Age estimation based on an annual concentration curve of radiocarbon produced from atmospheric nuclear-bomb tests (II)

Abstract

14C variations of atmospheric CO2 as well as carbonaceous materials such as collagen fractions from teeth and bone, hair, nail, etc., of modern animals 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 animal 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. This method of age determination is applied to four sheets of paper whose production ages are known. In addition, elephant task is dated in relation to Washington Convention (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild fauna and Flora) which prohibits international trade of Ivory products.