C14 content of recent molluscs from Scoresby Sund, central East Greenland

Abstract

C14 dating of subfossil marine shelIs presupposes a knowledge of the original C14 activity of the organisms while living. Due to the slow turn over of water masses, the C14 activity of marine bicarbonate and marine organisms is not the same in all parts of the oceans, but may show marked deficiencies in certain oceanic areas, especially at southern latitudes. In large areas of the North Atlantic the C14 activity seems to be fairly uniform and equal to or only slightly lower than that of 'pre-industrial' terrestrial plants (Broecker et al., 1960; Mangerud, 1972; Krog & Tauber, 1974). In certain areas, however, a somewhat lower activity seems to occur; trus has been noted for areas along the east coast of Greenland (Fonselius & Ostlund, 1959; Hjort, 1973).