, has also been completed and a companion paper appears in these proceedings.

Five bone samples were made available and included Sample E: mammoth bone (>5 half-lives); Sample F: horse bone (from Siberia, excavated in 2001; and Samples H and I: whale bones (approximately 2 half-lives). Sample G (human bone) was accessible only to accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) laboratories because of the limited amount of sample available. More than 40 laboratories participated in Phase 2 and consensus values for the ages were as follows: Sample E = 39,305 14C yr BP (standard deviation [1 σ = 121 yr); Sample F = 2513 yr BP (1 σ = 5 yr); Sample G = 969 yr BP (1 σ = 5 yr); Sample H = 9528 yr BP (1 σ = 7 yr); and Sample I = 8331 yr BP (1 σ = 6 yr). Sample G had previously been dated by 4 laboratories and a weighted mean of 934 ± 12 yr BP had been quoted. Sample I had previously been dated at 8335 ± 25 yr BP and Sample H had been dated at 9565 ± 130 yr BP. Results for Sample H and Sample I are in good agreement with the previous results; Sample G results, however, give a value that is significantly older than the previously reported results.
Modern Radiocarbon Levels for Northwestern Mexico Derived from Tree Rings: A Comparison with Northern Hemisphere Zones 2 and 3 Curves
Authors: Beramendi-Orosco Laura E , Gonzalez-Hernandez Galia , Villanueva-Diaz Jose , Santos-Arevalo Francisco J , Gómez-Martinez Isabel , Cienfuegos-Alvarado Edith , Morales-Puente Pedro , Urrutia-Fucugauchi Jamie
Published: July 2016

The radiocarbon variation for northwestern Mexico during the period 1950–2004 was studied by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) and liquid scintillation counting (LSC) analyses of tree rings. Two tree-ring sequences of Pseudotsuga menziesii, sampled in a site isolated from urban centers and active volcanoes (26.18°N, 106.3°W, 3000 m asl), were dendrochronologically dated and separated in annual rings prior to 14C analysis. Results obtained show a similar profile to the values reported for the Northern Hemisphere (NH), having significant correlation coefficients with the compilation curves for NH zone 2 (r = 0.987, p < 0.001) and NH zone 3 (r = 0.993, p < 0.001). The maximum peak is centered at 1964.5 with a δ14C value of 713.15 ± 9.3‰. The values obtained for the period 1958–1965 are lower than zone 2 values and higher than zone 3 values. For the period 1975–2004, the values obtained are higher than the NH compilation curve and other NH records. We attribute the first divergence to the North American monsoon that may have carried 14C-depleted air from the south during the summer months; the second divergence may be attributable to 14C-enriched biospheric CO2.
Using car4ams, the Bayesian AMS Data Analysis Code
Authors: Palonen V , Tikkanen P , Keinonen J
Published: July 2016

The Bayesian CAR (continuous autoregressive) model for accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) data analysis delivers uncertainties with less scatter and bias. Better detection and estimation of the instrumental error of the AMS machine are also achieved. Presently, the main disadvantage is the several-hour duration of the analysis. The Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) program for CAR model analysis, car4ams, has been made freely available under the GPL license. Included in the package is an R program that analyzes the car4ams output and summarizes the results in graphical and spreadsheet formats. We describe the main properties of the CAR analysis and the use of the 2 parts of the program package for radiocarbon AMS data analysis.
A New Attempt to Establish the International Radiocarbon Soils Database (IRSDB)
Authors: Becker-Heidmann Peter , Heidmann Pascal
Published: July 2016

Twenty years after the first International Radiocarbon Database Workshop, and 13 yr after the setup of a preliminary structure for a worldwide database on 14C dates of soils, sound reasons and excuses for not establishing a real and globally accessible database have diminished. Climate change itself is widely accepted as reality now, and the strong demand of the modeling community for reliable data of the carbon pool—especially in soils—has been maintained. With the steadily increasing capacity of 14C dating facilities, these data can be and are produced. Nevertheless, they still cannot be accessed easily and equally enough. Now, decreased costs of hardware and recent developments of the internet enable the IRSDB to be implemented, in a joint effort. As a seed, a test server has been set up, with open-source software, housing the database in alpha-stage, a web interface, and a community portal. Thus, the development of the design as well as the data input of the database is done in close collaboration of the users of the database, the laboratories, soil scientists, archaeologists, modelers, other scientists, and interested laypersons. In order to guarantee the longtime independence of the availability and usability of the database from vendors or changing standards, only widely used open-source software and open standards are used. Therefore, the development of plug-ins for data input from laboratory databases or output to different required formats as well as interfaces to GIS and other software is possible. A version control system takes care of the integrity of the data.
Early Subneolithic Ceramic Sequences in Eastern Fennoscandia—A Bayesian Approach
Authors: Pesonen Petro , Oinonen Markku , Carpelan Christian , Onkamo Päivi
Published: July 2016

In this contribution, we establish a radiocarbon-based chronology of early ceramic sequences in eastern Fennoscandia utilizing a Bayesian approach. The data consist of 56 individual 14C dates from charred or fermented food remains (charred crust, food residue) and birch bark tar used to seal cracks in vessels. We present the results of the models, discuss the chronological boundaries obtained, and compare the outcome with contemporary archaeological knowledge of the Subneolithic in eastern Fennoscandia. We also look at the role of charred crust δ13C values as indicators of reservoir effect present in the dates, perform some preliminary correction procedures for the dates, and discuss their effect on the chronologies.
Absolute Dating (14C and OSL) of the Formation of Coversand Ridges Occupied by Prehistoric Hunter-Gatherers in NW Belgium
Authors: Crombé Philippe , van Strydonck Mark , Boudin Mathieu , van den Brande Tess , Derese Cilia , Vandenberghe Dimitri A G , van den Haute Peter , Court-Picon Mona , Verniers Jacques , Gelorini Vanessa , Bos Johanna A A , Verbruggen Frederike , Antrop Marc , Bats Machteld , Bourgeois Jean , De Reu Jeroen , De Maeyer Philippe , De Smedt Philippe , Finke Peter A , van Meirvenne Marc , Zwertvaegher Ann
Published: July 2016

Based on radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) results obtained in the last 5 yr, this paper discusses the absolute chronology of the formation of one of the largest sand dunes within NW Belgium, the Great Ridge of Maldegem-Stekene. Multiproxy analysis of 6 sedimentary sequences points to a complex formation history covering the entire Late Glacial. Dry phases, characterized by eolian deflation and sedimentation, alternated with wet phases in which numerous mostly shallow dune slacks were filled with freshwater. The latter reached their highest water level during the first half of the Allerød, attracting both animals (e.g. European elk) and humans (Federmesser hunter-gatherers). Near the end of the Allerød, all dune slacks finally disappeared as they were filled in with windblown sand ("coversand"), likely forcing prehistoric hunter-gatherers to leave the area.
Radiocarbon Chronology for Prehistoric Complexes of the Russian Far East: 15 Years Later
Authors: Kuzmin Yaroslav V
Published: July 2016

The recent progress in radiocarbon dating of the prehistoric cultural complexes in the Russian Far East is discussed against the background of ancient chronologies for greater East Asia. Since 1997, the wide use of accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon dating along with the continuation of conventional dating has allowed us to establish the age of several key Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Paleometal sites. It has also contributed to advancing a deeper understanding of the timing for the beginning of pottery production, maritime adaptation, and agriculture, and several other important issues in prehistoric chronology for the studied region. Reservoir age correction values for the Japan and Okhotsk seas are now used to adjust the age for samples of marine origin. Some of the cultural-chronological models for prehistoric far eastern Russian complexes put forward in the last 10 yr lack a solid basis, and are critically evaluated herein.
Roman Ruins as an Experiment for Radiocarbon Dating of Mortar
Authors: Hajdas Irka , Trumm Jürgen , Bonani Georges , Biechele Carol , Maurer Mantana , Wacker Lukas
Published: July 2016

The remains of Vindonissa, the Roman legionary camp in Switzerland, have been the subject of extensive archaeological studies. Knowledge of the building time plays a role in reconstructions of the history of this site. We radiocarbon dated mortar samples selected from one of the Roman monuments (Westtor) as well as a nearby Medieval monastery. 14C ages obtained on the first fraction and second fraction of very short dissolution appear close to the expected Roman age of ∼2000 BP, while the monastery is dated to historic times, after AD 1308.
Estimating Turnover of Soil Organic Carbon Fractions Based on Radiocarbon Measurements
Authors: Bruun Sander , Six Johan , Jensen Lars S , Paustian Keith
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we examine 3 different models used to estimate turnover of soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions using radiocarbon measurements: one conventional carbon dating model and two bomb 14C models. One of the bomb 14C models uses an atmospheric 14C record for the period 22,050 BC to AD 2003 and is solved by numerical methods, while the other assumes a constant 14C content of the atmosphere and is solved analytically. The estimates of SOC turnover obtained by the conventional 14C dating model differed substantially from those obtained by the bomb 14C models, which we attribute to the simplifying assumption of the conventional 14C model that the whole SOC fraction is of the same age. The assumptions underlying the bomb 14C models are more applicable to SOC fractions; therefore, the calculated turnover times are considered to be more reliable. We used Monte Carlo simulations to estimate the uncertainties of the turnover times calculated with the numerically solved 14C model, accounting not only for measurement errors but also for uncertainties introduced from assumptions of constant input and uncertainties in the 14C content of the CO2 assimilated by plants. The resulting uncertainties depend on systematic deviations in the atmospheric 14C record for SOC fractions with a fast turnover. Therefore, the use of the bomb 14C models can be problematic when SOC fractions with a fast turnover are analyzed, whereas the relative uncertainty of the turnover estimates turned out to be smaller than 30% when the turnover time of the SOC fractions analyzed was longer than 30 yr, and smaller than 15% when the turnover time was longer than 100 yr.
Radiocarbon Dates from Soil Profiles in the Teotihuacán Valley, Mexico: Indicators of Geomorphological Processes
Authors: de Tapia Emily McClung , Rubio Irma Domínguez , Castro Jorge Gama , Solleiro Elizabeth , Sedov Sergey
Published: July 2016

Radiocarbon dates largely obtained from bulk soil samples in 24 soil profiles in the Teotihuacán Valley, Mexico, are reported insofar as they represent a first step towards developing a sequence of soil formation, erosion, vegetation change, and human impact during the Holocene. Limitations of 14C dating in the area are considered, particularly the absence of charcoal in sediments and poor preservation of pollen. A broad temporal scheme is proposed to guide future research in which 4 periods are defined: ∼5000–2000 BP (relative stability with short, intermittent episodes of erosion); ∼2000–1500 BP (erosion-sedimentation, deforestation, and intensive agriculture); ∼1500–1000 BP (relative stability, depopulation, and partial recovery of the landscape); and ∼1000–500 BP (erosion-sedimentation, deforestation, and intensive agriculture).
Further Tests of the EDTA Treatment of Bones
Authors: Olsson Ingrid U
Published: July 2016

A new suite of five dates on a whale rib from Varangerfjord was completed on different fractions obtained by EDTA treatment. The intention was to test the possible influence of contaminants, the criteria for complete reactions, and the reliability of the treatment in light of scattered values obtained earlier on samples from Varangerfjord. The yield on the treatment of the selected bone did, however, not allow any general conclusions regarding the influence of contaminants in nature. The results are interesting from an inter-sample comparison point of view. Included are observations, made during treatment, of pH and color changes as well as the appearance of the samples. These observations are provided as a reference for deciding when the treatment is complete.
Iron-Manganese System for Preparation of Radiocarbon Ams Targets: Characterization of Procedural Chemical-Isotopic Blanks and Fractionation
Authors: Verkouteren R. Michael , Klinedinst Donna B. , Currie Lloyd A.
Published: July 2016

We report a practical system to mass-produce accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) targets with 10–100 μg carbon samples. Carbon dioxide is reduced quantitatively to graphite on iron fibersviamanganese metal, and the Fe-C fibers are melted into a bead suitable for AMS. Pretreatment, reduction and melting processes occur in sealed quartz tubes, allowing parallel processing for otherwise time-intensive procedures.

Chemical and isotopic (13C,14C) blanks, target yields and isotopic fractionation were investigated with respect to levels of sample size, amounts of Fe and Mn, pretreatment and reduction time, and hydrogen pressure. With 7-day pretreatments, carbon blanks exhibited a lognormal mass distribution of 1.44 μg (central mean) with a dispersion of 0.50 μg (standard deviation). Reductions of 10 μg carbon onto targets were complete in 3–6 h with all targets, after correction for the blank, reflecting the13C signature of the starting material. The 100 μg carbon samples required at least 15 h for reduction; shorter durations resulted in isotopic fractionation as a function of chemical yield. The trend in the13C data suggested the presence of kinetic isotope effects during the reduction. The observed CO2-graphite13C fractionation factor was 3–4% smaller than the equilibrium value in the simple Rayleigh model. The presence of hydrogen promoted methane formation in yields up to 25%.

Fe-C beaded targets were made from NIST Standard Reference Materials and compared with graphitic standards. Although the12C ion currents from the beads were one to two orders of magnitude lower than currents from the graphite, measurements of the beaded standards were reproducible and internally consistent. Measurement reproducibility was limited mainly by Poisson counting statistics and blank variability, translating to14C uncertainties of 5–1% for 10–100 μg carbon samples, respectively. A bias of 5–7% (relative) was observed between the beaded and graphitic targets, possibly due to variations in sputtering fractionation dependent on sample size, chemical form and beam geometry.
Estimating Settlement Time
Authors: Solow Andrew R.
Published: July 2016

This note describes point and interval estimation of a settlement time from a collection of radiocarbon dates. An application concerning the settlement time of New Zealand is presented.
The Impact of Cremated Bone Dating on the Archaeological Chronology of the Low Countries
Authors: De Mulder Guy , van Strydonck Mark , Boudin Mathieu
Published: July 2016

Since the publication of the first article (Lanting and van der Plicht 2001/2002) about the possibilities of dating cremated bones, the number of dated cremation remains has grown exponentially. The success of this dating technique lies in the fact that an absolute date now can be attributed to archaeological phenomena that previously were only datable indirectly. When archaeological artifacts where present, the cremation burials were dated based on the typology of ceramics and metals. An absolute date could be attributed if charcoal from the pyre were present. Unfortunately, these items were not omnipresent at the burial sites. Consequently, a complete site was dated by means of the few datable burials present. This implies that the internal chronology of the site could not be studied. Furthermore, the typochronology of the ceramics and the metals remains questionable. A series of dating projects on urnfield cemeteries in the Low Countries (northern France, Belgium, and the Netherlands) have shown that the classical chronology of these sites must be revised.
Monks and Icon Painters from the Spaso-Andronikov Monastery, Moscow
Authors: Alexandrovskaya E I , Alexandrovskiy A L , van der Plicht J , Kovalyukh N N , Skripkin V V
Published: July 2016

In the Monastery of Our Saviour and St. Andronicus in Moscow, skeletal remains of clerics and of (possibly) famous icon painters were discovered. The bones were radiocarbon dated, and concentrations of trace elements in bone tissues were measured. From tombs 1–4, the 14C dates obtained from human bones (likely monks) and from associated wood date to the 14th–15th centuries AD, as expected. Trace element concentrations indicate signs of fasting. Tomb 5 contained 2 burials; these could belong to the famous icon painters Rublev and Chernyi. Indeed, the bones show high concentrations of lead, zinc, and copper, which is typical for remains of artists and metallurgists. The 14C dates of the 2 skeletons, however, differ by 200 yr, and seem to be too old for Rublev and Chernyi. At this stage, it is not clear if the burials can be assigned to these painters.
Radiocarbon Dating of the Western European Neolithic: Comparison of the Dates on Bones and Dates on Charcoals
Authors: Denaire Anthony
Published: July 2016

The subject of this article is the radiocarbon dating on bones in the western European Neolithic. By gathering 14C dates for 2 examples, one chosen in the middle Neolithic of the Rhine region and the other in the end of the early Neolithic in the same region and in the Paris Basin, a significant gap appears between the sum probabilities of dates on charcoals and the ones obtained with bones. A comparison between these results with the few available dendrochronological dates shows that dates on bones seem too young, while the sequence based on charcoals fits. The existence of too-young 14C dates of bones is not new: this phenomenon was already indicated in previous studies. Most explanations agree that there was a source of contamination, during the sample's burial or its treatment in laboratory. These examples illustrate that consequences can be heavy on a chronology built, partly or entirely, on 14C dates of bones.
14C Dating of the Upper Paleolithic Site at Krems-Wachtberg, Austria
Authors: Einwögerer T , Händel M , Neugebauer-Maresch C , Simon U , Steier P , Teschler-Nicola M , Wild E M
Published: July 2016

In the course of new excavations at the Upper Paleolithic site at Krems-Wachtberg in the loess region near Krems, Lower Austria, a double burial of newborns was discovered in 2005. One year later, a single grave of an infant was excavated nearby. Both graves are associated with the well-preserved living floor of an Upper Paleolithic hunter-gatherer camp with distinct archaeological features and a rich Gravettian find assemblage. Several charcoal samples from different stratigraphic positions were14C dated with the accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) method at VERA. The14C ages confirm the archaeological assessment of the site to the Gravettian time period. According to the uncalibrated14C ages, the formation time of the living floor is ~27.014C kyr BP.14C data of ~28.614C kyr BP determined for an archaeological horizon below the living floor indicate that the location may have been used earlier by people in the Middle Upper Paleolithic.
Approaches to Estimating Marine Protein in Human Collagen for Radiocarbon Date Calibration
Authors: Dewar Genevieve , Pfeiffer Susan
Published: July 2016

Determining the appropriate approach to calibrating radiocarbon dates is challenging when unknown and variable fractions of the carbon sample are derived from terrestrial and marine systems. Uncalibrated dates from a large number of human skeletons from Western Cape and Southern Cape locales, South Africa (n = 187), can be used to explore alternate approaches to the marine carbon correction. The approach that estimates theoretically expected minimum and maximum values for marine carbon (“expected”) is compared to the approach that estimates observed minimum and maximum values (“observed”). Two case studies are explored, wherein skeletons interred together have non-overlapping conventional 14C ages. The case from the Western Cape is explored through carbon isotope values; the case from the Southern Cape uses nitrogen isotope values. In both cases, the approach using observed endpoints yields better date calibration results. Analysis of the large sample shows that mean values for estimated dietary % Marine, as calculated using expected and observed protocols, are significantly different. We conclude that the observed protocol is preferred, and that improved measures of the local marine reservoir (ΔR) are needed for this region.
Who's That Lying in My Coffin? An Imposter Exposed by 14C Dating
Authors: Sowada Karin , Jacobsen Geraldine E , Bertuch Fiona , Palmer Tim , Jenkinson Andrew
Published: July 2016

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, many museums acquired Egyptian coffins containing mummies from private donors who bought them from dealers in Egypt. Owing to the unknown context of such acquisitions, it cannot be assumed that the mummified individual inside the coffin is the same person named on it. Radiocarbon dating is a key diagnostic test, within the framework of a multidisciplinary study, to help resolve this question. The dating of an adult mummy in the Nicholson Museum at the University of Sydney was therefore checked using 14C dating. For over 150 yr, mummy NM R28.2 was identified as Padiashaikhet as per his coffin, dated to the 25th Dynasty, about 725–700 BC. 14C results from samples of linen wrappings revealed that the mummy was an unknown individual from the Roman period, cal AD 68–129. The mummification technique can now be understood within its correct historical context.
Chronology of the Danish Bronze Age Based on 14C Dating of Cremated Bone Remains
Authors: Olsen Jesper , Margrethe Hornstrup Karen , Heinemeier Jan , Bennike Pia , Thrane Henrik
Published: July 2016

The relative Bronze Age chronology for Scandinavia was established as early as 1885. It is traditionally divided into 6 periods (I–VI). Earlier attempts to make an absolute Bronze Age chronology for southern Scandinavia were derived from burials and settlements and were mainly based on radiocarbon-dated charcoal or carbonized cereals, often with undefined archaeological periods. Here, we present high-precision 14C dating on burials with well-defined associated archaeological periods in order to improve the absolute chronology of the Danish Bronze Age. Our results are in broad agreement with the traditional absolute chronology of the Danish Bronze Age. However, our results do indicate that the onset of period III likely occurred earlier than previously thought.