Radiocarbon, Volume 47, Number 3 (2005)http://hdl.handle.net/10150/6350862024-03-29T01:09:44Z2024-03-29T01:09:44ZTesting the “Dicarb Problem”: A Case Study from North AlaskaReuther, Joshua D.Gerlach, S. Craighttp://hdl.handle.net/10150/6537502021-02-12T01:13:04Z2005-01-01T00:00:00ZTesting the “Dicarb Problem”: A Case Study from North Alaska
Reuther, Joshua D.; Gerlach, S. Craig
An assumption exists in North Alaskan archaeological literature that radiometric assays produced by the nowdefunct Dicarb Radioisotope Co. (Dicarb) are too young or more recent when compared to those produced by other laboratories. This assumption is statistically tested by comparing radiocarbon assays produced by Dicarb to those produced by Beta Analytic, Inc.; Geochron Laboratories; and the NSF-Arizona AMS Facility. The primary data set consists of radiometric and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) assays produced from materials excavated at the Croxton site, Locality J, Tukuto Lake, northern Alaska. Statistical analyses demonstrate that 14C assays produced by Dicarb tend to be "younger" than assays produced by other laboratories on crosscheck samples, with differences ranging between 350 and 1440 yr.
2005-01-01T00:00:00ZRadiocarbon Updateshttp://hdl.handle.net/10150/6537102021-02-18T01:29:25Z2005-01-01T00:00:00ZRadiocarbon Updates
New Laboratories, Upcoming Conferences
2005-01-01T00:00:00ZRe-Dating Mid-Holocene Betelnut (Areca Catechu L.) and Other Plant Use at Dongan, Papua New GuineaFairbairn, AndrewSwadling, Pamelahttp://hdl.handle.net/10150/6537142021-02-18T01:31:30Z2005-01-01T00:00:00ZRe-Dating Mid-Holocene Betelnut (Areca Catechu L.) and Other Plant Use at Dongan, Papua New Guinea
Fairbairn, Andrew; Swadling, Pamela
Direct accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating of anaerobically preserved plant remains from the Dongan site in New Guinea, combined with assessment of preservation condition, confirms earlier doubts about the antiquity of betelnut (Areca catechu L.) found at the site. A possible sago leaf fragment is also identified as a modern contaminant. The midHolocene age of other fruit and nut remains is verified using these methods. The utility of AMS dating in combination with detailed archaeobotanical assessment is demonstrated, thus improving chronometric hygiene and with it knowledge of past plant use in Oceania.
2005-01-01T00:00:00ZRadiocarbon, Soil, and Artifact Chronologies for an Early Southern Oregon Coastal SiteHall, RobertaDavis, Loren G.Willis, SamuelFillmore, Matthewhttp://hdl.handle.net/10150/6537122021-02-18T01:30:24Z2005-01-01T00:00:00ZRadiocarbon, Soil, and Artifact Chronologies for an Early Southern Oregon Coastal Site
Hall, Roberta; Davis, Loren G.; Willis, Samuel; Fillmore, Matthew
Radiocarbon dates together with geoarchaeological, soil, and lithic analyses are presented to describe archaeological site 35-CS-9 in Bandon Ocean Wayside State Park, Oregon, northwestern USA. One of the few Oregon middleHolocene coastal sites that includes sediments and artifacts dating to the early Holocene and possibly to the late Pleistocene, it was recorded in 1951 and surface surveyed by archaeologists in 1975, 1986, and 1991, but its depth and antiquity were not tested. In February 2002, we studied the sites stratigraphy and sediments and described 8 strata from the aeolian surface to bedrock at 350 cm depth. Soil samples taken from a cut bank for texture classification, particle size analysis, pH, carbon content, and chemical analysis suggested that the site represented a complete history of Holocene deposits. Excavation of 2 test units in August 2002 uncovered substantial lithic and charcoal remains that confirm a protracted middle-Holocene occupation and suggest that human occupation began in the early Holocene. Charcoal recovered at 235-245 cm dated to 11,000 14C BP, and the deepest lithic artifact was recovered in a level at 215-225 cm. Whether the human occupation was continuous throughout the Holocene, and whether it began in the early Holocene or in the late Pleistocene, can only be determined with further excavations.
2005-01-01T00:00:00Z