Holocene variations in the Scottish marine radiocarbon reservoir effect

Ascough, P. L. , Cook, G. T. , Dugmore, A. J., Barber, J., Higney, E. and Scott, E. M. (2004) Holocene variations in the Scottish marine radiocarbon reservoir effect. Radiocarbon, 46(2), pp. 611-620. (doi: 10.1017/S0033822200035657)

Abstract

We assessed the evidence for variations in the marine radiocarbon reservoir effect (MRE) at coastal, archaeological Iron Age sites in north and west Scotland by comparing AMS measurements of paired marine and terrestrial materials (4 pairs per context). DeltaR values were calculated from measurements on material from 3 sites using 6 sets of samples, all of which were deposited around 2000 BP. The weighted mean of the DeltaR determinations was -79 +/- 17 C-14 yr, which indicates a consistent, reduced offset between atmospheric and surface ocean C-14 specific activity for these sites during this period, relative to the present day (DeltaR = similar to0 C-14 yr). We discuss the significance of this revised AR correction by using the example of wheelhouse chronologies at Hornish Point and their development in relation to brochs. In addition, we assess the importance of using the concepts of MRE correction and AR variations when constructing chronologies using C-14 measurements made on materials that contain marine- derived carbon.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Cook, Professor Gordon and Scott, Professor Marian and Ascough, Dr Philippa and Dunbar, Dr Elaine
• Authors: Ascough, P. L., Cook, G. T., Dugmore, A. J., Barber, J., Higney, E., and Scott, E. M.
• Subjects: Q Science > QE Geology
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre; College of Science and Engineering > School of Mathematics and Statistics > Statistics
• Journal Name: Radiocarbon
• Publisher: University of Arizona
• ISSN: 0033-8222
• ISSN (Online): 1945-5755
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2004 by the Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of the University of Arizona
• First Published: First published in Radiocarbon 46(2):611-620
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with the permission of the Publisher