Application of annual variation of bomb-produced 14C to forensic investigation

Abstract

14C variations of atmospheric CO2 as well as human carbonaceous materials such as collagen fractions from teeth and bone, hair, nail, etc., of modern humans are influenced by 14C produced artificially by nuclear bomb tests in the atmosphere from late 1950s to early 1960s. By careful investigation of 14C concentration of tree rings and human tissue samples formed in this time ranges, we can establish a relation between their 14C concentrations and calendar year. By applying this relation to a sample whose 14C concentration can be measured, we can estimate the formation age of the sample. We discuss the application of this dating method to forensic investigations.