In situ produced 14C by cosmic ray muons in ablating Antarctic ice |
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| Authors: | W J M VAN DER KEMP C ALDERLIESTEN K VAN DER BORG A F M DE JONG R A N LAMERS J OERLEMANS M THOMASSEN R S W VAN DE WAL |
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| Institution: | Institute of Subatomic Physics, Utrecht University, PO Box 80000, 3508 TA Utrecht, The Netherlands;;Institute of Marine and Atmospheric Research, Utrecht University, PO Box 80005, 3508 TA Utrecht, The Netherlands |
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| Abstract: | Samples of a core (52 m) of ablating Antarctic ice were analysed for 14CO and 14CO2 by accelerator mass spectrometry. The data were compared with a 14C in situ production model that includes muon capture in addition to oxygen spallation by neutrons. The analysis reveals significant in situ 14C at depths below 10 m, which we attribute to 14C production by cosmic ray muons. The age of the ice was determined as 9.3±0.4 14C ka BP. |
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