Abstract
The new radiocarbon calibration curve (IntCal20) allows us to
calculate the gradient of the relationship between 14C age and calendar
age over the past 55 millennia before the present (55 ka BP).
The new gradient curve exhibits a prolonged and prominent maximum between 48 and 40 ka BP during which the radiocarbon clock runs almost twice as fast as it should. This radiocarbon time dilation is due to the increase in the atmospheric 14C/12C ratio caused by the 14C production rise linked to the transition into the Laschamp geomagnetic excursion centered around 41 ka BP. The major maximum in the gradient from 48 to 40 ka BP is a new feature of the IntCal20 calibration curve, with far-reaching impacts for scientific communities,
such as prehistory and paleoclimatology, relying on accurate ages in this time range. To illustrate, we consider the duration of the overlap between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens in Eurasia.
calculate the gradient of the relationship between 14C age and calendar
age over the past 55 millennia before the present (55 ka BP).
The new gradient curve exhibits a prolonged and prominent maximum between 48 and 40 ka BP during which the radiocarbon clock runs almost twice as fast as it should. This radiocarbon time dilation is due to the increase in the atmospheric 14C/12C ratio caused by the 14C production rise linked to the transition into the Laschamp geomagnetic excursion centered around 41 ka BP. The major maximum in the gradient from 48 to 40 ka BP is a new feature of the IntCal20 calibration curve, with far-reaching impacts for scientific communities,
such as prehistory and paleoclimatology, relying on accurate ages in this time range. To illustrate, we consider the duration of the overlap between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens in Eurasia.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 21005 |
Journal | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences |
Volume | 117 |
Issue number | 35 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 17 Aug 2020 |
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Paula Reimer
- School of Natural and Built Environment - Honorary Title
- Culture and Society
Person: Honorary