Best practice methodology for 14C calibration of marine and mixed terrestrial/marine samples

Cook, G.T. , Ascough, P.L. , Bonsall, C., Hamilton, W.D. , Russell, N., Sayle, K.L. , Scott, E.M. and Bownes, J.M. (2015) Best practice methodology for 14C calibration of marine and mixed terrestrial/marine samples. Quaternary Geochronology, 27, pp. 164-171. (doi: 10.1016/j.quageo.2015.02.024)

Abstract

There is a lack of detailed guidance in the published literature on how to calibrate 14C measurements made on marine or mixed marine/terrestrial (primarily human remains) samples. We describe what we consider to be the best approach towards achieving the most accurate calibrated age ranges, using the most appropriate ΔR and percentage marine diet estimates, and associated, realistic error terms on these values. However, this approach will increase the calibrated age range(s) by fully accounting for the variability in both the model and the material. While the discussion is based on examples from the UK and Iceland, the same fundamental arguments can be applied in any geographic location largely devoid of C4 plants as the high δ13C values from such plants can make identification of marine intake difficult to determine.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Bownes, Dr Jessica and Cook, Professor Gordon and Scott, Professor Marian and Russell, Dr Nicola and Ascough, Dr Philippa and Sayle, Dr Kerry and Hamilton, Professor Derek
• Authors: Cook, G.T., Ascough, P.L., Bonsall, C., Hamilton, W.D., Russell, N., Sayle, K.L., Scott, E.M., and Bownes, J.M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre; College of Science and Engineering > School of Mathematics and Statistics > Statistics; University Services > Learning and Teaching Services Division; University Services > Student and Academic Services > Academic Services
• Journal Name: Quaternary Geochronology
• Publisher: Elsevier B.V.
• ISSN: 1871-1014
• ISSN (Online): 1878-0350
• Published Online: 05 March 2015
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V.
• First Published: First published in Quaternary Geochronology 27:164-171
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.