Dating Tropical Trees by Means of ^14C From Bomb Tests

Abstract

Stem discs of trees from several tropical stands were macro— and microscopically investigated. The radiocarbon level of individual increment zones was determined. Time series show concurrence of the 1 4 C level of air and wood during the 1 4 C peak from bomb tests and are compared with series from temperate zones. An annual growth rhythm of trees from Amazonian inundation forests and from the Gran Sabana in Venezuela was demonstrated. The increase of 1 4 C levels by internal carbohydrate transfer from sapwood to heartwood is shown for Quercus costaricensis.