Marine radiocarbon reservoir effect of coastal waters off Cape Verde archipelago

• Main Author: Monge Soares, Antonio M.
• Publication Date: 2011
• Other Authors: Matos Martins, Jose M., Cardoso, João Luis
• Format: Article
• Language: eng
• Source: Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP)
• Download full: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/12076
• topic: Sw spain observations; North-Atlantic; Frontal zone; Temporal fluctuations; Geomorphic model; Age calibration; Chenier plain; California; Holocene; Variability

Quantification of the marine radiocarbon reservoir effect (Delta R) is essential in order to calibrate conventional C-14 dates from marine shell samples with reliability. Delta R also provides information concerning the intensity of coastal upwelling in marine regions influenced by this phenomenon. C-14 ages of closely associated marine samples (mollusk shells) and terrestrial samples (goat bones) from Sao Vicente Island, Cape Verde Archipelago, permitted the first calculation of the marine C-14 reservoir effect in this region. A Delta R weighted mean value of 70 +/- 70 C-14 yr was obtained. This value is in accordance with the previously published oceanographic conditions of the region indicating the existence of a seasonal active upwelling regime.