Comparative dating of recent peat deposits using natural and anthropogenic fallout radionuclides and Spheroidal Carbonaceous Particles (SCPs) at a local and landscape scale

Abstract

Proxy records from recently accumulated peats provide valuable information about past environmental change, but they depend on high quality chronological information to calculate rates and timing of change. However, there is uncertainty in the accuracy and consistency of the methodologies used for dating recent peats. This study compares results from Spheroidal Carbonaceous Particles (SCPs) and natural and anthropogenic fallout radionuclides (210Pb, 137Cs and 241Am) used to date three replicate cores from three contrasting sites. Data are used to test the consistency of dating techniques within and between sites, and to assess the impact of local conditions on geochronological results.There is broad consistency in results, but there is also a significant disagreement between dates in a number of cores, both within and between sites. A relatively dry site that had been affected by past burning and erosion showed the greatest consistency between methods and replicate cores. Wetter, less degraded sites showed least consistency. Using patterns of (dis)agreement between dating techniques we assess the potential causes of dating inaccuracy. The data support previous suggestions that 210Pb is mobile in wetter conditions, and suggests that 241Am can be considered an increasingly valuable radionuclide. Finally, our data suggest the current estimates for SCP-based ages in the region maybe incorrect and require further regional calibration.Using several techniques on replicate cores from three sites in the same area has provided a more robust evaluation of the likely reliability of individual techniques and the processes that may adversely affect them. We conclude that until advances are made in understanding the processes behind the variable quality of SCP and fallout radionuclide dating, using two or more dating techniques will greatly improve understanding of the validity of a peatland chronology, especially in wetter locations.