Recent chronologies for tree rings and terrestrial archives using 14C bomb fallout history

Abstract

Tree rings representing the period from the mid-1950s up to 2001 were studied as part of an investigation of anthropogenic radionuclide input to terrestrial systems. A live specimen of Pinus sylvestris from the east coast of Ireland was felled, sampled and analysed for comparison with a similar tree felled close to the Atlantic seaboard on the west coast of Ireland. Data for the tree ring sequences were examined relative to the radionuclide content of peat profiles sampled in close proximity to the locations of the studied Pine trees. The data indicate that 14C concentrations in tree ring sequences from the east and west coasts of Ireland are virtually identical. The sequences show maximum 14C concentrations (185 and 189 pMC at east and west coast sites, respectively) that correspond closely with published data for atmospheric levels during the height of the nuclear weapons test period (1945–1980). The tree ring count for the specimen from the east coast places the 14C peak precisely at 1964, the year following the known peak in atmospheric concentrations due to above ground testing of nuclear weapons. However, 14C data show that simple ring counting of the west coast tree did not provide an accurate chronology. The data demonstrate the importance of applying dendrodating techniques using replicated site chronologies, and the value of the 14C bomb fallout curve for the construction of recent chronologies. Data show no evidence of enhanced uptake at the east coast that might suggest incorporation of output from the Sellafield nuclear complex or from the release of radioactivity resulting from an accidental fire at the plant in 1957.