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Stable carbon isotope analysis of subfossil wood from Austrian Alps

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Geochronometria

Abstract

The presented studies were carried out in order to check the usefulness of subfossil wood for stable isotope analysis. The aim of research was also to define the optimal method of subfossil samples preparation. Subfossil samples used during the presented studies are a part of the multicentury dendrochronological scale. This chronology originates in an area situated around a small mountain lake — Schwarzersee, in Austria.

The obtained results of stable carbon isotope measurements confirmed that the method of α-cellulose extraction by the application of acidic sodium chlorite and sodium hydroxide solutions removes resins and other mobile compounds from wood. Therefore, in the case of the analysed samples, the additional chemical process of extractives removing was found to be unnecessary. Studied wood samples contained an adequate proportion of α-cellulose similar to the values characteristic for the contemporary trees. This proved an adequate wood preservation which is essential for the conduction of isotopic research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. BOKU, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Konrad Lorenz Straße 24, 3430, Tulln an der Donau, Austria

    Marzena Kłusek

  2. Department of Radioisotopes, GADAM Centre of Excellence, Institute of Physics - Center for Science and Education, Silesian University of Technology, Krzywoustego 2 str., 44-100, Gliwice, Poland

    Sławomira Pawełczyk

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  1. Marzena Kłusek
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  2. Sławomira Pawełczyk
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Correspondence to Marzena Kłusek.

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Kłusek, M., Pawełczyk, S. Stable carbon isotope analysis of subfossil wood from Austrian Alps. Geochron 41, 400–408 (2014). https://doi.org/10.2478/s13386-013-0168-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/s13386-013-0168-8

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