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Radiocarbon Analysis of Tree Rings from a 15.5-Cal kyr BP Pyroclastically Buried Forest: A Pilot Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 July 2016

Kazuho Horiuchi*
Affiliation:
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Hirosaki University, Bunkyo-chou, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8561 Japan
Shinya Sonoda*
Affiliation:
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Hirosaki University, Bunkyo-chou, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8561 Japan
Hiroyuki Matsuzaki
Affiliation:
MALT, Faculty of Technology, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 2-11-16, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0032 Japan
Motonari Ohyama
Affiliation:
Botanical Garden, Tohoku University, Kawauchi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-0862 Japan
*
Corresponding author. Email: kh@cc.hirosaki-u.ac.jp
Corresponding author. Email: kh@cc.hirosaki-u.ac.jp
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Abstract

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We have determined the radiocarbon ages for 40-yr-interval tree rings in 2 fossil trees of the Towada Hachinohe buried forest, northeastern Honshu Island, Japan. The 14C ages range from 13.0 to 13.3 kyr BP (about 15.5 cal kyr BP). The weighted average of the 14C age of the outermost 5 rings is 13,133 ± 33 BP, which can be calibrated to 15,363–15,679 cal BP by using the IntCal04 standard curve (Reimer et al. 2004). The estimated δ14C values range between 265 and 300% and show approximately sinusoidal fluctuation of an indicated ∼200-yr cycle, perhaps reflecting contemporary solar activity change. Comparison between the tree 14C profile and the Cariaco Basin 14C record provides further information on the accurate date of the Towada Hachinohe buried forest and the eruption that produced it. 14C analysis of tree rings from the buried forest may contribute to the construction of a better 14C calibration curve and the elucidation of solar activity change during the last glacial period, as well as possible global and regional impacts of the huge eruption from Towada Volcano.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © 2007 by the Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of the University of Arizona 

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