Natural C-14 variations and consequences for sea-level fluctuations and frequency analysis of periods of peat growth

Abstract

The rise in sea level during the past 18,000 years has been studied largely by means of radiocarbon dating. The question of whether small fluctuations are superimposed on the steadily rising sea level is discussed. Support for this is the observed succession of clastic deposits and peat layers, resulting from alternating periods of transgressive and regressive activity. However, irregularities in the 14C time scale might not only give rise to apparent steps in the relative sealevel rise, but also to clustering of 14C dates of geological finds at certain 14C intervals. Therefore, until there is more evidence the succession of clastic deposits and peat layers is interpreted as caused by local disasters at certain times and random regressive peat growth during quiet periods.