Marine radiocarbon reservoir age simulations for the past 50,000 years


Contact
Martin.Butzin [ at ] awi.de

Abstract

Radiocarbon (14C) dating calibration for the last glacial period largely relies on cross-dated marine 14C records. However, marine reservoirs are isotopically depleted with respect to the atmosphere and therefore have to be corrected by the Marine Radiocarbon Ages of surface waters (MRAs), whose temporal variabilities are largely unknown. Here we present simulations of the spatial and temporal variability in MRAs using a three-dimensional ocean circulation model covering the past 50,000 years. Our simulations are compared to reconstructions of past surface ocean Δ14C. Running the model with different climatic boundary conditions, we find that low-latitude to midlatitude MRAs have varied between 400 and 1200 14C years, with values of about 780 14C years at the Last Glacial Maximum. Reservoir ages exceeding 2000 14C years are simulated in the polar oceans. Our simulation results can be used as first-order approximation of the MRA variability in future radiocarbon calibration efforts.



Item Type
Article
Authors
Divisions
Primary Division
Programs
Primary Topic
Publication Status
Published
Eprint ID
45523
DOI 10.1002/2017GL074688

Cite as
Butzin, M. , Köhler, P. and Lohmann, G. (2017): Marine radiocarbon reservoir age simulations for the past 50,000 years , Geophysical Research Letters, 44 (16), pp. 8473-8480 . doi: 10.1002/2017GL074688


Download
[thumbnail of butzin2017grl.pdf]
Preview
PDF
butzin2017grl.pdf

Download (3MB) | Preview
Cite this document as:

Share
Add to AnyAdd to TwitterAdd to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to PinterestAdd to Email


Citation

Geographical region
N/A

Research Platforms
N/A

Campaigns
N/A


Actions
Edit Item Edit Item