Preparation and AMS 14C Dating of Terrestrial Materials for ESH Program Research

Investigator: Scott J. Lehman lehmans@spot.colorado.edu  (Principal Investigator current)

Abstract

Abstract  ATM-9809285  Lehman, Scott  University of Colorado  Title: Preparation and AMS 14C Dating of Terrestrial Materials for  the ESH Program    ESH Program research relies upon the availability of accurate AMS  14C dates in order to obtain the chronologic control necessary for  studies of natural climate variability on timescales of millennia  or less.  There is a compelling need for well-dated time series of  terrestrial paleo-environmental change, and such efforts are likely  to increase.  This research often involves specialized pre- treatment of samples to separate contaminating from primary sources  of carbon.  The Laboratory for AMS 14C Preparation and Research at  the University of Colorado (NSRL) and the National Ocean Sciences  Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Facility (NOSAMS) at the Woods Hole  Oceanographic Institution will offer pre-treatment, graphitization,  and 14C measurement of terrestrial materials with an expected  average sample-receipt to date-report turnaround time of 8 weeks or  less.  It is anticipated that this service and hence the reduced  cost to the PI will help to motivate ESH-funded scientists to undertake more extensive, and potentially more accurate 14C dating  of terrestrial paleo-climate and -environmental records.