Separating natural and bomb-produced radiocarbon in the ocean: The potential alkalinity method

Publication Status is "Submitted" Or "In Press: 
LDEO Publication: 
Publication Type: 
Journal Article
Year of Publication: 
2002
Authors: 
Rubin, S. I.; Key, R. M.
Editor: 
Journal Title: 
Global Biogeochemical Cycles
Journal Date: 
Dec 3
Place Published: 
Tertiary Title: 
Volume: 
16
Issue: 
4
Pages: 
-
Section / Start page: 
Publisher: 
ISBN Number: 
0886-6236
ISSN Number: 
Edition: 
Short Title: 
Accession Number: 
ISI:000181062200001
LDEO Publication Number: 
Call Number: 
Key Words: 
bomb-produced radiocarbon; natural radiocarbon; radiocarbon separation; potential alkalinity method; silicate method; radiocarbon inventory; pacific-ocean; indian-ocean; thermocline; ventilation; inventory; woce; co2;
Abstract: 

[1] The use of radiocarbon (Delta(14)C) as a tracer for oceanic processes generally requires differentiation of naturally occurring radiocarbon from the bomb component produced by atmospheric nuclear weapons testing. We present a new separation method based on the strong linear correlation between Delta(14)C and potential alkalinity. Unlike previous techniques the new algorithm is applicable at all latitudes. Additionally, the potential alkalinity method provides an estimate of surface ocean prebomb Delta(14)C concentrations. Predictions with the technique appear to be unbiased and have uncertainties which are less than previous techniques.

Notes: 

646XUTimes Cited:16Cited References Count:35

URL: 
<Go to ISI>://000181062200001
DOI: 
Doi 10.1029/2001gb001432