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The role of 14C dating in ironpan formation

Soil Science, School of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, University of Wales,Bangor, Gwynedd, UK;Department of Geography, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK.

Roland Bol

IGER, North Wyke, Okehampton, Devon, UK

David Jenkins

Soil Science, School of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, University of Wales,Bangor, Gwynedd, UK

The results of novel experiments undertaken to attempt to date ironpans using AMS radiocarbon dating are reported. In the absence of clear stratigraphic control, for example where buried soils are present, it is difficult to put into sequence the events which have led to the formation of present-day soil profiles. Micromorphology can give some indications of sequence, particularly when evidence of one process has been superimposed onto another. However, this still does not give absolute dates that can be tied in accurately with archaeological and other environmental (particularly palynological) information. Problems exist in the interpretation of radiocarbon dates of organic matter from mineral soils. However, some of the organic C fraction of a soil can become protected, particularly by clay minerals and pedological features such as ironpans,and dating of this should, in theory, provide a date for the formation of that feature. This technique was applied to ironpans of the ironpan stagnopodzols from the Hiraethog Moors in North Wales. This is a novel use of ¹⁴C dating which has begun the process of clarifying the techniques which need to be employed in the preparation of such samples and in the interpretation of the results.

Key Words: Ironpans • radiocarbon dating • ironpan stagnopodzols • soil morphology • soil development • soil dating

The Holocene, Vol. 10, No. 2, 281-285 (2000)
DOI: 10.1191/095968300666453839


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