210Pb and radiocarbon dating reveal history of carbon sequestration in coastal wetlands

Project Member(s): Ralph, P.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Australian Institute of Nuclear Science & Engineering (Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering Post Graduate Research Awards)

Start year: 2015

Summary: The key objective of this project is to add vital dating information to coastal wetland reconstructions in order to further our understanding of wetland development and carbon sequestration capacity. Specifically, the project aims to: 1. Reconstruct the environmental history of four coastal wetlands by combining radiometric dating with biogeochemical analyses undertaken or underway (ITRAX, 13C NMR spectroscopy, and stable isotope analyses); 2. Quantify saltmarsh carbon accumulation rates over decadal and centennial time-scales, through the use of radiometric dating methods; 3. Document the advantages of combining multiple radiometric dating, geochemical and organic matter characterisation techniques in coastal carbon research.

FOR Codes: Ecosystem Function, Ecosystem Assessment and Management of Coastal and Estuarine Environments, Assessment and management of terrestrial ecosystems

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.