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Radiocarbon Beyond this World

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 July 2016

J A Timothy Jull
Affiliation:
1NSF-Arizona AMS Laboratory, University of Arizona, 1118 East Fourth St., Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA. E-mail: jull@u.arizona.edu.
Devendra Lal
Affiliation:
2Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Geological Research Division, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
George S Burr
Affiliation:
1NSF-Arizona AMS Laboratory, University of Arizona, 1118 East Fourth St., Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA. E-mail: jull@u.arizona.edu.
Philip A Bland
Affiliation:
3Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5DB, England
Alexander W R Bevan
Affiliation:
4Western Australian Museum, Francis St., Perth, WA 6000, Australia
J Warren Beck
Affiliation:
1NSF-Arizona AMS Laboratory, University of Arizona, 1118 East Fourth St., Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA. E-mail: jull@u.arizona.edu.
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Abstract

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In this paper, we review the production of radiocarbon and other radionuclides in extraterrestrial materials. This radioactivity can be produced by the effects of solar and galactic cosmic rays on solid material in space. In addition, direct implantation at the lunar surface of 14C and other radionuclides can occur. The level of 14C and other radionuclides in a meteorite can be used to determine its residence time on the Earth's surface, or “terrestrial age”. 14C provides the best tool for estimating terrestrial ages of meteorites collected in desert environments. Age control allows us to understand the time constraints on processes by which meteorites are weathered, as well as mean storage times. Third, we discuss the use of the difference in 14C/12C ratio of organic material and carbonates produced on other planetary objects and terrestrial material. These differences can be used to assess the importance of distinguishing primary material formed on the parent body from secondary alteration of meteoritic material after it lands on the earth.

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Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © 2000 The Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of the University of Arizona