The thermal diffusion enrichment system of the Quaternary Isotope Laboratory consists of 23 hot wire columns of 3m effective length combined to 2 separate systems of 3 and 3 separate systems of 4 columns at the top, each system in series with 1 bottom column. From ≈ 130 L NTP of CO (∼ 65g of carbon) it produces ≈ 8 L NTP of CO (~ 4g of carbon) enriched in 12C18O by a factor 6 to 7 and in 14C16O by a factor 7 to 8 in about 5 weeks. For 12C18O the system has a theoretical equilibrium separation factor of about 250 and a theoretical equilibrium enrichment of about 15. For 14C16O these values are 1300 and 16, respectively. The dependence of thermal diffusion transport on gas exchange between top and bottom section and between columns and reservoirs and on wire temperature is given. Forced gas exchange and a higher wire temperature gave a more rapidly increasing enrichment without substantially increasing its final value of 6 to 7 for 12C18O. A comparison with the Groningen enrichment system shows that the two systems behave very similarly and that not the system geometry but individual column parameters and the ratio total sample mass/enriched sample mass are the dominant factors determining the enrichment.

Most of the dates reported in this list were obtained between November 1975 and December 1976. All samples were subjected to standard de Vries pretreatment. Age calculations are based on a contemporary value equal to 0.95 of the activity of NBS oxalic acid standard and on the Libby value for the half-life of radiocarbon. Results are reported as conventional radiocarbon dates in years before ad 1950. All measurements were made with our L1 counter (Mościcki & Zastawny, 1976). Counting rates of all samples were normalized to the standard value of CO2 pressure and corrected for the counting efficiency (Pazdur et al, 1978). Errors quoted (±1σ) include estimated overall standard deviations of count rates for the unknown sample, contemporary standard and background (Pazdur, & Walanus, in press). No corrections for 13C/12C ratio were made for measurements reported in this list. The value of δ13C for our NBS oxalic acid standard is equal to — 19.41% relative to the PDB standard. The descriptions of the samples are based on information provided by the submitters.

The following date list presents results obtained during 1975-1977. The facilities at Glasgow have been further developed and include a gas counting system utilizing CO2 as counting material and two liquid scintillation counting laboratories based on synthesis of benzene. The results presented here were obtained using the liquid scintillation system only. Sample pretreatment varied according to individual sample type, whether wood or charcoal. The majority of samples were of preserved wood. After manual removal of gross contamination, samples of wood were finely chopped and digested in boiling, 2M KOH solution. The dehumified wood was then separated by filtration, thoroughly washed with distilled water and dilute hydrochloric acid, and then bleached in a solution of NaClO2/HCl at 80°C for 48 hours. Pure, white wood cellulose was obtained by filtration and washed with a large volume of distilled water. The cellulose, typically 40% by weight of the original material, was then dried overnight in an oven at 80°C. Samples of charcoal were closely examined for non-contemporaneous contamination and then subjected to successive treatments with hot, dilute (1M) KOH and HCL, respectively. The remaining charcoal was then dried overnight at 80°C.

This list includes results of measurements made during 1974-1978. When requested, MASCA corrected dates (Ralph et al, 1973) are reported.

The following date list covers certain samples dated by this laboratory from Nov 1975 through December 1977. All archaeological, all geological, and some of the geochemical samples measured during that period are included here. Measurements of tree-ring samples analyzed through Sept 1977 have been published previously (Suess, 1978); later measurements of wood samples will be included in the next list. Data and interpretation of 14C in the CaCO3 of annual coral growth have been published (Druffel & Linick, 1978) with further coral data to be published in the future.

Results reported here are for samples of geologic context. Throughout the period of these analyses, viz, 1973 through 1975, the preparation of samples and operation of counting systems remained essentially as described in Radiocarbon, 1973, v 15, p 554 to 565.

This list reports certain 14C measurements completed by November 1978; other projects completed by this time will be reported later. Age calculations are based on 14C half-life of 5568yr and modern standard of 95% NBS oxalic acid, supplemented by tree rings of pre-industrial wood from a log cut in the 1850's (Tx-540; R, 1970, v 12, p 249). Deviations reported are based on counting statistics of sample, background and modern, and are ± 1σ, except that when sample count approaches either modern or background, 2σ limits are reported. Unless noted, 12C/13C measurements were not made and results are not corrected for 13C fractionation (assumed ratio = −25‰ WRT PDB). Our laboratory uses liquid scintillation counting of benzene, with Li2C2 and vanadium-activated catalyst in preparation; chemical yields range between 95% and 99%. Three counters are employed; a Packard Tri-Carb Model 3002 and 2 Beckman LS320 spectrometers obtained through a grant from the National Science Foundation.

The dating equipment and operating conditions remain essentially as described in R, 1970, v 12, p 285-286, except that the samples are now measured at either 76, 152 or 380cm Hg at 20°C to allow for the variation in sample size. The calculation of results and correction for isotopic enrichment remain as previously described in R, 1973, v 15, p 212.

Radiocarbon measurements have been continued on a variety of projects and materials. Chemical and counting procedures remain the same as indicated in R, v 20, p 274-282. Dates are calculated using the Libby 14C half-life of 5568 years; errors are reported as one-standard deviation (1σ) based only on statistical counting uncertainties in background, modern standard, and sample activities. All samples for which 13C/12C ratios are available are corrected for isotopic fractionation by normalizing to —25‰. A 400 year reservoir age correction has been applied to marine carbonates.

Measurements have continued with the same proportional counter system, pretreatment procdure, methane preparation, measurement, and calculation, as described previously (R, 1970, v 12, p 298-318). Uncertainties quoted are single standard deviations originating from standard, sample, background counting rates and half-life. No 13C/12C ratios were measured.

Ninety-six new 14C dates are reported for carbonized roots and other plant material coll from beneath prehistoric lava flows and ash deposits from Mauna Loa (ML) and Kilauea volcanoes. Before 1976, only 10 flows from these volcanoes had been dated by radiocarbon methods. Collection of dateable material has been facilitated by an improved understanding of the conditions of charcoal formation and preservation beneath basaltic lavas (Lockwood & Lipman, 1979).