Δ14C and δ13C in Annual Tree-Ring Samples from Sequoiadendron Giganteum, AD 998-1510: Solar Cycles and Climate

C. J. Eastoe, C. S. Tucek, Ramzi Touchan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Time series of annual Δ14C and δ13C in tree rings of Sequoiadendron giganteum, AD 998-1510, are similar in form. The Δ14C series completes, with data of Stuiver and Braziunas (1993), a 957-yr time-series. Discrete Fourier transformation of detrended Δ14C reveals periods of 126, 91, 56, 17.6, 13.6, 10.4, and 7.1 yr. Non-random differences exist between decadal averages of the Sequoiadendron Δ14C data and data of Stuiver and Becker (1993). Periods of 7-17 yr may correspond to Schwabe or related climatic cycles; these have 10-17-yr periods and amplitudes < 6‰ (AD 1100-1250), and periods near 7 yr with amplitudes up to 10‰ (AD 1380-1420). Abrupt increases in Δ14C are mainly less than 5‰, and do not constitute convincing evidence of increased 14C production from supernovae or solar proton events. The δ13C time-series is likely to reflect climate change, and for centennial periodicity lags behind Δ14C by 20-40 yr (centennial time-scale) and 25-50 yr (millennial). Phase-shifts between solar luminosity and surface Δ14C are 125-175 yr and 20 yr for millennial and centennial cycles, respectively. The study suggests that strongest climate effects may therefore follow peak luminosity by 125-175 yr for millennial cycles and 20-40 yr for centennial cycles.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)661-680
Number of pages20
JournalRadiocarbon
Volume61
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2019

Keywords

  • carbon-13
  • carbon-14
  • climate change
  • solar cycles
  • tree rings

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Archaeology
  • General Earth and Planetary Sciences

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