Calculating Sediment Compaction for Radiocarbon Dating of Intertidal Sediments

• DOI: 10.1017/s0033822200039734
• Publication Date: 2016-07-20T05:13:35Z
• Authors: M I Bird; L K Fifield; S Chua; B Goh
• Keywords: Bioturbation

This study estimates the maximum and minimum degrees of autocompaction for radiocarbon-dated Holocene mangrove sediments in Singapore, order to correct apparent sediment accretion rates effects compression due autocompaction. Relationships developed a suite modern (surface) samples between bulk density, particle-size distribution, organic matter content were used estimate initial (uncompacted) density buried variably compressed sediments, based on grain-size distribution sediment. The difference measured (compacted) each interval can be interpreted as amount length shortening experienced by since burial. allows elevation selected 14 C dating corrected underlying sequence, so that accurate vertical calculated. 3 sequences analyzed dated this ranged age from 2000 8500 cal BP. are significant, even comparatively thin sequences, with subsidence up 56 cm calculated carbon-dated presently 2 m above incompressible basement. these 0.99 6.84 mm/yr carbon sequestration 0.9 1.7 t/ha/yr, all within range observed comparable elsewhere.