Radiocarbon Marine Reservoir Effect in Human Remains from the Kitakogane Site, Hokkaido, Japan

Abstract

Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) was used to measure radiocarbon (14C) in bones excavated from the Late Jomon shell midden at the Kitakogane site, Hokkaido, Japan. Comparison between 14C ages of terrestrial and marine mammals from the same site showed systematic age differences which could be attributed to the 14C marine reservoir effect in the western North Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, this effect was clearly observed in human remains from this site, indicating a heavy dependence on seafood. Dietary habit was estimated from δ13C and δ15N measured in the same human remains. Apparent 14C ages indicated 79% of protein originated from marine sources.