Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/C51103X/1
Understanding 14-carbon gradients in space and time.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor P Valdes, University of Bristol, Geographical Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Dr DA Richards, University of Bristol, Geographical Sciences
- Grant held at:
- University of Bristol, Geographical Sciences
- Science Area:
- Terrestrial
- Marine
- Freshwater
- Atmospheric
- Overall Classification:
- Atmospheric
- ENRIs:
- Global Change
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- Biogeochemical Cycles
- Ocean Circulation
- Quaternary Science
- Climate & Climate Change
- Abstract:
- The unstable isotope of carbon, 14C or radiocarbon, is produced via the interaction between cosmic ray particles and nitrogen in the upper atmosphere. It is subsequently distributed through the atmosphere, oceans and biosphere by a variety of processes. The ratio of atmospheric 4C to 12C (delta 14C) has fluctuated over the last 50,000 years as a result of either changes in atmospheric production (due to changes in solar output or the Earth's magnetic field), and/or from changes in the distribution of 14C among global carbon reservoirs (atmosphere, ocean, sediments, biosphere). Understanding and quantifying past atmospheric 14C variations is essential for a number of scientific fields. ft is crucial not only for calibrating the radiocarbon time scale to provide a precise and accurate chronological framework, but also to provide valuable information concerning millennial-scale climate changes and carbon cycle, solar activity, and the geomagnetic field. We intend to incorporate 14C into an intermediate-complexity Earth System Model (ESM) to investigate the mechanisms of past delta 14C variations, validated by high-resolution records obtained for the last 50,000 years. In particular we aim to constrain millennial-scale variations in ocean ventilation, which have a major impact on atmospheric delta 14C. The model is unique because of its fully dynamic representation of the spatial and temporal patterns of long-term (multi-millennial) Earth system variability, and by including all major components of the Earth system. It includes a fully dynamic atmosphere and ocean, a dynamic terrestrial carbon cycle, and a detailed representation of the ocean carbon cycle, and is capable of multi-millennial simulations. We will be able to investigate spatial and temporal patterns of 14C and to develop a quantitative understanding of the changes in climate and carbon cycling.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/C51103X/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Standard Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Standard Grant
This grant award has a total value of £158,701
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - T&S | Total - Staff | Total - Other Costs | Total - Equipment | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £4,244 | £95,787 | £5,135 | £9,476 | £44,061 |
If you need further help, please read the user guide.