Since August 1984 over 100 samples have been analyzed. 12C, 13C, and 14C isotopes were measured after acceleration and all dates were corrected for natural and preparation-induced fractionation. A precision of better than 1.0% was obtained for samples 10,000 yr BP or less and these results were shown to be reproducible at precision levels as low as 0.3%. An accuracy of better than 1.0% was demonstrated for the same age range by analyzing samples which were previously dated with the conventional technique. The machine background, measured on blank sample holders in a clean ion source, yielded a count rate equivalent of 0.015 ± 0.007% modern.

We report here the first radiocarbon dating of blood residues on prehistoric stone tools. The residues found on two stone artifacts were subjected to various exploratory biochemical techniques to identify the species from which they were derived and to separate a suitable sample for dating by accelerator mass spectrometry. Although these techniques need much further development and detailed testing, the ages obtained in this first study were consistent with other data, indicating that the concept is viable. For the first time, the time of use of stone tools has been found directly, rather than by stratigraphic or other archaeologic inferential techniques.

With the recent establishment of an unbroken West European tree-ring sequence spanning the past 7272 years (Pilcher et al, 1984) the calibration of the 14C time scale was advanced considerably. It is now possible to use this chronology as an independent cross-check on the 8681-year US Bristlecone Pine series (Ferguson & Graybill, 1983). There also are opportunities for 14C matching (wiggle matching) between the older portion of the Bristlecone Pine series and floating (not tied to the present) parts of the South German Oak sequence. Linick, Suess and Becker (1985) used this approach in matching the earliest part of the Bristlecone Pine series with the Donau 6 Main 4/11 (Becker, 1983) series and thus established a D6M4/11 “zero” point (tree-ring no. 1) of 7215 bc.

Most of the 14C measurements reported here were made between October 1984 and October 1985. Equipment, measurement, and treatment of samples are as reported previously (R, 1968, v 10, p 36–37; 1976, v 18, p 290; 1980, v 22, p 1045) except that 23 separate GM-counters used as guard counters were replaced by a single iron multiwire ring-counter filled with 90Ar/10CH4 to ca 130kPa (ca 1.3atm). Background counts were reduced by ca 12% due to this change. High voltage supply for main detectors was replaced as well.

The University of Washington FN tandem accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) system has been used in a series of 14C studies. 1) The 14C concentrations in annual growth rings for 1962, 1963, and 1964 of a Sitka spruce, each divided into ten sequential segments, were measured; a full and rapid response of tree-ring cellulose to atmospheric changes in 14CO2 is indicated, with a delay, if any, of not more than three weeks. 2) The C concentrations in two chemical fractions of dissolved organic carbon and in two fractions (by size) of particulate organic carbon were measured for Amazon River samples from several locations. All contain bomb carbon, but the amounts differ significantly. 3) Algae samples from lakes in the dry valleys of Antarctica were dated in order to assist in the reconstruction of the climatic history of Antarctica. 4) Background studies indicate that the contribution of the AMS system itself to the observed 14C concentrations is equivalent to an age of ca 60,000 14C yr BP; for a prepared sample of 5mg of carbon the background corresponds to ca 50,000 years.

Calibration curves spanning several millennia are now available in this special issue of R adiocarbon. These curves, nearly all derived from the 14C age determinations of wood samples, are to be used for the age conversion of samples that were formed through use of atmospheric CO2. When samples are formed in reservoirs (eg, lakes and oceans) that differ in specific 14C content from the atmosphere, an age adjustment is needed because a conventional 14C age, although taking into account 14C (and 13C) fractionation, does not correct for the difference in specific 14C activity (Stuiver & Polach, 1977). The 14C ages of samples grown in these environments are too old, and a reservoir age correction has to be applied. This phenomenon has been referred to as the reservoir effect (Stuiver & Polach, 1977).

This list contains 14C dates pertaining to the Stone Age in southern Africa and covers the region from Zambia in the north to Natal and the northern Cape Province in South Africa. The southern and southwestern Cape Province are not included. Descriptions are based on information supplied by the submitters.

This list begins a program of publishing our large backlog of unpublished dates. The dates listed here are not a specific block of dates but simply those ready for publication. In many cases we have received comments from submitters, to whom we are grateful. Where no comment is included, none was received.

The ETH/SIN AMS dating facility is routinely used for 10Be, 14C, 26Al, and 36Cl measurements. The present status and performance of this facility are reviewed and some of its major applications summarized.

The calibration curves and tables given in this issue of RADIOCARBON form a data base ideally suited for a computerized operation. The program listed below converts a radiocarbon age and its age error os (one standard deviation) into calibrated ages (intercepts with the calibration curve), and ranges of calibrated ages that correspond to the age error. The standard deviation oC in the calibration curve is taken into account using (see Stuiver and Pearson, this issue, for details).

Measurement of 14C in samples of wood of precisely known age have shown that the cosmogenic 14C content of the CO2 in the atmosphere has not remained constant during the period of time covered by radiocarbon dating. As the terrestrial atmosphere mixes with a time constant of less than 3 years, these variations must be essentially independent of geographic location. The 14C in atmospheric CO2 must be a quantity that, at a given time, pertains to the terrestrial atmosphere as a whole. Not only is its knowledge necessary for deriving accurate radiocarbon dates, but it is also valuable in connection with many geophysical and astrophysical problems. Unfortunately, progress in our knowledge of 14C variations in the terrestrial atmosphere has been delayed by hidden experimental errors in results obtained by many laboratories. By rigorous statistical analysis of the La Jolla results, it is now possible to show that the 14C variations are not simple random fluctuations but show distinct regularities. Similar patterns of variations have been found in the growth rate of trees during the last 5000 years. Measurements of radiogenic 10Be currently being done by European workers promise to conclusively elucidate the 14C findings.

The following list includes some measurements made from December 1982 to May 1985 in the Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory, Faculty of Science, University of Granada, of samples from Spain, Portugal, and the Sudan. Sample preparation techniques and benzene synthesis remain as described previously (R, 1982, v 24, p 217–221) and equipment and measurement of samples was also reported previously (R, 1985, v 27, p 610–615). Radiocarbon ages are calculated using the 14C half-life of 5570 years and 0.95 activity of NBS oxalic acid is used as modern standard. Sample descriptions are based on information provided by submitters. Age determinations were made with the help of Research Project 0925/81, CAICYT, Spain.

New Arizona high precision Δ14C data back to 6500 BC plot close to an 11,300-yr period sinusoid extrapolated from the post 5300 BC data (offset = +32‰, half amplitude = 51‰ and phase lag = 2.29 radians). The trend curve is modulated by high latitude components of the non-dipole field with a fundamental period of 2400 yr. Based upon a model of Lund and Banerjee (1985), the non-dipole field rotates and every 1200 yr the high latitude maxima pass over the north magnetic pole and near the south magnetic pole in reversed polarity. This modulates cosmic ray production producing extended maxima ca AD 1700, 700 bc, 3100 bc, and 5500 bc. The 2400 period appears to be stationary. The magnetic field also modulates the amplitude of the solar activity induced cycles of periods 200, 80, and 11 yr as can be seen in the Zürich-Bern Camp Century ice core data as well as in the Δ14 C fluctuation data. Reinterpretation of the Camp Century 10Be data indicates that it is in agreement with magnetic field as well as solar activity modulation of terrestrial radioisotope production.

Procedures and equipment used in the University of Wisconsin laboratory have been described in previous date lists. The preamplifiers and counting system were replaced in 1977 using modified EC & G Ortec components. Except as otherwise indicated, wood, charcoal, and peat samples are pretreated with dilute NaOH-Na4P2O7 and dilute H3PO4 before conversion to the counting gas methane; when noted marls and lake cores are treated with acid only. Very calcareous materials are treated with HCl instead of H3PO4. Pretreatment of bone varies with the condition of the bone sample; solid bone with little deterioration is first cleaned manually and ultrasonically. The bone is treated with 8% HCl for 15 minutes, then dilute NaOH-Na4P2O7 for 3 hours at room temperature, washed until neutral, and the collagen extracted according to Longin (1971). Charred bone is treated with dilute HCl, NaOH-Na4P2O7, and then dilute HCl again.

An approach to the evaluation of sample contamination based on the monitoring of contaminant removal during pretreatment is described. Spot tests and colorimetric reactions which could be adapted for this purpose are suggested.

Since the 11th International Radiocarbon Conference considerable advances have been made in European dendrochronology giving several long continuous absolute chronologies. Recent collaboration between European laboratories provides confirmation of the accuracy of these chronologies and, thus, of the standards used for radiocarbon calibration.