RUI: High-precision, Fine-scale Depth Resolution Dating of Recently Accumulated Sphagnum Peat: Cross-Corroboration of Techniques and Development of a Novel Approach

Villanova University, Villanova PA

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract 99-85855 Wieder RUI: High-precision, Fine-scale Depth Resolution Dating of Recently Accumulated Sphagnum Peat: Cross-Corroboration of Techniques and Development of a Novel Approach Boreal and subarctic peatland ecosystems contain 1/3 of the world's soil carbon, represent a net sink for atmospheric CO2, and are located in regions where future climatic is expected to be pronounced. Predicting the carbon cycling response of peatlands to changing climate requires models. The investigators in this study have developed a model that relies on dating of peat cores in 2-cm increments from the surface downward. Dating methods are available for peat younger than 150 years old (210Pb-dating) and older than 300 years old (14C-dating). The researchers have proposed a new dating method to cover the present gap between 150 and 300 years, based on atmospheric deposition of naturally occurring radioisotopes of beryllium and aluminum (10Be and 26Al). Before proceeding with this new method, it is critical that the immobility of atmospherically deposited 10Be and 26Al be demonstrated. In this research, the investigators will specifically test the mobility/immobility question in an experimental, manipulative laboratory study.