Interpretation of minimum-limiting radiocarbon dates for deglaciation of Mount Katahdin area, Maine

Abstract

Radiocarbon dates from bog- and lake-bottom sediments commonly have been used to estimate the time of deglaciation, although many studies suggest that these dates may be too recent by several thousands of years. Three bog- and pond-bottom radiocarbon dates from Mount Katahdin, Maine, are about 5,000 to 9,000 yr more recent than the time of deglaciation suggested by independent evidence. A radiocarbon date from lake-bottom sediment from the lowland south of Mount Katahdin, however, probably is less than 800 yr more recent than deglaciation. Piping of sediment between large boulders during early stages of alpine bog and pond development may explain the lengthy time lag between deglaciation and accumulation of datable organic material on alpine bog and pond bottoms.